This classic 1970s ITV period drama set in a London townhouse, is streaming for free on ITVX
A classic television drama hailed as ‘one of the best ever made’ is now available to stream for free on ITVX.
Period drama enthusiasts fell head over heels for Downton Abbey when it first graced our screens in 2010. The series follows the fortunes and misfortunes of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic staff on a fictional Yorkshire estate, spanning the years between 1912 and 1930.
Yet decades before Downton Abbey was even a twinkle in a producer’s eye, another series was telling a remarkably similar story. In 1971, Upstairs, Downstairs debuted, chronicling the lives of the family and their servants in the London townhouse at 165 Eaton Place.
Set between 1903 and 1930, the original series bears a striking resemblance to Downton Abbey, depicting the servants living ‘downstairs’ alongside their employers, the Bellamy family, ‘upstairs’. It painted a compelling contrast between a world of privilege and the harsh realities of working life.
Given the show’s setting either side of the First World War, its storylines charted the gradual decline of the British aristocracy, using landmark events to document sweeping social and technological changes. Alongside the war, the series also tackled the Suffragettes, the Roaring Twenties, and the Wall Street Crash, reports the Mirror.
Upstairs, Downstairs ran on ITV from October 10, 1971, to December 21, 1975, spanning 68 episodes across five series. Devoted fans have been encouraging fellow period-drama enthusiasts to catch the series for free on ITVX, with many arguing it surpasses even Downton Abbey.
Taking to Reddit, one fan stated: “Upstairs, Downstairs(1971-1975) is a masterpiece.”
They went on to add, “I know the filming style is jarring for people more used to the modern slick style, but once you get into it, you start to appreciate the writing and acting.
“What’s especially appealing is the sociological comment happening about how society mistreats the downstairs people, especially in the episode I Die of Love, which I won’t spoil, but is devastating and wouldn’t work if done in a Downton Abbey style.”
A second viewer remarked: “One of the best TV series ever made, even when the cast changes, the quality does not. This is writing and filmmaking we do not get now.
“Unlike modern TV, where everyone is handpicked for beauty or diversity, this is so well cast, especially the women. It makes me sad that this London has disappeared, except for the poverty, of course.”
A third chimed in: “Upstairs, Downstairs is indeed a masterpiece! Yes, once you get past the look of the show, you’re in for a total treat. The same can be said of The Pallisers!”
Yet another viewer noted: “I could never get through the first season of Downton Abbey, but I can watch Upstairs, Downstairs forever.”
“I agree it is a masterpiece. I’m sitting here saying over and over ‘they don’t write like this anymore’ … I’m looking up whether it won awards, it looks like it did”, added one more enthusiastic fan.
Upstairs, Downstairs is streaming now on ITVX
