A while back, I blogged about one of my favorite 1970’s TV shows, the period drama Upstairs, Downstairs. This British television series ran for several years on PBS’s Masterpiece Theater, and was a fascinating series to watch. The show revolved around a political family, the Bellamys (who lived “Upstairs” at 165 Eaton Place) and their servants (who lived “Downstairs”). The show ran for 68 episodes and won several Emmy Awards. It was also voted the most popular series to ever appear on Masterpiece Theater.
Now, more than 30 years after the last episode aired (which, at that time, featured the Bellamys selling the house after the 1929 stock market crash), a new run of Upstairs, Downstairs episodes will air on the BBC this holiday season. And in America, we’re going to see the episodes as well – either on PBS or on BBC America, I don’t know which at the moment. And thankfully, Jean Marsh – who played Rose, the house parlour maid in the original series (and was also the show’s co-creator), has returned to play Rose for the new family at 165 Eaton Place!
In fact, here’s a clip from the BBC regarding the new series.
Let me say this. You can keep your Ewings and your Carringtons and zombies and Don Drapers and scientists / serial killers. I need to get back to 165 Eaton Place and I need to get there right now!!
UPDATE: The series is scheduled to appear on PBS’s Masterpiece anthology series starting April 10, 2011.
Chuck The Writer 
Thanks for the update. Can’t wait!
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I’ll be on the look out for it…
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We purchased the dvd series I never watched it on tv. Loved it. We actually named our dog Ruby after one of the maids who was always getting yelled at by Mrs. Bridges!
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This is great. The original series was one of the best television dramas ever aired. Looking forward to seeing Jean Marsh back at 165 Eaton place.
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