Watch Upstairs Downstairs (2011)

Set in London during the 1930s, Upstairs Downstairs follows the lives of the wealthy Holland family and their servants who reside in 165 Eaton Place. The series is a revival of the 1970s British drama series of the same name and follows the lives of the characters from the original series as well as introducing new characters.

The series opens with the return of Sir Hallam Holland and his wife, Lady Agnes Holland, from their honeymoon. They are greeted by the staff of the house, including the butler Mr. Pritchard, who is the formidable head of the downstairs staff. Head housemaid Rose Buck, who also appeared in the original series, supervises the other servants, including new kitchen maid Eunice McCabe.

As the series unfolds, the upstairs family's lives become increasingly intertwined with the downstairs staff. Dr. Blanche Mottershead, sister of Lady Holland, moves into the house, and her presence causes quite a stir among the staff. Mr. Amanjit Singh, the new chauffeur, also makes his debut, adding a new dimension to the dynamics of the staff.

Meanwhile, Lady Holland is presented with the challenge of conceiving, and this difficult task becomes a central focus of the storyline. Lady Persie, the younger sister of Lady Holland, also enters the picture, bringing with her a host of complications and dramatic twists.

Throughout the series, tensions arise between upstairs and downstairs as the social conventions of the time often lead to misunderstandings and disagreements. However, as the two groups learn to work together, they also begin to appreciate each other's struggles and triumphs.

One of the standout performances of the series comes from Adrian Scarborough as Mr. Pritchard, the rigid and austere head butler who exerts a fierce control over the household. His scenes with his fellow staff members, particularly Rose Buck, are intense and gripping, and his character's repressed emotions are revealed gradually over the course of the series.

Alex Kingston is equally impressive as Blanche Mottershead, the unconventional sister of Lady Holland. Always pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable behavior for a woman of her time, she steals every scene she is in with her sharp wit and effortless charisma.

Other notable performances include those of Eileen Atkins as the quietly strong Maud, who has a secret that she has been keeping for years, and Neil Jackson as Harry Spargo, the ambitious journalist who catches Lady Persie's eye.

The show is beautifully shot and the costumes and set design are a feast for the eyes. As the world of 165 Eaton Place comes to life, the viewer is transported to another time and place, where class distinctions were rigidly enforced and the social mores of the time often dictated one's fate.

Overall, Upstairs Downstairs is a captivating historical drama that both captivates and entertains. With its compelling storyline, richly drawn characters, and stunning visuals, it is a must-see for lovers of period dramas and fans of the original series alike.

Upstairs Downstairs (2011) is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (9 episodes). The series first aired on April 10, 2011.