Watch Thomas and Sarah

Thomas and Sarah premiered on ITV in 1979 and was a spinoff from the popular series Upstairs, Downstairs. The show followed Thomas Watkins (John Alderton), the chauffeur for the wealthy Bellamys in Upstairs, Downstairs, and Sarah Moffat (Pauline Collins), the housemaid who used to work for the Bellamys before running away with Thomas in the final episode of the original series.

Set in 1920s London, Thomas and Sarah initially posed as brother and sister to secure employment in the home of the sarcastic and sharp-tongued Lady Bellamy's (Rachel Gurney) sister, Lady Howard (Daphne Heard). The show followed the misadventures of Thomas and Sarah as they navigated the class divisions of the era, all while trying to keep their real relationship a secret.

Pauline Collins's portrayal of Sarah, who was often sassy and quick-witted, was a standout in the show. Her chemistry with John Alderton's more practical and methodical Thomas made for an engaging dynamic. The two had a natural charm and humor that kept viewers coming back each week.

Despite their passionate romance, Thomas and Sarah's love was often hindered by the social conventions of the time. The theme of class division was a key element of the show, and the struggles and heartache faced by the couple as they tried to navigate the unyielding class system added depth to the otherwise lighthearted storylines.

The show's writing also tackled other social issues of the time. In one episode, Thomas and Sarah deal with the shock of discovering a gay couple living in their building, while in another, they become involved in a labor dispute at a factory where Sarah used to work. The writers used these social issues to give the show a broader context and to immerse viewers in the world of 1920s London.

Thomas and Sarah was a hit with viewers, thanks in part to the popularity of Upstairs, Downstairs, which had ended its five-season run just a few years prior. Audience members were invested in the fates of characters they had come to know and love, and the spinoff kept the spirit of the original series alive while offering fresh storylines and new faces.

Despite the popularity of the show, Thomas and Sarah was ultimately short-lived. The series only ran for one season, with just thirteen episodes in total, before ITV cancelled it. The cancellation came as a surprise to viewers and critics, many of whom felt the show had the potential for a longer run.

Today, Thomas and Sarah remains a cult classic among fans of British period dramas. Its short run and relative obscurity (compared to Upstairs, Downstairs) only seem to have added to its appeal. Fans still rave about the chemistry between John Alderton and Pauline Collins, as well as the witty writing and clever social commentary. For those who missed it the first time around, Thomas and Sarah is definitely worth seeking out.

Thomas and Sarah is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (13 episodes). The series first aired on January 14, 1979.