Keeley Hawes’ period drama hailed as ‘better than Downton Abbey’ is your next Netflix binge

The BBC’s hit Edwardian drama, Upstairs Downstairs, is climbing Netflix’s most-watched charts. The series comes from Call the Midwife writer Heidi Thomas

Keeley Hawes as Lady Agnes Holland in Upstairs Downstairs

alling all period drama fans! The BBC’s acclaimed series Upstairs Downstairs has landed on Netflix UK and is already climbing the charts.

Created by Call the Midwife writer Heidi Thomas, this 2010 revival of the classic 1970s ITV drama transports viewers to 1930s London, following the lives of a wealthy aristocratic family and their servants at 165 Eaton Place.

Keeley Hawes stars as Lady Agnes Holland © BBC Studios
Keeley Hawes stars as Lady Agnes Holland

Hailed by fans as ‘better than Downton Abbey,’ the show features a stellar cast including Keeley Hawes, Claire Foy, Anne Reid and Ed Stoppard.

If you’re looking for your next period drama fix, you’re in for a treat. Here is everything you need to know about the series before you start watching.

What is Upstairs Downstairs about?

Set in the affluent London district of Belgravia in 1936, the series follows diplomat Sir Hallam Holland (Ed Stoppard) and his wife, Lady Agnes (Keeley Hawes) as they move into their new townhouse, 165 Eaton Place.

Ed Stoppard plays Sir Hallam Holland © BBC Studios
Ed Stoppard plays Sir Hallam Holland

Former parlourmaid Rose Buck (Jean Marsh), who appeared in the 1970s original, returns as the new housekeeper and helps the pair find the best staff for their fresh start.

The synopsis continues: “But storm clouds are gathering in Europe, and servants are no longer biddable and cheap. The Hollands’ first year at Eaton Place does not unfold as either Lady Agnes or Rose anticipates.

Upstairs Downstairs is available to stream on Netflix© BBC Studios
Upstairs Downstairs is available to stream on Netflix

“The drama that results sets exquisite domestic detail against a sweeping historical backdrop. There may be two families living in 165 – one upstairs and one down – but their fates are intimately linked.”

What have viewers said about the show?

The series has been hailed by viewers as “excellent” and “utterly brilliant,” with one fan noting the “superb” acting and scripts.

Lady Portia Alresford (Emila Fox) & Dr Blanche Mottershead (Alex Kingston) in Upstairs Downstairs© BBC Studios
Emilia Fox as Lady Portia Alresford and Alex Kingston as Dr Blanche Mottershead

One person penned: “It’s still one of my favourite programmes of all time. Fantastic scripts,” while another described it as superior to the hit, long-running ITV period drama Downton Abbey.

Who stars in Upstairs Downstairs?

Ed Stoppard stars as Sir Hallam Holland, alongside Keeley Hawes as Lady Agnes Holland.

They’re joined by Eileen Atkins as Dowager Lady Holland, Claire Foy as Lady Persephone Towyn, Alex Kingston as Dr Blanche Mottershead, Sarah Gordy as Miss Pamela Holland and Blake Ritson as Duke of Kent.

Upstairs Downstairs© BBC Studios
The series ran for two seasons from 2010 to 2012

Leading the cast of the Downstairs staff are Jean Marsh as Rose Buck, Anne Reid as Clarice Thackeray and Adrian Scarborough as Warwick Pritchard.

Other cast members include Art Malik, Helen Bradbury, Alexia James, Neil Jackson, Nico Mirallegro, Ellie Kendrick, Laura Haddock and Ami Metcalf.

Upstairs Downstairs is available to stream on Netflix and ITVX now.

cre: https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/907820/keeley-hawes-period-drama-upstairs-next-netflix-binge/