? So much more real than life | Main | CocoRosie: Lemonade ?
November 21, 2010
Upstairs Downton
Just in time for Downton Abbey to have stolen its thunder, the long awaited return of Upstairs, Downstairs.
With its ground-breaking exploration of the class tensions and sexual scandals between servants and gentry in the face of a rapidly changing society, it inspired a host of later costume dramas – including Downton Abbey, written by Julian Fellowes.
The new incarnation of Upstairs Downstairs takes up the story of 165 Eaton Place in 1936, six years after the original ended. The BBC decided to bring it back with the help of American backers at the same time as ITV opted to make Downton Abbey, which was initially due to be shown next year.
However, in the end – and to the BBC’s huge frustration – Downton was shown first and became a phenomenal success, attracting more than nine million viewers.
The new incarnation of Upstairs Downstairs takes up the story of 165 Eaton Place in 1936, six years after the original ended. The BBC decided to bring it back with the help of American backers at the same time as ITV opted to make Downton Abbey, which was initially due to be shown next year.
However, in the end – and to the BBC’s huge frustration – Downton was shown first and became a phenomenal success, attracting more than nine million viewers.
Doesn't bother me in the slightest; any excuse for Keeley Hawes.
The original, for those who weren't brought up with it.
Posted by Ghost of a flea at November 21, 2010 10:51 AM