Sarah Lancashire’s Hidden Downton Abbey Rival Upstairs Downstairs Is The Forgotten Period Drama Fans Need To Watch
For fans searching for their next great period drama obsession, Upstairs Downstairs may be the perfect discovery.
Often compared to Downton Abbey, the glossy BBC period drama brings together everything viewers love about classic historical storytelling — grand estates, class divides, forbidden romances, family secrets and characters hiding unexpected truths.
And with Sarah Lancashire, Keeley Hawes and an impressive ensemble cast at its heart, the series remains one of the most underrated period dramas of recent years.
A New Chapter At 165 Eaton Place
The 2010 reboot of Upstairs Downstairs returns viewers to the iconic 165 Eaton Place in London’s Belgravia, introducing a new generation of residents and servants.
The story follows the wealthy Holland family as they move into the famous townhouse and attempt to build a new life during the changing years leading up to the Second World War.
Sir Hallam Holland (Ed Stoppard) and his wife Lady Agnes (Keeley Hawes) find themselves surrounded by a world where old traditions are beginning to disappear, while the relationship between those upstairs and downstairs becomes increasingly complicated.
Returning to the household is Rose Buck (Jean Marsh), the beloved parlourmaid from the original series, who now takes on the role of housekeeper and helps guide the new residents through the challenges ahead.
Sarah Lancashire’s Standout Performance
Although the entire cast delivers memorable performances, Sarah Lancashire’s appearance in the series remains one of the highlights.
Playing Miss Violet Whisset, Lancashire brings warmth, strength and emotional complexity to a character hiding a softer side beneath her confident exterior.
Her romance with butler Mr Pritchard (Adrian Scarborough) adds a touching emotional layer to the drama, exploring love and longing in a world where social boundaries still define people’s lives.
Fans of Lancashire’s later performances in Happy Valley and other acclaimed dramas will find another reason to appreciate her incredible range.
Why Downton Abbey Fans Will Love It
Like Downton Abbey, Upstairs Downstairs combines personal drama with larger social changes.
The series explores:
- Secret romances
- Family conflicts
- Changing social rules
- Wealth and privilege
- The struggles of domestic workers
- Hidden scandals behind elegant homes
Behind the beautiful costumes and luxurious settings is a story about people trying to find their place in a rapidly changing world.
A Star-Studded Cast
The drama features a remarkable cast including:
- Keeley Hawes as Lady Agnes Holland
- Ed Stoppard as Sir Hallam Holland
- Claire Foy as Lady Persephone Towyn
- Anne Reid as Clarice Thackeray
- Eileen Atkins as Maud, Dowager Lady Holland
- Jean Marsh as Rose Buck
- Adrian Scarborough as Mr Pritchard
- Sarah Lancashire as Miss Violet Whisset
The series also features early performances from stars who would later become household names.
Why It Deserves More Attention
Despite strong reviews and a talented cast, Upstairs Downstairs ended after only two series, leaving many viewers wishing the story had continued.
Its biggest strengths are clear: stunning production design, beautiful costumes, emotional performances and a story filled with enough secrets and drama to keep audiences hooked.
For anyone missing the elegance, romance and family intrigue of Downton Abbey, this hidden gem is absolutely worth discovering.
A forgotten period drama with a legendary cast, Upstairs Downstairs proves that some of the best stories are still waiting to be rediscovered.
