Cambridgeshire Live
·Jul 2026
Gold standard British period drama still better than Downton Abbey
A comparison of the classic period drama Upstairs, Downstairs with Downton Abbey highlights the former’s lasting influence, depicting intertwined lives of servants and an aristocratic family across major early‑20th‑century events. Viewers debate the strengths of each series, noting Downton Abbey’s higher production values but occasional melodrama, while praising Upstairs, Downstairs for its acting, writing and pioneering focus on both social classes. The series remains available to stream on ITVX.