While British drama Downton Abbey has become a big success for PBS, the BBC’s revival of Upstairs Downstairs has been cancelled after nine episodes. There won’t be a third series of episodes according to the broadcaster.
The original version of Upstairs Downstairs ran for five seasons and 68 episodes, from 1971 until 1975. The show was revived in 2010, picking up some six years after the end of the original with co-creator Jean Marsh reprising her role as housekeeper Rose Buck.
The first episode of the revival reportedly drew 8.85 million viewers. The other two episodes of the first season attracted 8.13 million and 8.18 million.
Another six episodes began airing this past February, 14 months later, and the numbers diminished over the span of the season. The last episode drew 5.22 million, a 41% decrease when compared to the first installment.
A BBC spokesperson said, “From Call the Midwife to Bird Song and The Syndicate, 2012 has been a great year for Original British Drama on BBC1 but at this stage there are no plans for Upstairs Downstairs to return.”
The revival’s chief writer, Heidi Thomas, wrote on Twitter: “Really touched by all the love and sadness for Upstairs Downstairs.” “It was made by a tremendous team and I can’t praise them enough.” “Truly sad about Updown, but can now fully and wholeheartedly honour the massive commitments I have elsewhere, including Call The Midwife.”
Thomas also congratulated Sarah Gordy, the Downs Syndrome actress who played Pamela, who also expressed her sadness over the cancellation.
Actor Neil Jackson, who played chauffeur Harry Spargo on the series, wrote, “I have just heard that the BBC will not be making any more Upstairs Downstairs. I loved the show and will miss it greatly.”
What do you think? Will you miss the new Upstairs Downstairs? How do you think it compares to the original?
Image courtesy BBC.
I loved the show in the 70’s as well as the 2010, 2011 series. I’m really disappointed that the show has been discontinued.
Yes I will miss the series. It upsets me when a good series starts and then never returns. This Series was excellent with terrific actors.
Please consider returning with the same cast.
so disappointed it won’t continue
No season 3 has left me very sad with no real ending. No closure.
I just finished watching the UpDown revival and found it to not only be elegantly filmed, but historically engaging. As an admitted Anglophile and a student of the Second World War I was in my element. I so hoped they killed off Percy so that she could be on “the Queen” (another excellent drama). I never watched the original UpDown, but understand it was equally as elegant as the revival. I suppose I will someday pay to watch UpDown, I will wish I had watched it first. I certainly hope that the BBC will someday consider a stab at it… Read more »
I loved the two seasons of the revival of Upstairs Downstairs. Very sorry it won’t be renewed.
When I started watching ” Upstairs Downstairs”, I had no idea
that it stopped cold at Season 2- I’m really surprised that it
was cancelled. The cast was fantastic and I am left wanting more
and am really disappointed!!
Excellent well acted series probably one of the Best BBC series.
I’m sorry to say that I missed Upstairs Downstairs when it was newly playing. Recently, since becoming a member of Amazon Prime, I binge watched this magnificent show and was sorely disappointed that I could not find a third season. This story had more depth that Downton Abbey, which also was wonderful.
Just finished watching this last series of Upstairs Downstairs! Thought it was FANTASTIC! I can see when it was matched against Downtown Abbey there could have been problems, but that has now finished and this is a Wonderful series that should go on as I know we have enjoyed every minute of it. The acting was great, and I think it was more down to earth than Downtown and I am sure if another session was commissioned it would prove a HIT!
Pam
I am so – so -so disappointed. This was such a great Drama. The story as well as all the actors. I ordered what I thought was the 3rd. Season from the library. Well what I got was the 3rd. season of the old version from the 70’s, After much searching for a 3rd Season I realized it doesn’t exist. Please bring it back. I enjoy watching Downton Abbey but Upstairs Downstairs characters are much more likable to me. I am concerned about their well being during the time of war. I hope enough interest is shown so that the… Read more »
Hello, My husband and I just finished watching both seasons of Upstairs Downstairs, or as Heidi Thomas referred to it, UpDown……We are huge Downton fans and are glued to Call the Midwives and wait for the new season,,,,,but this was so disappointing, as we were late to UpDown and found it on Amazon Prime, to learn there will Not be a 3rd Season….how can the fans be left hanging at such a critical time as war divides the UpDown family….thought the ending of Season 2 was a Wonderful cliff hanger and we are to be left on the Cliff? It… Read more »
I am truly sad to learn that the series was cancelled. I loved that they picked up where the original show left off. I just finished watching season 2 and I’m really sad that I won’t have another season to watch and will never know how things turn out for the characters.
I also love Downton Abbey and hope that it will continue for many more seasons.
Watching the children from Germany come off the train in England was beutifull absaloutely I thought a draft had come into the room I will never forget that scene, thank-you for making me feel as if I was there.. Loved Keeley Hawes and her admirer. Would of liked to see them start a new life together. I have just watched a few shows. I really enjoyed watching. Sad to hear it won’t be continuing. But! like the Jewel and the Crown I do see it as a show to remember. Life events are never forgotten.
Say it isn’t so. Can’t believe that this intelligent, engrossing series is at an end. Do reconsider, please.