‘Upstairs Downstairs’ Reboot Canceled By BBC After 2 Seasons
The updated period drama’s axing comes with an ironic twist that only Downton Abbey‘s Dowager Countess might appreciate. The original Upstairs Downstairs aired on ITV from 1971 to 1975, with the reboot airing on BBC1 and often facing unfavorable comparison to Downton Abbey – which airs on ITV. The first 3-episode series of Upstairs Downstairs, which aired in the U.S. on PBS’ Masterpiece, ran in the UK in late 2010 and scored ratings averages of over 8 million. Its U.S. run produced six Emmy nominations. A second series, comprised of six episodes, has yet to air stateside, but the show took a ratings dive in the UK with its last installment tapping 5.22 million viewers. The series starred Keeley Hawes, Ed Stoppard, Claire Foy, Jean Marsh and Eileen Atkins. The latter pair co-created and starred in the original. The latest version was created by Heidi Thomas. In a statement on the BBC website, a 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.” A Facebook page and a Twitter petition have been set up to save the show.
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