Downton Abbey / Upstairs Downstairs
 

My husband and I have been watching Downton Abbey. So far we've watched all of Season 1 & 2. Now we only have two episodes left (starting Season 3) to watch before we're caught up.

We are really enjoying this series, and I was wondering, is the series Upstairs Downstairs somewhat like Downton Abbey? Have any of you watched Upstairs Downstairs? Did you enjoy it?

Thanks.

Gayle

Upstairs Downstairs has many similarities to Downton. It originally ran from 1971-1975 and was a blockbuster for its time. The story ran from 1903-1930. There was a new series by that name in 2010 where someone went back to the old house. I've seen them all but am just fascinated by Downton Abbey. I watch each episode 2 or 3 times in reruns and just cackle at some of the clever lines. I think I could memorize many scenes, and I have a lousy memory these days. Maggie Smith's character is my favorite, but I love following them all. I think the Upstairs serieses (both of them) are enjoyable in a different way, but worth watching too. Julian Fellows, who writes Downton also wrote Gosford Park which is my hubby's favorite movie. Similar idea, really. It's what I prefer to the "reality" shows that are often so vulgar and vacuous. Ok, stupid. The layers of class, the clothes, the house, the people. Ok, enough from me!

I just happened upon Upstairs, Downstairs last night. only the last 15 minutes of it though!

i never caught the U/D series when it first ran. A few months ago, I watched the entire series on Netflix and could not stop watching. The only thing I didn't like was the son... just not my kind of guy. however, it does not even compare with Downton Abbey in my humble opinion. The characters are all wonderful. I wasn't entirely thrilled with Shirley McClain's part... I really expected more from her. I feel so badly for Edyth :(

I just got hooked on Downton Abbey and so did the hubby...hehe. I agree with you Nancy...poor Edyth. I wonder if she'll go to America w/her gram...

Diannia

Oh, I think they will find Edith a really good job to do. Shirley's character was definitely not up to the Crawley standards, but she was fun. Happily her visit didn't last very long.

I predict that she will go to America too - poor thing - I am hooked on this series - and I love that each episode is about 1 1/2 hr each.

The original Upstairs downstairs is the gold standard for Masterpiece theater. I watched it back in the day and then got the VHS tapes when they came out. I have sat with them for hours. Downton Abbey is wonderful but will never eclipse U/D.

In this last eopisode did you see those hand-cranked sewing machines being used by the "reformed" women??? So cool...

I love Downton Abbey and yes really enjoyed those sewing machines!!

I just started watching Downton Abbey- wanted to see what all the buzz was about! So I am stating with season 1. My first thought was - this is kinda boring. But said I was going to watch at least a few to give it a chance. Now I am kinda into it so I think I am going to keep watching. I love the expressions on the Dowager's face- she cracks me up!

Downtown Abbey is so well done. Sunday evening is filled with history and beautiful clothes. Would it not be fun to visit for a day and take in all the splendor?

Yes as long as they had modern plumbing!!

I'm hooked on Downton Abby---- Upstairs Downstairs was great too. I get 4 public television stations so I get to see each episode more than once!:thumbup:

I love Downton Abbey. I think the clothes were better in the earlier episodes. The newer 20's clothing isn't as fun. Anyway, because of Downton, I decided to watch the entire Upstairs Downstairs series on Netflix. That was really good too. My favorites on Downton are Maggie Smith's character, Mary and John Bates. Did anyone see him rough up his cell mate? Hmmmm - made you think!

I love Downton Abbey, I also watched U/D back in the days, I loved it but it doesn't compare with DA. I did not like the recent U/D at all, so I stopped watching it. I have become very fond of the characters from DA, every one of them and most of all I like Maggie Smith while I find Matthew's mom sort of annoying. But I still like her.

We watch the series, enjoy it.

I've never watched Upstairs Downstairs, but I absolutely love Downton Abbey. It's the best show on television these days.

I would watch DA even if it wasn't a great as it is just to watch Maggie Smith. She absolutely steals every scene she's in without even seeming to try. My fav? The one where she's hiding behind her fan from the electric lights in DA 1

I was seriously ticked when the BBC ended Larkrise to Candleford when it was still going strong, in favor of Downton Abbey....but have become a big time fan of the Crawley Clan, (and everyone downstairs)...since! Such a sophisticated and stylish soap! LOL

I was disappointed in Shirley MacLaine's portrayal of Martha Levinson, but can't decide if it was how she acted the part or how it was written.

Poor Lady Edith, I was shocked at the turn of events that left her alone at the altar......never saw THAT coming. I was so hoping she would get her Happy Ending. :o(

I am so glad to see that there are others who are enjoying DA, too.

I love that show...also I watch the call of the Mid wife...they are free on the PBS website.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/...haracters.html

I love Downton Abbey. And I was going to ask if anyone is watching Call The Midwilfe. I love that one too.

Well, ladies, this is my second raving over Downton Abbey coming from my computer; it is also all over my FB entries. I never watch TV, but it looks like I am going to have to change my way of thinking. How do you go about getting the whole series you have mentioned on Netflix. I think we have Netflix, and I have probaby watched one movie on it. I can't figure out how to make it go from the listings to the TV screen, and my husband never has the time or inclination to come in and help me through it.....

Yes, I saw them at the h.c. sewing mach.'s too. Neat. Love that show.

I too love this show and was wondering where did you watch seasons 1 and 2 as I missed them as well?

don't bother me when i'm watching Downton Abbey. i really get into it. on Netflix, when you click on your movie,a preview , in text will come on, then you click on the image of the show, it should come on. the first two seasons of the show are on there, and i love the call the midwife too.oh, you can watch the currant downton abbey shows on the website of PBS.org.

I want to catch up with seasons 1 and two but cant find them on the PBS website. Where are they?

I enjoyed the machines too. Need a little help here. The woman who came to the door that refused the help, and later the organizer (don't know her name) went to her place....what is her thing? I know she gave a child away in Season 2, but I'm missing something here.

I didn't know she gave her child away in Season 2. to the grandparents? she seems to have one now since i heard a noise in her home. hmmmmm. don't give too much away for those who haven't caught all the series!

She didn't give the child to the paternal grandparents because they were going to cut her out completely. So she kept the baby. She was a miad at Downton Abbey and the father was a soldier at the hospital when Downton housed a hospital.

I recently got Hulu Plus and watched seasons 1 and 2 of Downton Abbey after the holidays. Thoroughly enjoyed them. Now watching Season 3 weekly, available at PBS.org. I find the writing a bit uneven this season, esp for Shirley McLain's character, and the constant sneering of Thomas is overkill. I agree the best character is the Dowager Lady Violet. Dame Maggie Smith is such fun. She speaks volumes with just a head tilt!

I love Downton Abbey. I watched all 3 so far and will hopefully get to see number 4. It is a wonderful story.

Where do you watch this show & season 1 & 2? Have heard about it but haven't found it.

The show is on PBS Masterpiece Theater. Go to PBS.org and you can find recent episodes a few days after they air on TV. I got the 1st 2 seasons by subscribing online to Hulu Plus- about $9/month. Many libraries have the DVDs for free borrowing. Probably on Netflix also.

I watched Upstairs downstairs back in the day. That series got me hooked on PBS. I have been a loyal viewer ever since.

I truely loved it the first seasons, but fear its turned a tad soap-operaish, which isn't that bad, as LynnVT says, there are worst things such as the not-real-reality shows.