The show tells the tales of a rich family and their servants living in London18:48, 20 Jun 2026'Downton Abbey' series 4: Lady Mary mourns MatthewA historical television show hailed as 'one of the best ever made' is available to watch on ITVX.‌Fans of period dramas fell in love with Downton Abbey following its release in 2010. The plot follows the trials and tribulations of the wealthy Crawley family and their household servants on a fictional Yorkshire estate between 1912 and 1930.‌But decades before Downton Abbey was ever made, another series told a similar tale. In 1971, Upstairs, Downstairs was released, and followed the lives of both the family and the servants in the London townhouse at 165 Eaton Place.‌Set between 1903 and 1930, the original series felt a lot like Downton Abbey, with depictions of the servants 'downstairs' and their masters, the Bellamy family, 'upstairs'. It portrayed a gripping contrast between a world of privilege and the realities of hard labour.Given that the show was set before and after the First World War, storylines chronicled the slow decline of the British aristocracy using life-changing events to document the social and technological changes. Along with the war, the show also explored the Suffragettes, the Roaring Twenties, and the Wall Street Crash.‌Upstairs, Downstairs aired on ITV from October 10, 1971, to December 21, 1975, running for 68 episodes across five series. Devotees have been urging other period-drama fans to watch the series for free on ITVX, with some believing the show is better than Downton Abbey.Taking to Reddit, one fan stated: "Upstairs, Downstairs(1971-1975) is a masterpiece." They added, "I know the filming style is jarring for people more used to the modern slick style, but once you get into it, you start to appreciate the writing and acting."What's especially appealing is the sociological comment happening about how society mistreats the downstairs people, especially in the episode I Die of Love, which I won't spoil, but is devastating and wouldn't work if done in a Downton Abbey style."‌A second person explained: "One of the best TV series ever made, even when the cast changes, the quality does not. This is writing and filmmaking we do not get now."Unlike modern TV, where everyone is handpicked for beauty or diversity, this is so well cast, especially the women. It makes me sad that this London has disappeared, except for the poverty, of course."‌A third chimed in: "Upstairs, Downstairs is indeed a masterpiece! Yes, once you get past the look of the show, you’re in for a total treat. The same can be said of The Pallisers!"Another explained: "I could never get through the first season of Downton Abbey, but I can watch Upstairs, Downstairs forever.""I agree it is a masterpiece. I’m sitting here saying over and over 'they don’t write like this anymore' … I’m looking up whether it won awards, it looks like it did", commented another.Article continues belowUpstairs, Downstairs is available to stream on ITVX