BBC Worldwide, PBS Masterpiece Announce New Co-Pros

BRIGHTON: A new version of the classic British series Upstairs Downstairs is part of the co-production pact announced at BBC Showcase between BBC Worldwide Sales and Distribution and PBS’s Masterpiece strand.

The updated Upstairs Downstairs is slated to air on PBS next year as part of the 40th anniversary season of Masterpiece. The original won seven Emmys during its run on Masterpiece Theater in the 1970s. The new three-part version will star Jean Marsh, reprising her role as Rose, the parlor maid, as well as Dame Eileen Atkins, the co-creator of the original program. Heidi Thomas (Cranford) is setting the new Upstairs Downstairs in the same house at 165 Eaton Place in 1936, during the period leading up to World War II.

The new co-production pact also includes Sherlock, a 21st-century spin on Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic Sherlock Holmes novels, and three Aurelio Zen mysteries, adapted from the best-selling novels by Michael Dibden set in Italy, starring Rufus Sewell.

“I’m so proud of this particular group of programs,” says Rebecca Eaton, Masterpiece‘s executive producer. “These three series say everything about what Masterpiece aims to be: iconic, rich with wonderful actors, witty, literate, and timeless. I can’t wait to see them all.”

Matt Forde, executive VP of sales and co-productions at BBC Worldwide, Americas, added: "These three co-productions offer a new spin on well-known, treasured stories and we’re thrilled to be working with Masterpiece to bring them to life. A valued, long-standing production partner, our past collaborations with Masterpiece produced a number of critically-acclaimed, award-winning-series—a testament to the success of our partnership."