In the 1970s, UK and American television viewers were introduced to the lives of the Bellamy family and their servants in the London townhouse in the period drama Upstairs, Downstairs. Based on real-life events from 1903-1930, this was the first drama to examine the British class system and the effects of WWI.

In 2010, television viewers were introduced to the Crawley family in the period drama Downton Abbey. Set on a Yorkshire country estate and based on real life events, this drama is set from 1912-1922.

What do these two television dramas have in common? What draws us to these period dramas? Join us as we examine the underlying themes of these television programs and why they capture our imagination.

Instructor: Judi Bonilla, former resident of England and The Commonwealth of New Zealand.