14 Captivating British TV Shows About the Upper Classes

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Last Updated on August 15, 2024 by Stefanie Hutson

Class has long been something of an obsession in British culture, and TV is not immune. Whether we're watching the desperate airs of Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances or the hopeful maneuvers of Audrey fforbes-Hamilton in To the Manor Born, the topic is never too far off.

In this post, we're taking a look at those shows that give us a peek at how the other half lives – and while it's clear from many of them that money and title don't make one immune to problems, they certainly make the a bumpy road more comfortable.

Brideshead Revisited

Based on the novel by Evelyn Waugh, Brideshead Revisited tells the story of Charles Ryder (Jeremy Irons), a man who becomes deeply entwined with the aristocratic Flyte family, especially the charming and troubled Sebastian Flyte (Anthony Andrews) and his enigmatic sister Julia (Diana Quick). Set between the two World Wars, it offers a poignant and nuanced exploration of the British upper classes, capturing both their grandeur and the challenges they face in a changing world. Stream it

The House of Eliott

Set in the glamorous world of 1920s London fashion, The House of Eliott follows sisters Evie (Louise Lombard) and Bea Eliott (Stella Gonet) as they rise from financial hardship to establish their own haute couture fashion house. This one is particularly interesting, since it portrays a couple of women in a male-dominated industry as they try to achieve the almost impossible – upward movement in their own economic status. Stream it

Upstairs, Downstairs (classic)

This classic period drama explores the lives of the wealthy Bellamy family and their servants in Edwardian London. Set in the early 20th century, it gives us a good look at the rigid social hierarchy of the time, contrasting the lives of the aristocrats living “upstairs” with the working-class servants “downstairs.” Though we think the older version is a little better, those who simply can't stand 50-year-old TV shows can opt for the 2010 adaptation. Stream it: 1974 | 2010

Jeeves & Wooster

Based on the stories by P.G. Wodehouse, this light comedy stars Hugh Laurie as the bumbling aristocrat Bertie Wooster and Stephen Fry as his brilliant valet, Jeeves. Set in the 1920s, it follows their misadventures among Britain’s upper classes, with Jeeves often rescuing Wooster from his own well-meaning but misguided schemes. Available on DVD

Love in a Cold Climate

Adapted from Nancy Mitford's novels, Love in a Cold Climate offers a satirical look at the lives of the upper class in 1920s and 1930s England. The series follows the romantic entanglements and social adventures of the Radlett family, particularly focusing on the vivacious Linda (Rosamund Pike) and her cousin Fanny (Elisabeth Dermot Walsh). If you prefer stories about the upper classes with a healthy dose of scandal, don't miss this one. Stream it (or get the 1980 adaptation with Dame Judi Dench on DVD)

The Duchess of Duke Street

In this one, Gemma Jones stars as Louisa Trotter, a determined woman who rises from humble beginnings as a scullery maid to become the owner of a prestigious London hotel in the early 20th century. Loosely based on the true story of Rosa Lewis (who ran the Cavendish Hotel), the series explores Louisa's interactions with her wealthy and influential guests, offering a unique perspective on the British upper classes and the challenges of maintaining status and power. Stream it

Belgravia

Created by Julian Fellowes, this 19th-century period drama brings us into the secrets and scandals of London's upper classes. The story begins on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo and follows the lives of the Trenchard family as they deal with the complexities of wealth, social status, and hidden pasts. Though it didn't get a traditional second season, Belgravia: The Next Chapter premiered in early 2024, picking up three decades later in 1871. Stream it

The Mrs. Bradley Mysteries

Dame Diana Rigg stars as the glamorous and sharp-witted Mrs. Adela Bradley, a woman of means who solves crimes with her trusted chauffeur, George (Neil Dudgeon), in the 1920s. Set against a backdrop of high society and lavish settings, this series mixes mystery, comedy, and period drama to produce something uniquely delightful. Stream it

Pride & Prejudice

In what is perhaps the most loved of all Pride and Prejudice adaptations, this 1995 production stars Jennifer Ehle as the intelligent and headstrong Elizabeth Bennet, with Colin Firth as the aloof yet captivating Mr. Darcy. Set in the early 19th century, it follows Elizabeth and her family as they manage the complex social expectations of the time while trying to ensure that all the daughters are married off to men who can adequately support them. Stream it

Downton Abbey

Nearly everyone who knows anything about British TV will be familiar with this one, so while it may not be the most useful recommendation, we could hardly make the list without including it. The series chronicles the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the early 20th century (into the late 1920s as of the most recent film) .

Led by Hugh Bonneville as the Earl of Grantham and Maggie Smith as the unforgettable Dowager Countess, the series explores life above and below stairs, as well as the impact of various historical events and social changes on the British upper classes. With its rich character development and stunning period detail, every serious British TV fan should watch it at least once.  Stream it

The Pallisers

Based on Anthony Trollope’s political novels, The Pallisers is a sweeping drama that follows the lives of Plantagenet Palliser (Philip Latham) and his wife Lady Glencora (Susan Hampshire) as they navigate the world of Victorian politics and society. Despite the marriage, Lady Glencora continues to pine for the handsome but unsuitable Burgo Fitzgerald. To sort this out, her husband takes her on a tour of Europe so they can get better acquainted. From there, it all continues on for another couple of decades as we see the world and its people changing around them. Though the series is 50 years old now (when did that happen??), the rich detail and deeply human themes still resonate. Available on DVD

Parade's End

Based on the tetralogy by Ford Madox Ford, stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Christopher Tietjens, a conservative English aristocrat whose life is upended by the onset of World War I and an unfortunate choice of life partner. The series explores the disintegration of the British upper classes and the profound social changes brought about by the war – and for a bit of extra fun and drama, there's a love triangle. Stream it

The Forsyte Saga (2002)

Based on John Galsworthy’s Forsyte Saga trilogy, this family drama spans several decades of the lives, loves, and fortunes of the wealthy Forsyte family. In the 2002 adaptation, Damian Lewis (Billions) stars as the ambitious and controlling Soames Forsyte, whose troubled marriage to Irene (Gina McKee) drives much of the drama. Set between the 1870s and 1920s, it's a richly detailed look at a period of serious change for the British upper classes. Stream it (or get the 1969 adaptation on DVD)

Campion

Based on Margery Allingham's detective novels, this fun series stars Peter Davison as Albert Campion, a gentleman sleuth with a mysterious past who solves crimes among the British upper classes in the 1930s. Brian Glover stars as his manservant Magersfontein Lugg, and Andrew Burt plays his police friend, Stanislaus Oates. As a fun side note, Peter Davison sang the theme song.  Stream it

 

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