Another Year (Upstairs, Downstairs)

"Another Year" is a commonly referenced episode title and framing device within the British period drama Upstairs, Downstairs. While not always used as a formal episode title itself across all broadcastings and DVD releases, the phrase encapsulates the show's format, which charts the lives of the aristocratic Bellamy family ("Upstairs") and their domestic servants ("Downstairs") at 165 Eaton Place in London, year by year.

The series, which originally aired from 1971 to 1975, follows key historical events and social changes in Britain from 1903 to 1930, marking the passage of time and the impact of these changes on both the family and their staff. Therefore, many episodes cover specific years or periods of a year, and the concept of "another year" passing is central to the narrative. It emphasizes the cyclical nature of life at Eaton Place, the evolving relationships between the characters, and the gradual societal shifts that ultimately lead to the decline of the traditional class structure.

The significance of “Another Year” lies in its implicit reference to the continuous unfolding of interconnected storylines and its reflection of the wider historical context shaping the lives of the characters within the house. It underscores the show’s focus on documenting the everyday lives of both the privileged and the working class as they navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by each passing year.