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'Upstairs Downstairs' and 'Sherlock' new productions for PBS, to air in 2011

By April MacIntyre Feb 23, 2010, 3:17 GMT

British actor Martin Freeman, EPA/FRANTZESCO KANGARIS

Masterpiece on PBS and BBC Worldwide Sales and Distribution, Americas have announced a major co-production deal to remake "Upstairs Downstairs"—one of the most cherished television series of all time.

"Upstairs Downstairs" will air in the U.S. in 2011 as part of Masterpiece's 40th anniversary season on PBS. Masterpiece is presented on PBS by WGBH Boston.

The deal 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.

“I’m so proud of this particular group of programs,” says Masterpiece executive producer Rebecca Eaton. “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.”

"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," says Matt Forde, EVP Sales & Co-Productions, BBC Worldwide, Americas. "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."

Background:

"Upstairs Downstairs" won seven Emmys during its run on Masterpiece Theater in the mid-1970s—including Best Actress for Jean Marsh, who will reprise her role in the new three-part series as Rose, the parlor maid. Dame Eileen Atkins, the co-creator of the original program, will also star.

Screenwriter Heidi Thomas ("Cranford") is setting the new version of "Upstairs Downstairs" in the same house at 165 Eaton Place in 1936, during the period leading up to World War II.

PBS announces that the new Sherlock series is a fast-paced, witty take on the legendary crime drama, now set in present day London and starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the eponymous detective.

Martin Freeman plays his loyal friend, Doctor John Watson, and Rupert Graves is Inspector Lestrade.

Co-created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, the iconic details from Arthur Conan Doyle’s original books remain: same address, same names—and somewhere out there, Moriarty is waiting.

Rufus Sewell will star as Italian detective Aurelio Zen in three episodes based on the popular mysteries by Michael Dibden.

The series is being shot on location in Italy by Left Bank Pictures, the production company behind the acclaimed Wallander television series.