Most of the original characters (Mr. Humphries, Mrs. Slocombe, Miss Brahms, Captain Peacock, Mr. Grainger, Mr. Rumbold, and Mr. Harman) are back and joined by newcomers Young Mr. Grace and Mr. Conway. There's a Miss Croft also, but she only made a few short appearances.
It's 1988. The grandson of the original Mr. Grace has been running Grace Brothers Department Store for a few years and hopes to drag the store into the 80s with some much needed upgrades -- which is good since it's nearly the 90s! But will his upgrades come at the expense of the gents and ladies wear department?
Meanwhile, we are introduced to Richard Conway. He's a young salesman recently hired by Mr. Rumbold -- without consulting Captain Peacock! He adds a little color and youth to the cast -- not to mention an outsider's perspective to Grace Brothers.
I was a bit leery when I heard that this much-beloved Britcom was going to be updated with a new cast, but I found myself really enjoying this special. The actors did a noble job with their portrayals of these iconic characters. The only one that I really struggled to adjust to was Sherrie Hewson's portrayal of Mrs. Slocombe -- but Mollie Sugden is a hard act to follow!
I have no idea about the ratings for the updated "Are You Being Served?" program, or about its reception, but I really hope that it does well enough that we get to see more episodes in the future!