Channel 5’s new period drama, The Forsytes, which comes from Poldark screenwriter Debbie Horsfield, arrived on our TV screens on Monday night, and viewers have wasted no time giving their verdict on social media. The six-parter, which is an adaptation of John Galsworthy’s novel series The Forsyte Saga, is set in late-Victorian England and follows the lives of four generations of a wealthy family of stockbrokers living in London. Galsworthy’s novels were last adapted for television over 20 years ago with ITV drama, The Forsyte Saga, starring Damien Lewis and Gina McKee. The most recent adaptation also features an impressive cast list, including BAFTA winner Francesca Annis (Flesh and Blood) and Tuppence Middleton (Downton Abbey: A New Era).
Period dramas have become an increasingly popular genre in recent years, which is hardly surprising with shows like Bridgerton and The Buccaneers giving the genre a modern makeover with lavish costumes, soap-style drama, steamy scenes and themes of female empowerment. As a huge fan of the genre myself, I think The Forsytes has come at the perfect time as we wait for the new season of Bridgerton. If you love cheesy drama, sumptuous costumes and slow-burn romances, The Forsytes won’t disappoint. Keep reading to find out what viewers have said.
© Mammoth Screen & MASTERPIECEThe series follows an upper-class family of stockbrokers in late 1800s London
What to expect from The Forsytes
The series tracks the romances, family bonds and ambitions of the Forsytes, an upper-class family of stockbrokers in late 1800s London. The synopsis continues: “Sticklers for tradition and status, the older Forsytes prize duty and reputation above all else, whilst the younger members rail against the rigidity of family expectations. The question of who will take over the family firm puts Soames Forsyte and his cousin Jolyon in conflict just as their lives are turned upside down by the arrival of two remarkable women. Ultimately, each Forsyte family member grapples with the same dilemma –is it better to be ruled by the head or the heart?”
© Mammoth Screen & MASTERPIECEThe show boasts a star-studded cast
Who stars in The Forsytes?
The cast boasts an impressive list of stars, including Francesca Annis as matriarch Ann and Tuppence Middleton as Frances Forsyte. They’re joined by Stephen Moyer (True Blood) as Jolyon Forsyte Sr., Jack Davenport (The Morning Show) as James Forsyte, Danny Griffin (Fate: The Winx Saga) as Jo Forsyte Jr., Eleanor Tomlinson (One Day) as Louisa Byrne, Millie Gibson (Doctor Who) as Irene Heron and Joshua Orpin (Titans) as Soames Forsyte.
© Mammoth Screen/ITV/MASTERPIECEThe Forsytes is airing on 5
How to watch The Forsytes
The Forsytes is airing on 5. Episode 2 will be broadcast on 5 at 9pm on Monday 27 October, with new episodes airing every Monday night until the season finale on Monday 24 November. Viewers in the US will be able to watch the series next year, as the show will premiere on MASTERPIECE on PBS in 2026.
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