Channel 5's Victorian period drama 'The Forsytes', which first aired in 2025, has been renewed for a third season. The series, based on John Galsworthy's beloved novels, follows the lives of an affluent upper-class family of stockbrokers in late-Victorian England.
Adaptation of Classic Novels
John Galsworthy's 'The Forsyte Saga' comprised three novels released from the early 1900s into the 1920s. The television series, developed and written by Debbie Horsfield, draws inspiration from these novels while introducing contemporary elements. Some fans of the books noted deviations from the source material, but others welcomed the fresh take.
The series chronicles the Forsyte dynasty, shaped by a destructive marriage between Soames and Irene Forsyte, where Soames regards his wife as his possession. Irene's affair with an architect ignites a multi-decade generational conflict and forbidden relationships that resurface past trauma.
Critical and Audience Reception
One Rotten Tomatoes reviewer wrote: "The Forsyte Saga is a beautifully crafted drama that captures the complexity of love, family, and social expectations. The performances are outstanding, especially in the way the characters evolve through emotional conflict and moral dilemmas. The cinematography and costumes perfectly recreate the time period."
An IMDb viewer commented: "This version of the Forsyte saga is a fresh, naturalistic interpretation that gets more intriguing as the period's new ideas seep into the family's fragile social fabric. The changes to the story – such as the circumstances of Jolyon's true love – are improvements in my opinion."
Another viewer noted: "It looks expensive, and for a Channel 5 show that's a nice surprise. Bridgertonesque with the narrator, beautiful actors and gowns, but it's not necessarily a hindrance. Adds to the enjoyment of watching."
Cast and Production
The 2025 programme features an ensemble cast including Francesca Annis, Jack Davenport, Millie Gibson, Danny Griffin, Tuppence Middleton, and Eleanor Tomlinson, known for her role in 'Poldark'. The series has been praised for its "pretty faces" and period-accurate costumes.
Despite some criticism compared to the 2002 production starring Damian Lewis, which stayed closer to the novels, the series has been renewed for a second and third season. Series one of 'The Forsytes' is available to stream for free on Channel 5.
