A long-forgotten period drama streaming on ITVX and Netflix is being hailed as a top-tier and addictive television series, with viewers unable to get enough of it. The Forsyte Saga (2002, 2003) is the British period drama that audiences can't stop raving about, and for good reason.
A Classic Reimagined
Based on John Galsworthy's The Forsyte Saga trilogy of novels, for which he won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1932, the series is the second television adaptation of Galsworthy's famous works. The BBC's 1967 Forsyte Saga adaptation long set the benchmark for period dramas, but the 2000s adaptation is now garnering equally glowing acclaim from all quarters.
Plot and Production
Chronicling the lives of three generations of the upper-middle class Forsyte family between the 1870s and the 1920s, The Forsyte Saga (2002) and Forsyte Saga: To Let (2003) were adapted by Granada Television for ITV in two series, each featuring six episodes and four episodes respectively. The 2002 series covered three of Galsworthy's novels: The Man of Property (1906), Indian Summer of a Forsyte (1918), and In Chancery (1920), while the 2003 series was based on the novel To Let (1921). They were helmed by Christopher Menaul, David Moore, and Andy Wilson and received widespread acclaim.
A new six-part adaptation titled The Forsytes aired on Channel 5 in October 2025, but it failed to leave as indelible an impression on period drama enthusiasts as the first two adaptations.
Cast and Performances
Starring Damian Lewis, Gina McKee, Rupert Graves, Corin Redgrave, Ioan Gruffudd, Sarah Winman, and Gillian Kearney, all the performances have been on the receiving end of plaudits, with Lewis getting standout mentions from critics and audiences alike.
One critic said of the series: "It's a testament to the material's strength, and its handling here, that The Forsyte Saga still manages to succeed." Another, lauding Damian Lewis' performance, wrote: "It is testimony to Lewis' extraordinary skill that his is the character we loathe at the outset of The Forsyte Saga and in whom we become most interested by the end." One reviewer compared it to the original BBC adaptation and felt it stood its ground: "Although the new Forsyte Saga cannot recreate the story's historic role in television, its revitalized characters offer a delightful escape."
Audience Reactions
The series has received glowing reviews from audiences as well. One viewer wrote: "Great adaptation, full of charm and wit and pathos. Very memorable acting turns from much of the cast. A genuine treat to watch." An IMDB user review states: "Flawless in every respect! At 65 years of age I have seen my share of movies and plays and I would have to say that this series is simply one of the, if not THE best productions I have ever had the pleasure of viewing. From camera work, through scripting, through character development it was simply beyond compare." Another review reads: "The Forsyte Saga is a beautiful and addicting piece of work. The first time I saw it I was hooked! The plot line kept me hooked and coming back for more! It's intelligent and beautiful, with an obviously incredible writer and absolutely fantastic acting!" One fan shared: "Phenomenal. An astonishing piece of television. I am utterly blown away by its brilliance and skill. Honestly, this is phenomenal television and without question in my Top 3 series ever. I love it, recommend it and will repeatedly re-visit it."
Where to Watch
The Forsyte Saga is available to stream for free on ITVX or with a subscription on Netflix.
