The Forsytes, a steamy period drama set in the Victorian era, is now streaming on Channel 5, offering a fresh adaptation of John Galsworthy's classic novels for fans of Downton Abbey. The six-episode series, first released in 2025, has already been renewed for a second and third season.
A Modern Take on a Classic Story
Created and written by Debbie Horsfield, the series is inspired by Galsworthy's three novels published from the early 1900s to the 1920s. While staying true to the original story, Horsfield added modernised touches that have divided some fans. One viewer on Rotten Tomatoes praised it as 'a beautifully crafted drama that captures the complexity of love, family, and social expectations,' noting the 'outstanding' performances and immersive cinematography.
Plot and Characters
The show follows the wealthy Forsyte family, a clan of stockbrokers in late-Victorian England. Central to the plot is the toxic marriage between Soames and Irene Forsyte, where Soames views his wife as property. After Irene's affair with an architect, a decades-long feud erupts, leading to forbidden romances and generational trauma. The ensemble cast includes Francesca Annis, Jack Davenport, Millie Gibson, Danny Griffin, Tuppence Middleton, and Eleanor Tomlinson, the latter known for her role in Poldark.
Reception and Comparisons
Some critics have compared the 2025 series unfavorably to the 2002 adaptation starring Damian Lewis, which is considered more faithful to the books. However, an IMDb reviewer described this version as 'a fresh, naturalistic interpretation that gets more intriguing as the period's new ideas seep into the family's fragile social fabric.' Another viewer added, 'It looks expensive, and for a Channel 5 show that's a nice surprise. Bridgertonesque with the narrator, beautiful actors and gowns.' Despite mixed reviews, the show has been confirmed for three seasons, allowing the story to unfold further.
Series one of The Forsytes is available to stream now for free on Channel 5.
