The British period drama The Forsytes first aired in 2025 on Channel 5 and is based on John Galsworthy's beloved novels. The series has been renewed for both a second and third season, offering fans of Downton Abbey and Bridgerton a fresh world to immerse themselves in.
Series Overview
The six-episode series is set in late-Victorian England and chronicles the lives of an extraordinarily affluent upper-class family of stockbrokers across multiple generations. The dynasty is shaped by a destructive and loveless union between Soames and Irene Forsyte, where the husband regards his wife as merely his possession. After Irene's desperate liaison with an architect, it triggers a decades-long generational conflict and numerous additional forbidden liaisons.
Based on Classic Novels
John Galsworthy's The Forsyte Saga is a collection of three compelling novels published from the early 1900s through the 1920s. The 2025 adaptation was created and written by Debbie Horsfield, who drew inspiration from the novels while incorporating fresh and contemporary elements. Some viewers have criticized the series for not being faithful to the source material, while others welcomed the novelty.
Cast and Performances
The ensemble cast includes Francesca Annis, Jack Davenport, Millie Gibson, Danny Griffin, Tuppence Middleton, and Eleanor Tomlinson, known for her role in Poldark. One fan on Rotten Tomatoes praised the series, stating: "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."
Comparisons to Previous Adaptations
Numerous viewers have compared the 2025 series unfavorably to the 2002 production starring Damian Lewis, which is arguably more faithful to the original novels. However, an IMDb reviewer noted: "This version 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 are improvements in my opinion." Another viewer commented: "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."
Future Seasons
With the launch of the 2025 series, it has been confirmed that both a second and third series are already in development, allowing fans to witness the story unfold further. Series one of The Forsytes is available to stream now for free on Channel 5.
