Calling all period drama fans, a huge new series from Poldark creator Debbie Horsfield is on its way to our screens! The screenwriter has been busy working on The Forsytes, a lavish six-part adaptation of John Galsworthy’s epic novel series, The Forsyte Saga - and trust us when we say it's the best period drama we've seen in a long time!
Arriving on Channel 5 this week, the new reimagining reunites us with four generations of the upper-class stockbroker family, the Forsytes, who live a somewhat privileged life in 1880s London. Starring the likes of Eleanor Tomlinson, Francesca Annis and Susan Hampshire, the latter of whom starred in the original 1960s BBC series, the series has been described by Debbie as "a love letter to the original story while offering an exciting new perspective" - and viewers are certainly in for a treat.
Before you tune in, here's everything you need to know about the upcoming period drama, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.
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What is The Forsytes about?
The six-part series is a glossy reimagining of John Galsworthy’s Nobel Prize-winning novel series The Forsyte Saga, which followed the lives of a wealthy British family – otherwise known as the Forsytes - in 1880s London. The drama is set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving late-Victorian world and tells the story of four generations of the eponymous upper-class stockbroker family.
Written by Debbie Horsfield, best known for adapting hit period drama, Poldark, for the BBC, the official synopsis explains: "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?"
It’s not the first time John Galsworthy’s novel series has been adaptation for the screen, with two prior TV adaptations having aired on the BBC in 1967 and on ITV in 2022. It’s also been adapted for film (1949’s That Forsyte Woman), radio (for BBC Radio 4) and stage.
Screenwriter Debbie Horsfield has described it as an "honour to be asked to write a bold new reimagining of Galsworthy’s epic saga." She continued: "Our show is in part a prequel to the events of the first book, but also an opportunity to expand the world and place the women of the family centre stage. It’s a love letter to the original story while offering an exciting new perspective."
Susanne Simpson, Executive Producer of Masterpiece, added: "This sweeping, romantic drama portrays how duty binds a family together until it conflicts with matters of the heart. Debbie Horsfield’s inspired scripts will be realised by an exceptional cast and supported by a lavish production."
Who's starring in The Forsytes?
The cast of The Forsytes includes:
- Francesca Annis (Flesh and Blood) as Forsyte matriarch Ann
- Stephen Moyer (True Blood) as her eldest son, Jolyon Snr
- Danny Griffin (Fate: The Winx Saga) as his son Jolyon Jnr
- Tuppence Middleton (Downton Abbey: A New Era) as Jolyon Jnr’s wife Frances
- Eleanor Tomlinson (One Day) as Louisa Byrne
- Jack Davenport (The Morning Show) as younger son James
- Joshua Orpin (Titans) as James’ son Soames
- Millie Gibson (Doctor Who) as Irene Heron
- Tom Durant-Pritchard (Baby Reindeer) as Monty Dartie
- Josette Simon (Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy) as Mrs. Ellen Parker Barrington
- Jamie Flatters (Avatar: The Way Of Water) as architect Philip Bosinney
- Owen Igiehon (Disclaimer) as Isaac Cole
- Susan Hampshire (The Forsyte Saga) plays Lady Carteret
- Fiona Button (The Split) as Mrs. Clarissa Heron
- Tristan Sturrock (Poldark) as Professor Heron
- Justine Moore (Without Sin) as June Forsyte
- Eleanor Jackson (The Royal Mob) as Winifred Forsyte
- Naomi Frederick (Belgravia) as Emily Forsyte
- Sharon Rose (Silent Witness) as Alicia Cole
Is The Forsytes any good?
Yes - finally, we've got a series as good as Poldark! It's got everything you'd want from a period drama - family drama, passion, love and the most brilliant characters. If you're looking for something you can completely escape in, it's one for you.
How can I watch The Forsytes?
The Forsytes will premiere on Channel 5 at 9pm on Monday 20th October. Excitingly, a second series has already been commissioned, so watch this space for more details about the next instalment as we have them.
