Preview: ‘The Forsytes’ premieres tonight on Channel 5
A story spanning a half-century of British history, The Forsytes chronicles the lives of a wealthy and powerful upper-middle class Victorian English family. The series is based on the celebrated novels of John Galsworthy.
It is not new to the small screen, having already captured the world’s attention with the legendary 1967 BBC serial starring Kenneth More. Later, in 2002, ITV produced a popular adaptation that featured Damian Lewis, Rupert Graves, and Gina McKee.
Now, The Forsytes – a new reimagining of the story, is set to introduce the family’s triumphs and tragedies to a new generation of viewers. The lavish production is the handiwork of the proven hitmakers at Mammoth Screen, the team behind Poldark, with a screenplay penned by the acclaimed writer Debbie Horsfield. This adaptation differs from the previous ones by portraying events that take place before those covered in Galsworthy’s books.
Watch the trailer:
What is it about?
According to the official Channel 5 synopsis:
Set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving late-Victorian world, the series chronicles the lives of four generations of an upper-class family of stockbrokers.
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?”
Who are The Forsytes?
Ann Forsyte (played by Francesca Annis): The formidable Forsyte matriarch.
James Forsyte (played by Jack Davenport): Ann’s competitive younger son, and father to Soames.
Jolyon Forsyte Senior (played by Stephen Moyer): Ann’s eldest son and the head of the family stockbroking firm, Forsyte & Co.
Soames Forsyte (played by Joshua Orpin): James’ shrewd and sometimes ruthless son (often described in relation to the conflict over the firm and his love life).
Jolyon Forsyte Junior (Jo) (played by Danny Griffin): Jolyon Senior’s bohemian son who contrasts with the family’s traditional values.
Frances Forsyte (played by Tuppence Middleton): Jo’s status-driven wife and the queen of high society.
Irene Heron (played by Millie Gibson): A ballet dancer and free-spirited whom Soames falls in love with (and whose charm and independence spark attraction and tension).
Louisa Byrne (played by Eleanor Tomlinson): A Soho dressmaker and Jo’s first love, whose reappearance throws Jolyon’s stable domestic life into disarray.
When can we watch it?
The Forsytes is produced in association with ITV Studios, which serves as international distributor, with PBS Distribution managing North American rights.
The Forsytes premieres at 9pm on Channel 5 in the UK on Monday, October 20th, 2026.
The series will air on Masterpiece PBS in North America in early 2026.
The 2003 series The Forsyte Saga is available to stream on Netflix and in the UK on ITVX.
The John Galsworthy Forsyte Saga novels are available to buy on Amazon.