Move over Downton, The Forsytes is coming.
Fans of lavish costume drama are in for a treat: The Forsytes is set to captivate audiences on Channel 5 in the UK this Autumn and MASTERPIECE on PBS in 2026. Written by Debbie Horsfield (Poldark), this bold reimagining brings to life the trials, passions, and betrayals of a wealthy Victorian stockbroking family, exploring the tension between societal expectations and personal desire. The story, inspired by John Galsworthy’s iconic Forsyte Saga novels, is set before the events of the original books, offering a fresh perspective on the family’s history.
A Star-Studded Cast
The ensemble cast features a mix of familiar faces and rising stars. BAFTA-winning Francesca Annis (Flesh and Blood) plays the formidable matriarch Ann Forsyte, while Stephen Moyer (True Blood) stars as her eldest son, Jolyon Senior, head of the family firm, Forsyte & Co. Danny Griffin (Fate: The Winx Saga) portrays Jolyon’s bohemian son Jo, married to the status-conscious Frances, played by Tuppence Middleton (Downton Abbey: A New Era). Eleanor Tomlinson (One Day) brings depth as Louisa Byrne, a Soho dressmaker and Jo’s first love.
Jack Davenport (The Morning Show, Ten Percent) takes on the role of Ann’s ambitious younger son James, while Joshua Orpin (Titans) plays his sharp and sometimes ruthless son Soames. Millie Gibson (Doctor Who) stars as Irene, the talented dancer who captures Soames’ heart. Tom Durant Pritchard (This Is Going to Hurt) plays Monty Dartie, James’ son-in-law, and Josette Simon OBE (Anatomy of a Scandal) is the wealthy Mrs. Ellen Parker Barrington, a close friend of the Forsytes. Susan Hampshire OBE, star of the 1967 BBC Forsyte Saga, returns to the story as Lady Carteret, a nod to the series’ legendary history.
The cast also includes Fiona Button (The Split) as Mrs. Clarissa Heron, stepmother to Irene; Tristan Sturrock (Poldark) as Professor Heron; Justine Moore (Call the Midwife) as June Forsyte; Eleanor Jackson (The Royal Mob) as Winifred Forsyte; Naomi Frederick (Belgravia) as Emily Forsyte; Sharon Rose (Silent Witness) as Alicia Cole; Jamie Flatters (Avatar: The Way of Water) as architect Philip Bosinney; and Owen Igiehon (Disclaimer) as lawyer Isaac Cole. Season 2 will see Richard Rankin (Outlander), Sarah Alexander (Pennyworth), and Nia Ashi (Bob Marley: One Love) join the ensemble.
The Forsytes trailer
What to Expect
The Forsytes promises intrigue, romance, and high drama. The series explores the clash between tradition and desire, as family members wrestle with love, ambition, and betrayal. With Debbie Horsfield at the helm and a cast that balances experience with fresh talent, this series is poised to be one of the standout costume dramas of 2026.
Prepare to fall under the spell of the Forsytes when the series premieres on Channel 5 in the UK and MASTERPIECE on PBS in the US.