The new period drama The Forsytes has arrived, bringing a fresh take on John Galsworthy’s classic novels to screens worldwide. The series follows a wealthy British family navigating love, betrayal and ambition in 1880s London. With its UK debut already creating buzz and the US premiere set for March 2026, audiences across the globe are looking for where to watch this lavish production.
US Viewers: PBS Masterpiece Gets the Exclusive Premiere
American audiences can watch The Forsytes starting Sunday, March 22, 2026 on PBS. The series airs as part of the Masterpiece lineup at 9/8c with a weekly broadcast schedule. All six episodes are also available for streaming on the same day through the PBS app and PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video.
The broadcast run extends through April 2026. Episode one premieres March 22, with new episodes arriving each Sunday. Episode two airs March 29, episode three on April 5, episode four on April 12, episode five on April 19 and the season finale on April 26.
For viewers who prefer streaming, the PBS app works on multiple devices including iPhone, Apple TV, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Samsung Smart TVs. PBS Passport members get extended access to the full series.
UK Viewers: Channel 5 Already Airing The Forsytes
UK audiences got first access to The Forsytes when it premiered on Channel 5 on October 20, 2025. The six-part series airs weekly on the network. All episodes are also available for catch-up streaming on My5, Channel 5’s on-demand platform.
The series has received strong reviews from British critics. The Daily Mail called it “brilliant,” while TV Times gave it a five-star rating, describing it as “perfect autumn fare.” Heat magazine rated it four stars, noting it “will appeal to fans of the social climbing, scandals and love affairs of ‘The Gilded Age’.”
Australian and New Zealand Release Information
Australian viewers can watch The Forsytes on ABC. The network secured broadcasting rights for the series, bringing the period drama to audiences down under. In New Zealand, TVNZ holds the rights to air the show.
Both broadcasters typically offer streaming options through their respective apps—ABC iview for Australian viewers and TVNZ+ for New Zealand audiences. Specific premiere dates for these territories have not been officially announced, but the acquisitions were confirmed in November 2025.
European Broadcasters Across Multiple Countries
The Forsytes has been sold to broadcasters across Europe, making it widely available to continental audiences. Here is where the series is airing:
- Sweden: SVT
- Finland: YLE
- Denmark: DR
- Norway: NRK
- Spain and Andorra: Movistar Plus+
- Latvia: Tet
- Croatia: HRT
Viasat World secured pan-regional rights for its Epic Drama channel, covering 22 countries across Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltics. This makes the series accessible to viewers across a large portion of the continent.
Republic of Ireland and Israel Viewers
Irish audiences can watch The Forsytes on Virgin Media Ireland. The series also has distribution in Israel, where HOT and YesTV acquired the broadcasting rights.
What The Forsytes Is About
The series serves as a reimagining of John Galsworthy’s Nobel Prize-winning Forsyte Saga novels. Writer Debbie Horsfield, known for her work on “Poldark,” adapted the story. The official description states: “Desire, ambition and betrayal simmer at the heart of The Forsytes which chronicles the lives, loves, trials and triumphs of a wealthy Victorian era stockbroking family, whose generations find themselves torn between tradition and self-sacrifice versus personal happiness and the pursuit of love.”
The show follows rival cousins Jo Forsyte (Danny Griffin) and Soames Forsyte (Joshua Orpin) as chance encounters disrupt their previously steady lives. Their stories intertwine with Irene Heron (Millie Gibson), a dancer who captures Soames’ attention, and Louisa Byrne (Eleanor Tomlinson), a Soho dressmaker who becomes Jo’s first love.
The Cast Behind the Costume Drama
The Forsytes brings together a strong ensemble of British acting talent:
- Francesca Annis plays Ann Forsyte, the formidable family matriarch
- Stephen Moyer (True Blood) stars as Jolyon Forsyte Sr.
- Jack Davenport (The Morning Show) plays James Forsyte
- Danny Griffin (Fate: The Winx Saga) appears as Jo Forsyte Jr.
- Millie Gibson (Doctor Who) takes on the role of Irene Heron
- Tuppence Middleton (Downton Abbey: A New Era) plays Frances Forsyte
- Eleanor Tomlinson (One Day) stars as Louisa Byrne
- Joshua Orpin (Titans) plays Soames Forsyte
- Josette Simon OBE (Anatomy of a Scandal) appears as Mrs. Ellen Parker Barrington
- Susan Hampshire OBE, who starred in the 1967 BBC Forsyte Saga, appears as Lady Carteret
Production Details and Filming Locations
The series was filmed primarily in Bristol, England, with production taking place at The Bottle Yard Studios and various locations across the city. Filming for season one began in May 2024 and ran through early August. Production estimates indicate that around 75 percent of the crew were local to the South West region.
Bristol locations used in the series include Christmas Steps, which was transformed into 1880s Montmartre, Paris. St. Mary Redcliffe Church appears prominently in the show. Other filming spots include All Saints Lane, Denmark Street, and multiple properties in Clifton including Vyvyan Terrace and Christchurch Road. Arnos Vale Cemetery was also used as a filming location.
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Season Two and Three Already in Production
The series has been renewed for additional seasons. Season two has already completed filming, and season three is scheduled to begin production in the United Kingdom soon, with additional filming planned across Europe. This commitment to multiple seasons indicates the producers’ confidence in the show as a returning franchise.
Inflight Entertainment Option
Travelers flying with Virgin Atlantic can watch The Forsytes as part of the airline’s inflight entertainment selection. This makes the series available to passengers during flights, providing another way to catch the period drama.
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Looking for more period dramas and British series to stream? VvipTimes brings you the latest updates on where to watch your favorite shows across global platforms.
