The wait is almost over for fans of lavish period dramas. PBS Masterpiece is bringing a brand-new adaptation of John Galsworthy’s classic novels to television, and it is shaping up to be the next big obsession for viewers who loved Downton Abbey and Poldark. The Forsytes has already built a reputation before even airing in the United States, with UK critics calling it “your new TV addiction” and a second season already confirmed.
This sweeping family saga moves from the pages of Nobel Prize-winning literature to the screen with a fresh take. The creative team behind the hit series Poldark has reimagined the story for a modern audience, focusing not just on the wealthy men of the family but also placing the women front and center. Here is everything you need to know about the show, from its star-studded cast to when and where you can watch it.
When Does The Forsytes Premiere on PBS?
American audiences will not have to wait much longer. The Forsytes makes its U.S. debut on Sunday, March 22, 2026 . The series will air weekly on PBS at 9/8c as part of the long-running and beloved Masterpiece anthology .
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the series has already premiered. It began airing on Channel 5 on October 20, 2025 . The early buzz from UK critics and audiences has been strong, setting high expectations for the U.S. launch.
How to Watch: Streaming and Broadcast Details
Whether you prefer to watch on a traditional television schedule or want to binge the episodes on your own time, PBS is providing multiple ways to view the series. The six-episode first season will be available across several platforms.
For those who want to watch on TV, the weekly broadcast begins on March 22 at 9/8c on your local PBS station . If you miss an episode or prefer streaming, all six episodes will be available on the PBS app and PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video starting the same day .
PBS also offers a free streaming window for 14 days following the premiere on the PBS app and the Masterpiece website . After that, the episodes will move to PBS Passport, the member-only streaming benefit, and remain on PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video . This gives viewers in the USA, Canada, Australia, India, and around the world who have access to PBS streaming services plenty of opportunities to catch the drama.
What is The Forsytes About?
Set in the fast-changing world of 1880s London, The Forsytes tells the story of a wealthy stockbroking family navigating the strict rules of Victorian society . At its heart, the show explores a timeless question: should one follow the head or the heart?
The official logline for the drama reads: “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” .
Unlike previous adaptations, this version acts as a prequel to the events of the first novel . Screenwriter Debbie Horsfield (Poldark) wanted to expand the world created by Galsworthy. She explained her approach: “It was an honor to be asked to write a bold new reimagining of Galsworthy’s epic saga. 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 center stage” .
Meet the Cast of The Forsytes
The series brings together an impressive mix of established stars and rising talents. The ensemble cast is one of the main reasons for the excitement surrounding the show.
- Francesca Annis plays Ann Forsyte, the formidable matriarch of the family . Annis is a BAFTA-winning actress known for Lillie and Flesh and Blood.
- Stephen Moyer (True Blood, The Night Agent) takes on the role of Jolyon Forsyte Sr., Ann’s eldest son who runs the family stockbroking firm .
- Jack Davenport (The Morning Show, Pirates of the Caribbean) portrays James Forsyte, Ann’s ambitious and competitive younger son .
- Joshua Orpin (Titans) plays Soames Forsyte, James’s shrewd and sometimes ruthless son .
- Millie Gibson (Doctor Who) stars as Irene Heron, a ballet dancer who captures Soames’s heart .
- Danny Griffin (Fate: The Winx Saga) is Jo Forsyte Jr., Jolyon Senior’s bohemian son .
- Tuppence Middleton (Downton Abbey: A New Era) appears as Frances Forsyte, Jo’s status-driven wife .
- Eleanor Tomlinson (Poldark, One Day) plays Louisa Byrne, a Soho dressmaker and Jo’s first love .
- Josette Simon OBE (Anatomy of a Scandal) is Mrs. Ellen Parker Barrington, a wealthy heiress and friend of the family .
- Jamie Flatters (Avatar: The Way of Water) plays architect Philip Bosinney .
In a special treat for longtime fans, Susan Hampshire joins the cast as Lady Carteret . Hampshire is an icon of British television who starred in the original 1967 BBC adaptation of The Forsyte Saga and won an Emmy for her role .
Season 2 Already Confirmed with New Cast Additions
In an unusual move that shows the confidence of the producers, The Forsytes has already been renewed for a second season before the first has even premiered in the United States . The second season is currently in production, with filming taking place in Bristol, UK .
Three new actors have joined the cast for Season 2 :
- Richard Rankin (Outlander)
- Sarah Alexander (Pennyworth)
- Nia Ashi (Bob Marley: One Love)
Their roles are being kept under wraps for now, but their addition promises more drama and intrigue for the Forsyte family.
Who Is Making The Forsytes?
The series comes from top-tier talent with a proven track record in period dramas. Debbie Horsfield, who wrote all six episodes, is an executive producer alongside Damien Timmer for Mammoth Screen (the production company behind Poldark, Victoria, and Endeavour) . Susanne Simpson serves as executive producer for Masterpiece . Directing duties are shared by Meenu Gaur (Murder Is Easy) and Annetta Laufer (Get Millie Black) .
Susanne Simpson explained why they wanted to revisit this classic story: “We’re proud to commission a new, original take on The Forsytes. This sweeping, romantic drama portrays how duty binds a family together until it conflicts with matters of the heart”.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Story
The Forsyte Saga has been adapted multiple times before, including a Hollywood film in 1949, a beloved BBC series in 1967, and a version in 2002 starring Damian Lewis that also aired on Masterpiece . This new version aims to feel different.
By focusing on the women of the family and setting the story as a prequel, Debbie Horsfield wanted to bring something new to audiences who might already know the characters. Susanne Simpson noted the challenge: “Bringing something new to this world is a challenge, especially when the other two versions have been so beloved” . She explained that casting a younger Soames allows viewers to understand how he became the complex character he is in the books.
The show also features a mix of well-known faces and newcomers. While actors like Stephen Moyer and Jack Davenport are familiar to international audiences, Joshua Orpin and Millie Gibson are relatively new to U.S. viewers. Simpson shared her excitement: “They’re both outstanding. We’re thrilled to bring these newer faces to our viewers” .
With its premiere date set, a second season already filming, and a cast full of talent, The Forsytes is ready to welcome a new generation of fans into the complicated, passionate, and sometimes scandalous world of the Forsyte family. Mark your calendars for March 22, 2026.
Also Read: Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Episode 8 Release Date and Time Confirmed for February 26
For more updates on the latest period dramas, cast announcements, and streaming guides, stay connected with VvipTimes for all your entertainment news.
