The wait is almost over for fans of lavish period dramas. PBS Masterpiece is bringing a brand-new family saga to television, and it comes with a stellar cast and a story full of secrets, love, and betrayal. The Forsytes is set to premiere in the United States very soon, and for those eager to mark their calendars, the full release schedule is finally here. This new adaptation of John Galsworthy’s famous novels promises to be the next big obsession for viewers who loved Downton Abbey or The Gilded Age.
The Forsytes Premiere Date and Time on PBS
The Forsytes makes its U.S. debut on Sunday, March 22, 2026 . The series will air in the regular Masterpiece time slot at 9/8c on PBS stations across the country . This premiere date comes after the series has already built buzz following its initial release in the United Kingdom on Channel 5 in October 2025 .
For those who want to see it even earlier, there is a special opportunity. Indiana University Cinema will host a free sneak preview of the first episode on Sunday, March 1, 2026 . This special screening gives audiences a chance to see the drama unfold on the big screen before its nationwide broadcast.
Complete Episode Release Schedule
The first season of The Forsytes consists of six episodes . In a treat for binge-watchers, all episodes will be available immediately on streaming platforms. However, for those who prefer the weekly broadcast tradition, PBS will air one episode per week.
Streaming Release
Viewers who want to watch at their own pace can stream all six episodes starting March 22, 2026 on the PBS app and PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video . This “full drop” strategy allows audiences to dive straight into the Forsyte family drama without waiting.
Weekly Broadcast Schedule
For those watching on linear television, here is how the episodes will roll out:
- Episode 1: Sunday, March 22, 2026 – The Forsytes prepare to celebrate their daughter June’s 18th birthday, but a shock announcement at the party changes everything .
- Episode 2: Sunday, March 29, 2026 – Tensions rise within the family business over a gold-mining investment decision .
- Episode 3: Sunday, April 5, 2026 – Soames works to strengthen his betrothal to Irene while James tries to remove Jolyon from the company .
- Episode 4: Sunday, April 12, 2026 – Family dynamics shift as Jolyon makes decisions about his personal life and Frances continues matchmaking .
- Episode 5: Sunday, April 19, 2026 – A mining disaster sends stock prices plummeting, creating chaos at Forsyte and Co. .
- Episode 6: Sunday, April 26, 2026 – The season finale sees Soames commission a country house despite Irene’s distress, and Ann reveals a dark family secret .
What Is The Forsytes About?
Set in the 1880s in London, The Forsytes offers a sweeping portrait of a wealthy Victorian-era stockbroking family . The story follows multiple generations of the Forsyte family as they navigate high society, business risks, and the even more dangerous game of love and marriage.
“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.”
This new version is a reimagining of John Galsworthy’s Nobel Prize-winning book series The Forsyte Saga, which was first published between 1906 and 1921 . The series acts partly as a prequel to the events of the first book, expanding the world and placing the women of the family front and center .
Screenwriter Debbie Horsfield, known for her work on the hit series Poldark, penned the adaptation . She describes the project as “a love letter to the original story while offering an exciting new perspective” .
Meet the Cast of The Forsytes
The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast of British talent. Leading the family is Francesca Annis (Flesh and Blood) as the formidable matriarch Ann Forsyte .
Other key cast members include:
- Stephen Moyer (True Blood) as Jolyon Forsyte Sr. , Ann’s eldest son and head of the family stockbroking firm .
- Jack Davenport (The Morning Show) as James Forsyte, Ann’s ambitious younger son .
- Joshua Orpin (Titans) as Soames Forsyte, James’ shrewd and sometimes ruthless son .
- Millie Gibson (Doctor Who) as Irene Heron, a ballet dancer who becomes Soames’ love interest .
- Danny Griffin (Fate: The Winx Saga) as Jo Forsyte Jr. , Jolyon’s bohemian son .
- Tuppence Middleton (Downton Abbey: A New Era) as Frances Forsyte, Jo’s status-driven wife .
- Eleanor Tomlinson (One Day) as Louisa Byrne, a Soho dressmaker and Jo’s first love .
In a special nod to the series’ history, Susan Hampshire—who starred in the beloved 1967 BBC adaptation of The Forsyte Saga and won an Emmy for her role—appears as Lady Carteret .
Also Read:
Where to Watch The Forsytes
American viewers have multiple options to watch the series:
- Broadcast TV: Tune into your local PBS station on Sundays at 9/8c starting March 22 .
- Streaming: Watch on the PBS app or through the PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video channel . All six episodes will be available to stream from the premiere date.
- Global Audiences: The series is produced by Mammoth Screen in association with ITV Studios, which handles international distribution . While PBS holds North American rights, viewers in other regions should check local broadcasters or ITV’s streaming platforms for availability.
More Seasons Already Coming
Fans will be happy to know that The Forsytes is already confirmed for a second season. PBS Masterpiece ordered Season 2 even before the first season premiered in the UK . Production is currently underway in Bristol, and new cast members joining for the second season include Richard Rankin (Outlander), Sarah Alexander (Pennyworth), and Nia Ashi (Bob Marley: One Love) .
For more updates on the latest period dramas, casting news, and streaming guides, keep checking back with VvipTimes for all the details you need.
