Step aside, Downton Abbey – Channel 5’s glossy period drama, The Forsytes, is making a triumphant return to our screens and it’s about to enter a class of its own. The opulent series, which comes from the pen of Poldark creator, Debbie Horsfield, follows the loves and lives of the eponymous upper-class stockbroker family known as the Forsytes (who you may remember from The Forsyte Saga) – and if you enjoy sumptuous costumes and sprawling settings, you’ll be pleased to hear that series 2 is set to be even grander than the first.
If you’re not familiar with the drama, the first series, which debuted last year, introduced us to four generations of the family, with the likes of Eleanor Tomlinson, Francesca Annis and Susan Hampshire, bringing us plenty of drama - from fierce rivalries to scandalous secrets and romantic entanglements. Fortunately, many of the original cast are returning for the second instalment, but they’re also bringing some fresh faces (who you can read about below) with them.
With The Forsytes series 2 heading to our screens soon, here’s everything you need to know about the new instalment, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.
What is The Forsytes about?
The period drama, which first aired on Channel 5 in October 2025, is a glossy reimagining of John Galsworthy’s Nobel Prize-winning novel series The Forsyte Saga. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving late-Victorian world, the series follows the lives of a wealthy British family known as the Forsytes in 1880s London and tells the story of four generations of the eponymous upper-class stockbroker family.
Starring the likes of Eleanor Tomlinson, Francesca Annis and Susan Hampshire, the latter of whom starred in the original 1960s BBC series, it’s been described by writer Debbie Horsfield as "a love letter to the original story while offering an exciting new perspective". Over the course of six episodes, we see how the older Forsytes prize duty and reputation above all else, whilst the younger members rail against the rigidity of family expectations.
At the heart of series one was a fierce rivalry between Soames Forsyte (Joshua Orpin) and his cousin Jolyon (Danny Griffin), who clashed over who would take over the family firm, Forsyte & Co. At the same time, their lives were turned upside down by two remarkable women – for Soames, it was Irene Heron (Millie Gibson) and for Jolyon, it was old flame Louisa (Eleanor Tomlinson. Ultimately, they faced the same dilemma – is it better to be ruled by the head or the heart?
What to read next
What will happen in The Forsytes series 2?
The second six-part series will see the Forsytes facing a new era of scandal, ambition, and shifting loyalties. It's set to be even grander than series one with new cast members and new upper-class drama! According to the official series 2 synopsis, “As love, legacy and reputation collide, the cracks in the family’s polished façade grow ever deeper.”
Who’s in the cast of The Forsytes series 2?
The returning cast of The Forsytes series 2 includes:
- Francesca Annis (Home Fires)
- Jack Davenport (The Morning Show)
- Tom Durant Prichard (Miss Scarlet)
- Naomi Frederick (Industry)
- Jamie Flatters (Avatar: The Way of Water)
- Millie Gibson (Doctor Who)
- Danny Griffin (Fate: The Winx Saga)
- Owen Igiehon (Disclaimer)
- Eleanor Jackson (Royal Mob)
- Tuppence Middleton (Downton Abbey: A New Era)
- Justine Moore (Call the Midwife)
- Stephen Moyer (True Blood)
- Joshua Orpin (Titans)
- Eleanor Tomlinson (One Day)
- Susan Hampshire (The Forsyte Saga)
The new series will also see some fresh faces with the following new cast members:
- Richard Rankin (Outlander, Rebus)
- Sarah Alexander (Pennyworth, Jonathan Creek)
- Nia Ashi (Bob Marley: One Love)
Is The Forsytes any good?
Yes – and that’s largely thanks to the fact that Poldark’s Debbie Horsfield is involved. The costumes are lavish, the setting is opulent and the characters bring all the drama you’d hope for and more. Praise from viewers has been strong, with the series being described as “a costume drama at its best”, “one of the best remakes ever made” and many calling it better than Downton Abbey. Is it as good as the original The Forsyte Saga series? The jury’s still out, but we’re expecting the second series to be even bigger – and better – so watch this space.
How can I watch The Forsytes series 2?
Channel 5 hasn’t yet shared a release date for The Forsytes, but we do know that it will air at some point in 2026. As soon as we have a confirmed release date, we’ll update you here. In the meantime, you can catch up on The Forsytes series 1 on Channel 5.
Will there be a third series of The Forsytes?
Yes – a third series of The Forsytes has been confirmed and production will begin in April.
What other period dramas can I watch now?
If you haven’t yet seen Sarah Lancashire’s performance in The Paradise, we’d highly recommend checking it out. The series is essentially a love story set against the backdrop of 19th-century department store, The Paradise, where Sarah’s character is Head of Ladieswear. You can watch The Paradise on U. For a truly escapist watch, try Hotel Portofino. The popular period drama, which centres around a British family-run hotel in Portofino, Italy, is something akin to ITV’s The Durrells, with more secrets. All three series are available to watch now on U. For more great period dramas you can watch now, check out our selection of the best here.
