The Forsytes is coming to Channel 5 in 2025, described as “a major reimagining of John Galsworthy’s novel series The Forsyte Saga”.

Is you’re a fan of Downton Abbey and The Hardacres, you’ll want to tune in to the new “sweeping period drama”. It follows the lives of four generations of an upper-class family of stockbrokers… Set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving late-Victorian world, it stars TV heavyweights such as Francesca Annis, Susan Hampshire, and Tuppence Middleton.

Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming period drama The Forsytes on Channel 5, including plot, cast, start date, and episode guide.

What is the plot of The Forsytes on Channel 5?

The Forstyes chronicles the lives of four generations of an upper-class family of stockbrokers. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving late-Victorian world, it’s a reimagining of John Galsworthy’s novel series The Forsyte Saga.

A synopsis tells us: “The older Forsytes prize duty and reputation above all else. Sticklers for tradition and status, compared to the younger members who rail against the rigidity of family expectations. The question of who will take over the family firm puts Soames Forsyte and his cousin Jolyon in conflict just as their lives are turned upside down by the arrival of two remarkable women.

“Ultimately each Forsyte family member grapples with the same dilemma – is it better to be ruled by the head or the heart?”

It’s a question as old as time…

Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor of Drama at Channel 5 said: “We are excited to give The Forsytes its UK home on 5. This lavish new adaptation is a great addition to our rich portfolio of period dramas. With a stellar cast, stunning production, and rich ensemble of characters, it has all the components our audience loves.”

How many episodes is it?

The new period drama The Forsytes will be six episodes long, of one hour each (including ads).

Channel 5 has not yet confirmed if the episodes will land as a boxset on Channel5.com, or air week by week.

Watch this space for more information.

Who’s in the cast of Channel 5’s The Forsytes?

There’s a fabulous cast of famous faces in the period drama The Forsytes on Channel 5, both old and new. BAFTA-winner Francesca Anni leads the cast as formidable Forsyte matriarch Ann. Francesca recently played Dame Harriet Kenny in the brilliant Showtrial series 2. And she’s no stranger to playing high society women. She’s previously portrayed Lady Ludlow in Cranford, Lady Selina Hazy in Marple, Lady Ingram in Jane Eyre, and Lady Clare Wellesley in Jericho. We could go on, but we think you get the idea!

Believe it or not, she’s been on our screens since 1959 when she was just 14! She is probably best known for playing Lady Jessica – well we did say! – in the 1984 Dune film.

Stephen Moyer plays Ann’s eldest son, Jolyon Snr. He’s head of the family stockbroking firm Forsyte & Co. True Blood fans will know the actor as bloodthirsty Bill Compton.

Danny Griffin – star of Fate: The Winx Saga – plays Jolyon Snr’s bohemian son Jolyon Jnr. Downton Abbey’s Tuppence Middleton is Jolyon Jnr’s status-driven wife Frances.

The Outlaws’ Eleanor Tomlinson is Louisa Byrne, a Soho dressmaker and Jolyon Jnr’s first love…

This Life’s Jack Davenport plays Ann’s competitive younger son James, with Titans’ Joshua Orpinas James’ ambitious son Soames. Lastly, Doctor Who’s Millie Gibson will play Irene Heron, the dancer who Soames falls in love with, and Baby Reindeer’s Tom Durant-Pritchard plays Monty Dartie, James’ son-in-law.

The ensemble cast of The Forsytes also includes:

Liar’s Jamie Flatters as architect Philip Bosinney.

Disclaimer’s Owen Igiehon as lawyer Isaac Cole.

Silent Witness’ Josette Simon as Mrs Ellen Parker Barrington, a wealthy heiress and friend of the Forsyte family.

Meanwhile, Susan Hampshire plays Lady Carteret in the Channel 5 drama The Forsytes. She starred in the 1967 BBC adaptation of The Forsyte Saga and won the first of her three lead actress Emmys for the role.

When’s the start date?

The new drama The Forsytes will soon be available to UK audiences exclusively on Channel 5.

Although a start date has not yet been confirmed, we’ve been told it’ll be in late 2025.

Channel 5 has also announced a series 2 will be coming in 2026.

Is The Forsytes based on a book?

The new six-parter is based on John Galsworthy’s novel series The Forsyte Saga. The author won the Nobel Prize in 1932 for the work of fiction.

The series was adapted as a Hollywood film and for television in both 1967 and 2002.

British screenwriter Debbie Horsfield penned the new Channel 5 series. Poldark fans will know her work, so you’re in good hands.

Read more: Inside Channel 5’s latest cosy crime, Murder Most Puzzling, starring Downton Abbey legend Phyllis Logan

The Forsytes will be coming to Channel 5 in late 2025.