WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE NEW MASTERPIECE PBS PERIOD DRAMA ‘THE FORSYTES’
Anytime a new period drama is even whispered about, I’m one of those viewers who tries to find news or casting or further details about it. In 2026, one of the new ones making its debut is the Masterpiece PBS drama The Forsytes, and in keeping to a tradition of celebrating these dramas, I’m taking a closer look at what we know about this one!
LIST | WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT ‘THE OTHER BENNET SISTER’
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE NEW MASTERPIECE PBS PERIOD DRAMA ‘THE FORSYTES.’ Looking at what we know about #TheForsytes set to air on #MasterpiecePBS. #Masterpiece #PBS #PBSMasterpiece Share on XHonestly, I am sure we have all seen the excitement and news about this one. However, I am of the camp that anything good or lovely cannot have too much celebration and so with this said, we are going to turn the spotlight on this drama. Plus, watching and featuring PBS dramas, most especially those in the Masterpiece line, is always an anticipated thing to do!
Read on below for some details about this show in an FAQ format!
WHAT WE KNOW about THE FORSYTES
WHAT is this ONE ABOUT?
Based on a novel, this drama will put its own spin on the story penned by John Galsworthy in this production that is said to be inspired by Galsworthy’s novels. The story, which is said to be the portrayal of events taking place before those novels, follows The Forsyte family including their triumphs and sorrows, as seen through the portraits of different people in this multi-generational story.
According to Masterpiece PBS, this is less of a traditional remake and more love letter to the Glasworthy novels that will be about secrets and scandals, passion and loyalty, yes, but also will move forward through its characters. Repeat reporting also reveals this one will take a closer look at the women in this family.
Based on all of this, if you watched the earlier 2002 adaptation The Forsyte Saga, you may find some new perspectives in this version!
WHO WROTE the SCREENPLAY?
The script is written by Debbie Horsfield, a writer that period addicts will also recognize as lending her talents to the five season 2015 production of Poldark.
WHO is in the CAST? MEET the CAST and CHARACTERS
This cast is made up of newer and veteran talent, most of whom are all names that you are sure to recognize if you are any kind of period drama addict. Anytime I see a new drama like this, it’s always a fun kind of mental game to try and place what other similar productions the performer has featured in!
So, who is in this cast? Read on in this What We Know write up to meet The Forsytes cast, and who they are playing!
- Joshua Orpin as Soames Forsyte
- Millie Gibson as Irene Forsyte
- Tuppence Middleton as Frances Forsyte
- Danny Griffin as Jolyon Forsyte Jr.
- Eleanor Tomlinson as Louisa Byrne
- Jack Davenport as James Forsyte
- Stephen Moyer as Jolyon Forsyte Snr.
- Justine Moore as June Forsyte
- Francesca Annis as Ann Forsyte
IS THERE a TRAILER?
Yes there is! You can watch it below!
There are also promotional cast images and first look episodic images floating around on various platforms. We included a few in this post (because look how pretty!) and PBS also promises to view this through a lens that brings more lightness versus the usual darkness of this Victorian era.
Like I said, there are lots of pieces on this upcoming production. You have almost certainly all seen them, but again, I wanted to add some more hype to this one because, while I don’t know the technical terms or whether something is truly period authentic, I do have to say that those aforementioned photos are sure making me believe this one is going to sure look as though it belongs to the era its set in. Those hats! The bell-shaped skirts! The ribbons and lace! It all looks quite stunning.
WHEN and WHERE CAN I SEE IT?
You can catch the broadcast debut of this one Sunday March 22 on PBS (check your local listings for the times of this Masterpiece on PBS debut) or you can stream the show beginning March 22 on the PBS app or with the PBS Masterpiece channel through Prime Video.
The show will drop new episodes on Sunday nights throughout April until its first season (six episodes) is done.
WILL THERE be a SECOND SEASON?
…actually, yes! Ahead of its first season debut, it was already announced that a second season is going to be produced which means no matter how this one ends (in confusion or cliffhanger, happiness or sorrow), we are assured there more around the corner.
Also, in the newest (of the new!) news, reporting reveals that PBS has handed the show even a third season renewal which bodes well for possible arcs to grow and characters to redeem themselves (if need be).
Photos: Courtesy of Mammoth Screen & MASTERPIECE | PBS / WGBH
Alright, fellow period drama addicts! Let’s hear your thoughts on this what we know about The Forsytes roundup; will you be tuning in? Are you excited? Do you have high hopes? Strong opinions? What do you hope to see? Comment all of your thoughts below! Let’s talk about all of this (and more!) down in the comments.
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