The Forsytes is making history for PBSMasterpiece. The drama series, which is the third adaptation of The Forsyte Saga book series by John Galsworthy, is a rare British production to be green-lit by an American network, PBS. Typically with PBS programming, it’s British shows that get picked up by the network for U.S. distribution. Clearly, there’s something special about this upcoming period drama, as PBS has officially renewed it for a second season before Season 1 even debuts. The network announced on Thursday, June 12 that Outlander‘s Richard Rankin will be in the Season 2 cast, among others, and that Season 2 is already filming.
The Forsytescast is already star-studded. It includes Francesca Annis, Millie Gibson, Jack Davenport, Stephen Moyer, Josette Simon, Tom Durant-Pritchard, Eleanor Tomlinson, Susan Hampshire OBE — a returning star from the 1960s BBC adaptation — and more. The Forsytes cast was announced in April 2024. PBS said it’s “a lavish reimagining” of Galsworthy’s books that’s “planned as a returning series,” which means the network intends for it to be more than one season.
Here, find a breakdown of all there is to know about this upcoming series that’s already making a splash, including new details about when it will premiere.
What isThe Forsytes about?
From PBS Masterpiece and Mammoth Screen comes “a major new reimagining” of Galsworthy’s Forsyte novels, PBS shares. “Planned as a returning series, the first season of six episodes follows the lives of the wealthy Forsyte family in 1880s London and is based on Galsworthy’s Nobel Prize-winning tale of love, loyalty, ambition, and betrayal.” PBS promises the series will be “lavish.”
When does The Forsytespremiere on PBS?
Season 1 of The Forsytes is scheduled to premiere as a Masterpiece series on PBS in 2026. In the U.K., 5 will premiere the season later this year. Season 2 is currently filming in and around Bristol, U.K. and will air on Masterpiece on PBS in the U.S. and 5 in the U.K.
Channel 5 and PBS also collaborate on the distribution of All Creatures Great and Small.
Who is in PBS’The Forsytescast?
PBS
Annis stars as the formidable Forsyte matriarch Ann, with Moyer as her eldest son, Jolyon Senior, head of the family stockbroking firm Forsyte & Co. Danny Griffin plays his bohemian son Jo, Tuppence Middleton is Jo’s status-driven wife Frances, and Tomlinson plays Louisa Byrne, a Soho dressmaker and Jo’s first love.
Davenport plays Ann’s competitive younger son James, with Joshua Orpinas James’ shrewd and sometimes ruthless son Soames. Gibson plays Irene, the dancer whom Soames falls in love with (see them in the first episodic image from the series at the top of the page). Miss Scarlet‘s Durant Pritchard plays Monty Dartie, James’ son-in-law. Simon is Mrs. Ellen Parker Barrington, a wealthy heiress and friend of the Forsyte family, with Jamie Flatters as architect Philip Bosinney and Owen Igiehon as lawyer Isaac Cole. Hampshire (star of the 1967 BBC Forsyte Saga for which she received the first of her three lead actress Emmys), plays Lady Carteret.
Fiona Button plays Mrs. Clarissa Heron, Irene’s (Gibson) stepmother and Tristan Sturrock plays Professor Heron, Irene’s father. Justine Moore plays June Forsyte, the 18-year-old daughter of Frances (Tuppence Middleton) and stepdaughter of Jolyon Forsyte (Griffin). Eleanor Jackson is Winifred Forsyte, daughter of James (Davenport) and wife of Monty (Durant Pritchard). Naomi Frederick plays Emily Forsyte, James’ wife. Sharon Rose is Alicia Cole, wife of Jolyon’s best friend Isaac (Igiehon).
IsThe Forsytes renewed?
Yes! It’s already filming in the U.K., and PBSMasterpiece has provided a plot description for the second season and confirmed who from Season 1 will return.
“In this next chapter, the proud dynasty faces a new era of scandal, ambition, and shifting loyalties. As love, legacy, and reputation collide, the cracks in the family’s polished façade grow ever deeper,” the Season 2 description reads.
Who is inThe Forsytes Season 2 cast?
L-R: Sarah Alexander, Richard Rankin, Nia Ashi (Courtesy of PBS Masterpiece)
Rankin joins The Forsytes Season 2 cast alongside Sarah Alexander (Pennyworth, Jonathan Creek) and Nia Ashi (Bob Marley: One Love). Their characters have not yet been revealed.
The returning cast includes Annis, Davenport, Durant-Prichard, Frederick, Flatters, Gibson, Griffin, Igiehon, Jackson, Middleton, Moore, Moyer, Orpin, Tomlinson, and Hampshire.
Head of scripted content and executive producer for Masterpiece Susanne Simpson said in a June 12 statement, “We’re so pleased with the first season of The Forsytes that we’re thrilled to continue the story into Season 2 with our stellar cast. We’re confident that our Masterpiece audience will quickly come to love the intrigue, romance, and drama that this series brilliantly brings to the screen.” Masterpiece is presented on PBS by GBH Boston.
The Forsytes reunites Masterpiece with acclaimed British screenwriter Debbie Horsfield and U.K. production company Mammoth Screen, the team behind global television hit Poldark, which also starred Forsyte cast members Tomlinson and Sturrock.
The Forsytes is directed by Meenu Gaur (Murder Is Easy) and Annetta Laufer (Get Millie Black) and is produced by Sarah Lewis (The Long Shadow). Filming is currently underway in the U.K. and Venice, Italy. The executive producers are Sheena Bucktowonsing, Debbie Horsfield, Meenu Gaur, and Damien Timmer for Mammoth Screen, part of ITV Studios, and Susanne Simpson for MASTERPIECE. The Forsytes is produced in association with ITV Studios, which will handle international distribution, with PBS Distribution handling North American rights.
BBC first adapted the novels in 1967. The second adaptation was created by ITV and came out in 2002.
The Forsytes, Series Premiere, 2026, PBS