Channel 5's new Victorian period drama is based on John Galsworthy's classic Forsyte Saga novels and the steamy series has already been renewed for two more seasons08:20, 13 Jul 2026Period drama fans can immerse themselves in an entirely fresh world as this series, set during the Victorian era, whisks viewers through six episodes in the perfect next binge-watch.‌Set in late-Victorian England, the programme, The Forsytes, chronicles the lives of an extraordinarily affluent and upper-class family of stockbrokers spanning multiple generations as they develop. The dynasty is shaped by a poisonous and loveless union between Soames and Irene Forsyte, where the husband regards his wife as merely his possession.‌Following her desperate liaison with an architect, it ignites a decades-spanning generational conflict and numerous additional forbidden liaisons. As a fresh generation of youngsters happen to fall for the wrong individual, it resurrects considerable past trauma for the family as they witness history repeating itself.‌John Galsworthy's The Forsyte Saga comprised a series of three compelling novels published from the early 1900s through to the 1920s, and the story has been shown through multiple adaptations. On this occasion, the books were transformed into a television series, initially released in 2025, which is anticipated to span three seasons.The Forsytes was created and wrttien by Debbie Horsfield, drawing inspiration from the Galsworthy novels while incorporating fresh and contemporary elements to the cherished narrative. For those familiar with the books, some struggled with the series departing from the original, while others welcomed this injection of change and modernity.‌One fan of the series wrote on IMDb: "While the pacing can feel slow at times, it ultimately allows for deeper character development and richer storytelling. Overall, it's a compelling and emotionally engaging series that is definitely worth watching."The 2025 programme features an ensemble cast comprising what numerous viewers have dubbed "pretty faces", with some familiar and others fresh to the screen. Expect to see Francesca Annis, Jack Davenport, Millie Gibson, Danny Griffin, Tuppence Middleton and Eleanor Tomlinson amongst the lineup.Period drama fans will recall Tomlinson from her memorable previous stint in Poldark.‌An IMDb review from one viewer says: "Not necessarily aligned with the original but an INCREDIBLE remake. I love the characters. I love the actors that were chosen. The CHEMISTRY and the moments that have been created are everything!! I was enthralled and binged the entire 1st season."Another added: "It looks expensive, and for a Channel 5 show that's a nice surprise. Bridgertonesque with the narrator, beautiful actors and gowns, but it's not necessarily a hindrance. Adds to the enjoyment of watching.Article continues below"It's difficult when a show has such a big history and people obviously love the original material, but it's unfair for it to get scathing reviews. It's just not true."While many viewers have drawn unfavourable comparisons between the new show and the 2002 production starring Damian Lewis - which is widely regarded as being more faithful to the original novels - the freshly released 2025 series has already secured both a second and third season, meaning fans will get to see the story continue to unfold.Series one of The Forsytes is available to stream now on Channel 5 as viewers anticipate more episodes.