Channel 5’s new period drama, The Forsytes, which comes from Poldark screenwriter Debbie Horsfield, arrived on our TV screens on Monday night, and viewers have wasted no time giving their verdict on social media. The six-parter, which is an adaptation of John Galsworthy’s novel series The Forsyte Saga, is set in late-Victorian England and follows the lives of four generations of a wealthy family of stockbrokers living in London. Galsworthy’s novels were last adapted for television over 20 years ago with ITV drama, The Forsyte Saga, starring Damien Lewis and Gina McKee. The most recent adaptation also features an impressive cast list, including BAFTA winner Francesca Annis (Flesh and Blood) and Tuppence Middleton (Downton Abbey: A New Era).

Period dramas have become an increasingly popular genre in recent years, which is hardly surprising with shows like Bridgerton and The Buccaneers giving the genre a modern makeover with lavish costumes, soap-style drama, steamy scenes and themes of female empowerment. As a huge fan of the genre myself, I think The Forsytes has come at the perfect time as we wait for the new season of Bridgerton. If you love cheesy drama, sumptuous costumes and slow-burn romances, The Forsytes won’t disappoint. Keep reading to find out what viewers have said

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What have viewers said about The Forsytes?

Viewers who tuned into the opening episode have praised the show on social media, with some saying they were “loving” the drama already, while others commented on the dramatic cliffhanger ending. But don’t worry, no spoilers here! Taking to X, one viewer penned: “Just watched the first one and already can’t wait for the 2nd one,” while another added: “Omg what an episode and what a cliffhanger.”

A third viewer hailed the episode as “brilliant,” adding: “Can’t wait till next week,” while another agreed, writing: “That was so good omgggg, I cannot wait for next week!!”

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The show has been met with mostly positive reviews

What are critics saying?

The show has been met with mostly positive reviews from critics, with The Telegraph hailing the show as “tremendous fun” in its three-star review, while the MailOnline gave the show five stars and hailed it as “brilliant”. Meanwhile, The i Paper gave the show two stars.

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The series follows an upper-class family of stockbrokers in late 1800s London

What to expect from The Forsytes

The series tracks the romances, family bonds and ambitions of the Forsytes, an upper-class family of stockbrokers in late 1800s London. The synopsis continues: “Sticklers for tradition and status, the older Forsytes prize duty and reputation above all else, whilst the younger members 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?”

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The novels have been continually adapted for the small screen

Other adaptations of The Forsyte Saga

With timeless themes of passion, duty and family, it’s no wonder that Galsworthy’s The Forsyte Saga has been continually adapted for the small screen, most notably in the 1967 BBC series and the 2002 ITV series. The new series isn’t a straight adaptation of the novels, however, with writer Debbie Horsfield giving more weight to the female characters in comparison to the male-centric novels.