Channel 5’s latest period drama, *The Forsytes*, has been met with enthusiasm from viewers who are loving the sumptuous costume series about the titular wealthy stockbroking family in 19th century London. This six-part series, adapted by *Poldark* creator Debbie Horsfield, is set in late-Victorian England and chronicles the romances, family bonds, and ambitions of the Forsytes.
The show boasts an impressive cast, including BAFTA winner Francesca Annis (*Flesh and Blood*), Tuppence Middleton (*Downton Abbey: A New Era*), and marks a reunion between *Poldark* star Eleanor Tomlinson and writer Horsfield. The story tackles universal themes of love, duty, lust, and family, so it’s no surprise there have been several adaptations over the years.
## What is The Forsytes Based On?
The series is a reimagining of John Galsworthy’s early 20th-century, generation-spanning novel series, *The Forsyte Saga*. The novels chronicle the lives of the wealthy Forsyte family in England. This fictional series is divided into three trilogies: *The Forsyte Saga*, *A Modern Comedy*, and *End of the Chapter*. In total, there are nine books and several interludes (short stories).
The story spans 50 years, from 1886 to 1936, beginning with *The Man of Property*, the first part of the Forsyte Saga, which was published in 1906. Its sequel, *In Chancery*, came out in 1920, and the first interlude was published in 1918. The final novel, *Over the River*, was released posthumously in 1933.
John Galsworthy won the 1932 Nobel Prize in Literature for his work, which explores universal themes of love, betrayal, loyalty, and social change during Victorian and Edwardian England.
Over the years, the books have been adapted several times for radio, film, and television, including the 1925 silent film *The White Monkey* and the 1949 film *That Forsyte Woman*.
## What is The Forsyte Saga About?
The novel series follows the lives and relationships of the Forsytes, a wealthy family living in 19th-century England. One of the central characters is Soames Forsyte, an ambitious solicitor in the family’s second generation, who is married to the beautiful Irene.
In Channel 5’s adaptation, the story centers on rival cousins Jolyon (Danny Griffin), a free-thinking artist, and Soames (Joshua Orpin), a ruthless businessman, who are vying for control of the family firm. Their relatively stable lives — including Jolyon’s marriage to widower and queen of high society, Frances (Tuppence Middleton) — are suddenly thrown into jeopardy when two women enter their lives.
While Jolyon grapples with the unexpected reappearance of his former lover, Louisa (Eleanor Tomlinson), a lady’s maid-turned-dressmaker, Soames becomes captivated by the beautiful dancer Irene (Millie Gibson).
## Most Notable Adaptations
In 1967, the novels were first adapted for television with the BBC’s classic black-and-white, 26-episode series *The Forsyte Saga*, starring Eric Porter, Joseph O’Conor, Kenneth More, Nyree Dawn Porter, and Susan Hampshire. Notably, Susan Hampshire returns to the world of the Forsytes in Channel 5’s new adaptation as dowager Lady Carteret.
The story was adapted again for television by ITV in 2002. This version ran for two seasons and starred Damien Lewis and Gina McKee.
*The Forsytes* continues to captivate audiences with its rich storytelling, memorable characters, and timeless themes, proving the enduring appeal of Galsworthy’s work.
https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/863870/what-is-the-forsyte-saga-based-on/