Intimate new period drama The Forsytes scratches the Downton Abbey itch, but there’s 1 thing missing

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If you loved Downton Abbey and are still missing it, you’ll be happy to hear about Channel 5’s new period drama, The Forsytes. This adaptation, like the 2002 version starring Damian Lewis (The Forsyte Saga), focuses on a wealthy stockbroking family in the late Victorian period.

The story revolves around cousins Jolyon and Soames, who are competing to take over the family company. Of course, no period drama is complete without a bit of intense romance too.

The story primarily focuses on the love lives of the Forsyte family. Jolyon, who is married, finds himself facing complications when his past love, Louisa – now a dressmaker – reappears. His daughter, June, falls for an architect with no money, and Soames becomes captivated by Irene, a beautiful and independent dancer.

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This short preview hints at the show’s ability to deliver powerful, emotional stories, and early episodes suggest there’s a lot to come. However, it feels more restrained than many recent period dramas.

We’re definitely in a golden age for period dramas, and the genre is changing in really interesting ways.

Period dramas, from the passionate stories of Bridgerton to the energetic new series House of the Dragon, are currently full of fresh and creative ideas.

While The Forsytes isn’t as immediately striking as some shows, this new version has a special quality that strongly recalls the delightful and captivating atmosphere of Downton Abbey.

The show’s strength comes from writer and executive producer Debbie Horsfield’s traditional storytelling style. The Forsytes feels refreshingly realistic, focusing on the close-up details of its story and the complicated relationships between its characters, which aren’t always simple or straightforward.

Eleanor Tomlinson joins the cast as Louisa, an old acquaintance whose return complicates Jolyon’s life as expected. More surprisingly, her reappearance sheds light on the hidden tensions within Jolyon’s marriage to Frances (played by Tuppence Middleton).

The connection between the three characters is complex, fragile, and full of underlying tension. This dynamic sets this version apart from the 2002 adaptation, making it immediately more engaging due to its depth and nuance.

Actor Samuel Orpin beautifully portrays the contrasting sides of his character – he can be both incredibly harsh and surprisingly gentle, depending on the situation.

Francesca Annis plays Ann Forsyte, the strong and central figure of the family, similar in some ways to a Dowager Countess. However, it’s important not to compare her directly to characters like Lady Grantham (played by Maggie Smith). While Ann may not be as playfully mischievous, she’s a compelling character thanks to her blend of kindness and wit.

Similar to Downton Abbey, The Forsytes has a grand, romantic quality that draws you into its story. However, it’s not without flaws. The show excels at building romantic tension, but the story sometimes feels slow and unevenly paced.

The Forsytes reveals major plot points too rapidly, creating a temporary sense of satisfaction but ultimately diminishing the overall suspense.

Even though the show isn’t perfect, people are still invested in the characters, which is keeping them watching for now.

The show’s mysteries are captivating, and hopefully, they’ll keep viewers hooked while the series finds its rhythm. It’s already setting up plenty of dramatic storylines – think family conflicts, secret affairs, shocking betrayals, and, naturally, a lot of heartbreak.

Basically, everything you could want from your latest period drama obsession.

The Forsytes is available to watch from Monday 20 October at 9pm on Channel 5.

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2025-10-21 00:19