'Perfect' Lavish Period Drama Based on Classic Novels
The family saga that explores love, wealth, and scandal returns in a polished new version that blends stunning performances with lavish costume design. Channel 5’s latest period drama The Forsytes presents a fresh perspective on John Galsworthy’s timeless stories.
A New Take on a Beloved Classic
New viewers may not remember the acclaimed predecessor The Forsyte Saga, first broadcast over twenty years ago, yet the series remains cherished by fans of historical storytelling. The new production functions as both a prequel and a reimagining of Galsworthy’s Nobel Prize-winning novels.
Three Generations of Scandal and Ambition
The original ITV miniseries spanned ten episodes, chronicling scandals that shaped three generations of an ambitious family from the 1870s to the 1920s. The central figure, Soames Forsyte, embodies the drive and complexity of a man obsessed with property and prestige.
Damien Lewis’s portrayal of Soames Forsyte is described as a “constant marvel,” revealing both his arrogance and human depth.
Love, Wealth, and Disillusionment
Soames, a prosperous solicitor, relentlessly pursues Irene Heron, a striking woman living modestly. Though she initially resists, they eventually marry. Their troubled union proves that money cannot secure affection, forming the emotional core of this sweeping tale about obsession and class.
A Reflection on Changing Times
Covering nearly fifty years—from Victorian England to the aftermath of World War I—the story offers a vivid portrayal of a society in transition. The Forsyte Saga endures not just for its period beauty, but for its perceptive commentary on morality, status, and human desire.
Author’s Summary: A powerful reimagining of John Galsworthy’s epic family saga, capturing the grandeur and turmoil of an evolving British society through love, ambition, and moral conflict.