‘Brilliant’ drama perfect for Downton Abbey fans is coming soon

The popular period drama, The Forsytes, which follows the lives of the Forsytes family living in 1880s London, is returning with a second season

alling all period drama fans! 5 and Masterpiece PBS have released a first look at the anticipated second season of The Forsytes, which comes just six months after the costume drama premiered in the UK.

The popular drama, which is an adaptation of John Galsworthy’s novel, is set in late-Victorian England and chronicles the romances, family bonds and ambitions of the titular wealthy stockbroking family.

Two people in period dress sit in a carriage © Instagram/@channel5_tv
Millie Gibson and Joshua Orpin star in The Forsytes

The new trailer shows Soames (Joshua Orpin) devising a scheme to rebuild the family’s reputation, while his wife Irene (Millie Gibson) reveals she has vowed to commit herself to her marriage at “the expense of her dreams”.

If like me, you’re a big fan of Downton Abbey, then this sumptuous saga is for you. Just like the hit ITV drama, The Forsytes follows the lives of a wealthy, upper-class family, during a time of social change, tackling the universal themes of love, duty, lust and family.

woman and man in Victorian-era clothing against green backdrop
© Mammoth Screen & MASTERPIECE
Tuppence Middleton as Frances and Danny Griffin as Jolyon Forsyte Jr

Keep reading to find out all we know about the show’s return…

What is The Forsytes about?

The series, adapted by Poldark creator Debbie Horsfield, follows the lives of the Forsytes family living in 1880s London.

Per the official logline: “Desire, ambition and betrayal simmer at the heart of the The Forsytes which chronicles the lives, loves, trials and triumphs of a wealthy Victorian era stockbroking family, whose generations find themselves torn between tradition and self-sacrifice versus personal happiness and the pursuit of love.”

Millie Gibson and Joshua Orpin in The Forsytes© Sean Gleason/Mammoth Screen/MASTERPIECE
The Forsytes returns to 5 soon

Season one, which was hailed as “brilliant” by viewers, follows rival cousins Jolyon (Danny Griffin) a free-thinking artist, and Soames (Joshua Orpin), a ruthless businessman, who are fighting for control of the family firm.

Their stable lives are thrown into jeopardy by the unexpected reappearance of Jolyon’s former lover, Louisa (Eleanor Tomlinson), a lady’s maid-turned-dressmaker, and the beautiful dancer Irene (Millie Gibson), who catches Soames’ eye.

woman with red curly hair against green background© Mammoth Screen & MASTERPIECE
Eleanor Tomlinson plays Louisa Byrne

What to expect from season two

The new episodes follow the dramatic season one finale, which saw Jolyon leave his wife Frances (Tuppence Middleton) for his former lover Louisa, with whom he shares twin children.

Viewers can expect to see three new faces in the cast: Richard Rankin (Outlander, Rebus), Sarah Alexander (Pennyworth, Jonathan Creek) and Nia Ashi (Bob Marley: One Love).

head shot of actorRichard Rankin has joined the cast of season two

Meanwhile, reprising their roles from season one are Danny Griffin as Jo Forsyte, Tuppence Middleton and Frances Forsyte, Eleanor Tomlinson as Louisa Byrne, Joshua Orpin as Soames Forsyte, Millie Gibson as Irene Forsyte, Francesca Annis as Ann Forsyte, Stephen Moyer as Jolyon Forsyte Sr. and Jack Davenport as James Forsyte.

The Forsytes season two is coming soon to 5 with a release date yet to be announced. Season two premieres next year on Masterpiece on PBS. Season one is available to stream on 5.