“The Forsytes” Is Back With More Scandal, Family Rivalries And Victorian Drama As Season 2 Arrives On Channel 5
Fans of Downton Abbey looking for their next period drama have a new reason to settle in. The Forsytes has returned to Channel 5 with its second season, bringing six episodes packed with forbidden desires, family secrets and the kind of social tensions that can turn a respectable household upside down.
The series, which has been praised by critics for its lavish visuals and meticulous period detail, arrived on the UK streaming service last week. Viewers can now binge the entire new season as the wealthy Forsyte family faces the consequences of the dramatic events that unfolded in the first instalment.
Based on John Galsworthy’s celebrated novels, The Forsytes explores the ambitions, romances and scandals of an upper-middle-class family navigating life in late-Victorian and Edwardian London. Beneath their polished manners and privileged lifestyle, however, lie bitter rivalries, complicated relationships and a constant struggle for power.
Season two draws on The Man of Property, the first novel in Galsworthy’s The Forsyte Saga. This time, the family’s carefully maintained reputation begins to crack as personal desires collide with social expectations.
Soames, Jo And Irene Face New Challenges
One of the central conflicts continues to revolve around Soames Forsyte and his possessive treatment of Irene. Their troubled relationship remains a source of tension, as Soames struggles to maintain his hold over a woman whose own wishes threaten his sense of control.
Meanwhile, Jo Forsyte discovers that leaving his wife, Frances, to pursue a new life with Louisa comes at a considerable cost. His decision brings harsh social and financial consequences, putting his future under pressure as he attempts to move forward.
The family is also shaken by a revelation involving Ann Forsyte’s secret grandson, Henry Falconer. His unexpected connection to the family sets the stage for a new power struggle at Forsyte & Co., with the discovery threatening to change the balance of influence within the business and the family itself.
As loyalties shift and private matters become increasingly difficult to conceal, the Forsytes must confront the growing gap between their public image and the reality of their lives.
Critics Have Praised Its Lavish Period Detail
The drama has attracted considerable attention for its visual style and portrayal of Victorian society. On Rotten Tomatoes, The Forsytes holds a 77% rating, while several reviews have highlighted its performances, production design and exploration of class divisions.
Spanish entertainment publication Espinof praised the series for its carefully constructed sets, Victorian elegance and sharp depiction of generational and class tensions.
Variety also offered positive comments on the drama’s presentation and pacing, writing: “Despite its more modern look, The Forsytes is perfectly paced and paints a majestic portrait of a family standing on the cusp of change.”
Other critics have been more measured in their praise. The Seattle Times described the series as an attractive production, noting that its appeal rests heavily on its visual presentation. Decider, meanwhile, acknowledged that the adaptation leans further into melodrama than some traditional versions of Galsworthy’s story, but praised its acting and striking appearance.
The mixed responses suggest that viewers looking primarily for intricate family intrigue, sumptuous costumes and beautifully staged period settings may find plenty to enjoy, even if the storytelling occasionally favours melodrama.
Could It Be The Next Drama For Downton Abbey Fans?
With its wealthy family, complicated romances, social expectations and battles over inheritance and influence, The Forsytes shares several ingredients with the period dramas that have captivated audiences for years.
Its focus on the tensions hidden beneath an outwardly respectable household should appeal to viewers who enjoy watching personal relationships collide with the rules of an unforgiving society. The new season adds further complications through Soames and Irene’s troubled relationship, Jo’s decision to leave Frances, and Henry Falconer’s unexpected arrival in the family’s story.
The series has already been described as an irresistible addition to the period-drama landscape, with praise for its polished production and portrayal of a family confronting change.
Whether viewers are drawn to the costumes and settings or the scandals unfolding behind closed doors, the Forsytes have plenty of unresolved conflicts to keep their story moving.
The second season of The Forsytes is streaming now on Channel 5 in the UK, with all six episodes available to watch.