'Perfect' lavish period drama based on books with all episodes streaming free
The story of The Forsytes unfolds as a grand family saga about love, wealth, and scandal. Featuring acclaimed performances and exquisite period costumes, it captures the turbulent lives of a privileged British family.
New viewers of Channel 5's period drama The Forsytes may not know its celebrated predecessor, The Forsyte Saga. Though more than twenty years have passed since its first broadcast, the original series remains cherished among fans of historical drama.
Legacy and Literary Roots
The new adaptation serves as both a prequel and a reimagining of the Nobel Prize-winning novels by John Galsworthy. The earlier version, a 10-episode ITV miniseries, chronicled the fortunes and scandals of the Forsyte family across three generations, from the 1870s to the 1920s.
Characters and Performances
At the heart of the drama is Soames Forsyte, portrayed by Damien Lewis, whose performance is described as a “constant marvel.”
Soames is an affluent solicitor consumed by property and riches.
His fixation extends to Irene Heron, played by Gina McKee, a woman who lives gracefully despite her modest means. Initially, she rejects his advances, but later marries him.
Their marriage exposes the emotional void that wealth cannot fill. The fallout from their relationship shapes the trajectory of the entire family, highlighting themes of pride, desire, and the cost of social ambition, according to the Express.
Social Commentary
Spanning nearly fifty years, from the Victorian era up to the aftermath of World War I, The Forsyte Saga remains celebrated for its vivid portrayal of a society in transition, reflecting the shifts in class and morality at the dawn of the 20th century.
Author’s Summary
This reimagining of The Forsyte Saga elegantly blends romance, restraint, and critique of privilege, offering a sumptuous yet piercing glimpse into Britain's social evolution.