The Forsytes: Channel 5 surprises fans by releasing series 2 of period drama with no warning
Joining the cast of The Forsytes series 2 is Richard Rankin
Channel 5 has baffled its fans by releasing The Forsytes series 2 on streaming with no fanfare whatsoever.
Last year, the broadcaster confirmed that The Forsytes would be returning for a series 2 before the first series had even landed on our screens. They were so confident that they were on to a winner!
Series 1 of the much-anticipated period drama started in October 2025. The six-parter was a “major reimagining of John Galsworthy’s novel series The Forsyte Saga”.
The second season sees the already jam-packed cast welcome some new faces. These include Rebus’ Richard Rankin, and Smack the Pony’s Sarah Alexander.
Here’s everything we know so far about series 2 of The Forsytes on Channel 5, which is now available to watch on Channel5.com.
Is there a series 2 of The Forsytes on Channel 5?
Channel 5 confirmed last year that The Forsytes would be returning for a series 2. In a statement, they said: “The Forsytes, Debbie Horsfield’s reimagining of John Galsworthy’s Nobel Prize winning book series The Forsyte Saga, is to return for a gripping second series.”
They continued: “In this next chapter, the proud dynasty faces a new era of scandal, ambition, and shifting loyalties. As love, legacy and reputation collide, the cracks in the family’s polished façade grow ever deeper.”
The first series of The Forsytes aired on Channel 5 in the autumn of 2025 and will premiere on MASTERPIECE on PBS in 2026. Series 2 was swiftly put into production, filming in and around Bristol.
Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor of Drama at Channel 5, said: “We are excited to announce that production has begun on the second series of The Forsytes. With the first series set to air soon, this early commitment to a second chapter is a testament to the strength of the stories and characters that we know our audience will embrace. We look forward to sharing even more of this rich and compelling series.”
Teasing the release on Channel5.com, the channel said: “New scandals. Shifting loyalties. As love, legacy and reputation collide, the Forsyte dynasty begins to crack. The Forsytes. Series 2. Stream now on 5.”
Who is in the cast?
There’s a fabulous cast of famous faces in the period drama The Forsytes on Channel 5, both old and new. Returning cast members, include Francesca Annis as formidable Forsyte matriarch Ann, and Stephen Moyer as Ann’s eldest son, Jolyon Snr.
Danny Griffin – star of Fate: The Winx Saga – will return as Jolyon Snr’s bohemian son Jolyon Jnr. Meanwhile, Downton Abbey’s Tuppence Middleton is Jolyon Jnr’s status-driven wife Frances, and The Outlaws’ Eleanor Tomlinson is Louisa Byrne.
This Life’s Jack Davenport plays Ann’s competitive younger son James, and Baby Reindeer’s Tom Durant-Pritchard plays Monty Dartie, James’ son-in-law.
Other key cast returning includes:
Liar’s Jamie Flatters as architect Philip Bosinney.
Doctor Who’s Millie Gibson was Irene Heron.
Disclaimer’s Owen Igiehon as lawyer Isaac Cole.
Royal Mob’s Eleanor Jackson as
Titans’ Joshua Orpinas as James’ ambitious son Soames.
Susan Hampshire as Lady Carteret.
Who is new in The Forsytes series 2 on Channel 5?
Joining the cast of The Forsytes series 2 is Richard Rankin, in an undisclosed role. TV fans will know him as Roger MacKenzie in Outlander, and DS John Rebus in the BBC drama of the same name.
Sarah Alexander, who made her name as a comedian in Smack the Pony, is also joining as a new character. More recently, she’s portrayed Undine Thwaite in Pennyworth, and Rosa Conaghan in Art Detectives. She’s also set to appear as
Lastly, relative newcomer Nia Ashi will join the ensemble for season 2. The actress previously played a teenage Rita Marley in the film Bob Marley: One Love.
Damien Timmer, CCO & Founder of Mammoth Screen, said: “We can’t wait for the world to see series 1 of The Forsytes, and we’re so pleased to be getting ahead of ourselves and starting on this thrilling second series with Debbie Horsfield’s irresistible scripts and our glorious – and ever expanding – cast.”
When is the start date?
We were expecting the new episodes sometime in 2026. But in a frankly baffling decision by schedulers, the series was quietly put on Channel5.com streaming on Thursday, October 22, 2026. There’s no news as yet when the series will actually air on Channel 5.
But you can now watch the whole of series 2 – all six episodes – now on Channel5.com. The series will be available to watch until August 31, 2029.
It’s anyone’s guess why Channel 5 released it without telling its fans. It will air in 2027 on PBS.
