"Irresistible" period drama that's perfect for Downton Abbey fans is back streaming in the UK now

A period drama hailed as "majestic" and "impeccable" is streaming now on Channel 5. The second season of The Forsytes arrived on the streaming service last week, with critics and fans alike eagerly bingeing all six episodes.

Based on the novels of the same name by John Galsworthy, The Forsytes follows the ambitions, loves, and scandals of the wealthy upper-middle-class Forsytes family in late-Victorian and Edwardian London.

Season two is adapted from book The Man of Property, and sees the respectable veneer of the Forsyte family begin to crumble following the dramatic events of season one.

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Soames Forsyte's possessive behaviour towards Irene continues, while Jo Forsyte faces harsh social and financial repercussions after leaving his wife, Frances, to build a new life with Louisa.

A new power struggle at Forsyte & Co. begins after the shocking revelation of Ann Forsyte's secret grandson, Henry Falconer, changing their family dynamics for good.

The Forsytes holds a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics describing the series as "gorgeous" and show bosses saying it's "irresistible."

In their review, Espinof said: "The Forsytes dazzles with its meticulous set design, impeccable Victorian elegance, and a surgical portrayal of generational and class tensions."

Variety wrote: "Despite its more modern look, The Forsytes is perfectly paced and paints a majestic portrait of a family standing on the cusp of change."

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Seattle Times thought: "This high-toned soap is lovely to look at, and perhaps these days, that’s enough."

Decider added: "The Forsytes might be a little bit more sudsy than classic takes on the Saga, but it’s still incredibly well-acted and gorgeous to behold."

The Forsytes season two is streaming now on Channel 5.

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Freelance Reporter, Digital Spy Rebecca is a freelance journalist who specializes in TV and film. After beginning her career as a digital entertainment journalist for the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, she embarked on a freelance career in 2021 contributing to the likes of Metro UK, The Sun, WhatCulture, Screen Rant, FilmHounds Magazine and more. Her particular field of interest is horror cinema and she has written for genre publications such as Ghouls Magazine and Moving Pictures Film Club. LinkedIn