Fans of historical dramas will want to tune into the latest series from PBS Masterpiece. “The Forsytes,” a six-episode costume drama set in late Victorian London, is already drawing comparisons to beloved hits like “Downton Abbey” and “The Gilded Age.” The new series comes from a team of creatives who are no strangers to historical dramas, led by writer and executive producer Debbie Horsfield (“Poldark”) alongside veteran Masterpiece producer Susanne Simpson (“Sanditon,” “All Creatures Great and Small,” “Grantchester”).
“The Forsytes” will air weekly on PBS beginning March 22, with episodes also available on the PBS app and PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video. With a second season already greenlit, now is your chance to step into the world of “The Forsytes,” so here’s everything you need to know about casting and more.
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“The Forsytes” is based on John Galsworthy’s Nobel Prize–winning Forsyte Saga novels, published between 1906 and 1921. Set in 1880s London, the story follows the wealthy Forsyte family as they struggle to balance love, ambition, and social status. When family expectations of duty and loyalty collide with matters of the heart, generational rifts emerge, causing scandals and betrayal. The saga has captivated television audiences before, most notably in a 1967 BBC adaptation and again in 2002. As described by ITV, the studio behind the new series, “this fresh new adaptation will transform the world of the Forsytes and is guaranteed to get everyone talking.”
The ensemble cast includes:
- Francesca Annis as Ann Forsyte
- Stephen Moyer as Jolyon Forsyte Sr.
- Danny Griffin as Jolyon “Jo” Forsyte Jr.
- Jack Davenport as James Forsyte
- Justine Moore as June Forsyte
- Millie Gibson as Irene Heron
- Tuppence Middleton as Frances Forsyte
- Eleanor Tomlinson as Louisa Byrne
- Joshua Orpin as Soames Forsyte
- Owen Igiehon as Isaac Cole
- Tom Durant Pritchard as Montague Dartie
- Don Gallagher as Swithin Forsyte
Additional cast members are Dexter Seaton, Naomi Frederick, Eleanor Jackson, Tilly Walker, Don Gallagher, Jamie Flatters, Issey King, Fiona Button, Tallulah Evans, and Josette Simon. Susan Hampshire (“Monarch of the Glen”), who appeared in the 1967 adaptation of “The Forsyte Saga,” plays the role of Lady Carteret.
Thea McLeod (“Neighbours”) and Susie Parriss (“Poldark,” “Victoria”) are the CDs. Sarah Lewis (“The Long Shadow”) produces. Executive producers include director Meenu Gaur, Damien Timmer, and Sheena Bucktowonsing. The series is produced by Mammoth Screen, a division of ITV Studios.
McLeod has worked with a range of famous Aussie actors, such as Margot Robbie and Chris Hemsworth, who got their start on “Neighbours,” the long-running Australian soap opera. In an interview with Backstage, McLeod shared her best career advice, saying, “As an actor, you’ve got to work hard, look at your career like a mini business, and really pitch yourself. Agents can do so much, but as the actor, you’ve got to put yourself out there as well.”
If you don’t have an acting agent yet, you can follow our tips for getting professional representation.
With Season 2 of “The Forsytes” already confirmed, production details are currently emerging. Filming for Season 1 took place throughout the UK and Europe, and filming for Season 2 is set for Bristol, so be sure to follow our London casting calls page for the latest updates. In the meantime, check out even more opportunities right here:
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