The Forsytes Episode 1 (PBS Masterpiece)
Dearest listeners, do adjust your gloves and settle in – because Girls Gone Hallmark is stepping into a slightly more buttoned-up drawing room. We’re expanding beyond Hallmark and into the world of PBS Masterpiece with our review of The Forsytes, where fortunes are made, marriages are negotiated, and absolutely no one says what they really mean at the dinner table. In this first episode, we’re diving into lavish parties, whispered scandals, and one very eventful 18th birthday that sets the tone for a family where ambition, reputation, and desire are always in delicate balance. Consider this your invitation to join us as we trade small-town charm for high society drama… but don’t worry – we’re still bringing the same Girls Gone Hallmark takes.
The Forsytes (2026) premiered on Sunday, March 22, 2026 on MASTERPIECE on PBS.
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Listen to Girls Gone Hallmark’s Review of The Forsytes (Masterpiece on PBS – 2026)
Cast and Crew of The Forsytes
Visit the character guide of The Forsytes
- Written and created for television by Debbie Horsfield. Debbie is a writer and producer known for her previous work on Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale and Poldark.
- Inspired by The Forsyte Saga Novels by John Galsworthy
- Directed by Meenu Gaur. She is a British-Indian filmmaker with 7 previous directing credits. She will go on to direct episode 2 and 3.
- Francesca Annis stars as Ann Forsyte. She has 114 acting credits spanning seven decades in film, television and theater. Among her many acting credits is the film Dune from 1984.
- Danny Griffin stars as Jolyon Forsyte Jr. He has just 10 previous acting credits but Hallmark fans take note…he did appear in the 2024 movie Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers.
- Tuppence Middleton stars as Frances Forsyte. Tuppence has 57 acting credits and you might recognize her from the Netflix series Sense8. She also appeared as Lucy Smith in Dowton Abbey and Dowton Abbey: A New Era.
- Justine Emma Moore appears as teenage June Forsyte. This is her 8th acting credit and has appeared in Call the Midwife and the mini series Without Sin.
- Eleanor Tomlinson stars as Louisa Byrne. Eleanor has 34 acting credits with roles in The Outlaws and Poldark.
- Stephen Moyer plays Jolyon Forsyte Sr. Stephen is best known for his role as Bill on the series True Blood where he appeared in over 80 episodes. Most recently he’s appeared on The Night Agent as well as the series Elsbeth.
- Joshua Orpin stars as Soames Forsyte. Joshua has 14 previous acting credits including the HBO series Titans and the 2025 remake of I Know What You Did Last Summer.
- Jack Davenport plays Soames’ dad James Forsyte. Jack has 74 acting credits with projects like the recent All’s Fair on Hulu, Elsbeth, and Why Women Kill.
- Naomi Frederick plays Soames’ mom Emily Forsyte. With 25 acting credits, she has previously appeared on HBO’s Industry.
- Millie Gibson plays Irene Heron. Her previous work includes Doctor Who and 172 episodes of the British soap opera Coronation Street.
- Fionna Button plays Clarissa Heron. With 29 acting credits, she is known for her roles on The Split and the HBO series Industry.
- Tristan Sturrock appears briefly as Professor Heron. He has 44 acting credits with roles in Industry and Poldark.
- Eleanor Jackson plays Soames’ sister Winifred Dartie. This is her 7th acting credit and largest role to date.
- Tom Durant-Pritchard plays Montague Dartie. Tom has appeared in The Crown and The Windsors.
- Susan Hampshire appears as Lady Carteret. Susan starred in the original 1967 BBC The Forsyte Saga and won the first of her three Emmy Awards for that role.
- Owen Igiehon appears as Isaac Cole. This is just his second acting credit.
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