The Forsytes Season 1 Episode Guide: All 6 Episodes on MASTERPIECE PBS
The Forsytes Season 1 aired Sundays at 9/8c on MASTERPIECE PBS from March 22 through April 26, 2026. The six-episode season is based on writer-producer Debbie Horsfield’s reimagining of John Galsworthy’s Nobel Prize-winning Forsyte Saga novels, set in the late Victorian era and centering on a wealthy London stockbroking dynasty torn between duty, ambition, and the dangerous pull of the heart.
All six episodes are available to stream now on the PBS app and PBS MASTERPIECE on Prime Video. We reviewed every episode here on Girls Gone Hallmark — links to our full episode reviews are included with each entry below.
The Forsytes Season 1 — At a Glance
Episodes: 6
Premiered: Sunday, March 22, 2026
Finale: Sunday, April 26, 2026
Airs: Sundays at 9/8c on MASTERPIECE PBS
Stream: PBS App · PBS MASTERPIECE on Prime Video
Writer: Debbie Horsfield
Directors: Meenu Gaur, Annetta Laufer
Episode 1: The Forsytes Begin — March 22, 2026
Official synopsis: Chance encounters for cousins Jo and Soames Forsyte, rival heirs to the family firm, throw their previously steady lives into disarray.
The series opens in 1887 London, introducing us to the Forsyte family through the eyes of its matriarch, Ann Forsyte (Francesca Annis). Two branches of the family live side by side, united by the stockbroking firm Forsyte & Co. and divided by everything else. Jolyon Snr (Stephen Moyer) holds the chairmanship; his bitter younger brother James (Jack Davenport) wants it for his son.
For cousin Jolyon (Danny Griffin) — artistic, reluctant heir — the episode’s chance encounter upends everything. For Soames (Joshua Orpin), London’s most eligible bachelor and ruthless-in-waiting, his encounter is equally life-altering: he spots a woman dancing and is immediately, completely undone.
Courtesy of Mammoth Screen & MASTERPIECE
Key characters introduced: Ann Forsyte, Jolyon, Soames, Frances Forsyte (Tuppence Middleton), June Forsyte (Justine Moore), James Forsyte, Jolyon Snr, Irene Heron (Millie Gibson), Louisa Byrne (Eleanor Tomlinson), Isaac Cole (Owen Igiehon), Ellen Parker Barrington (Josette Simon), Philip Bosinney (Jamie Flatters)
Listen to our review of Episode One
Episode 2: A Life-Changing Night — March 29, 2026
Official synopsis: After a family night at the opera, Jo makes a life-changing discovery, while Soames, smitten with Irene, makes a hasty decision.
The opera brings the whole family together in full Victorian splendor and sets off the chain reaction that drives the rest of the season. Jolyon’s discovery forces him to confront a past he thought was buried, while his wife Frances watches with increasing unease. Meanwhile Soames, already obsessed with Irene, moves faster than anyone expected.
This episode also brings Philip Bosinney (Jamie Flatters) fully into the story when he catches young June’s eye. Prepare for a tailspin from Frances.
Courtesy of Mammoth Screen & MASTERPIECE
Key development: Soames makes his move toward Irene. Jolyon’s secret begins to surface. June and Philip’s connection deepens.
Listen to our review of Episode Two
Episode 3: Obligations and Promises — April 5, 2026
Official synopsis: Jo hopes to fulfill newfound obligations while James’s attempts to sabotage him intensify. June seeks solace with Philip. Soames promises Irene a move to Paris and support for her dancing.
James escalates his campaign to undermine his nephew and install Soames as chairman and it’s here that Jack Davenport really gets to show how deliciously Machiavellian James can be. Meanwhile, Soames makes a significant promise to Irene: Paris, the ballet, everything she’s ever wanted. It’s so romantic that we start to trust him with our stupid, stupid hearts.
Courtesy of Mammoth Screen & MASTERPIECE
June and Philip’s connection deepens in a sweet but incredibly naive way.
Key development: Soames promises Irene Paris and her dancing career. James’s sabotage intensifies. Louisa begins to emerge as a central force.
Listen to our review of Episode Four
Episode 4: The Paris Promise Breaks — April 12, 2026
Official synopsis: Jo recommits to his family. James is furious with Soames and Irene, and their Parisian adventure ends early.
The pivot episode. Jolyon makes his choice for the momentto recommit to Frances and their life together. While we appreciate Jo’s commitment to his marriage, it’s honestly a little shocking to see how easy it is to get him to bend to the whims of his father and his wife.
For Soames and Irene, Paris ends before it really begins. Both of them went into this marriage with eyes squeezed shut.
Courtesy of Mammoth Screen & MASTERPIECE
Key development: Jolyon recommits to Frances — for now. Soames and Irene return from Paris early. The marriage begins its slow fracture.
→ Listen to review of Episode Four
Episode 5: Disaster at Forsyte & Co. — April 19, 2026
Official synopsis: Disaster strikes at Forsyte & Co. as Soames puts an end to Irene’s Parisian dreams. Louisa faces a shock eviction. Can Jo save the day?
The penultimate episode is where everything comes loose at once. The firm is in crisis, and cue the music for “True Colors.” Sho cares about the business, who cares about the people, and who is willing to sacrifice one for the other. Soames reminds us that he’s always going to look out for number one.
We started this episode thinking Irene was the one in danger, but it turns out she’s got some of her own tricks hidden up her sleeve.
This episode ends with both Jo and Soames facing the consequences of their action, and throwing the best one-liner of the season at each other.
Courtesy of Mammoth Screen & MASTERPIECE
Key development: Crisis at Forsyte & Co. Soames ends Irene’s ballet aspirations for good. Louisa faces eviction and Jolyon must choose where his loyalties lie.
Listen to our review of Episode Five
Episode 6: Ann’s Secret — Season Finale, April 26, 2026
Official synopsis: Soames commissions a country house despite Irene’s distress. As Louisa faces a fresh start, Jo decides his future. Ann reveals a dark secret.
The finale delivers on every thread the season has been pulling. Soames commissions a country house which is practically a gilded cage. Philip Bosinney gets the architectural commission he’s been waiting for and we think we’re happy for June?
Jolyon makes a HUGE decision about his future. And then there’s Ann who finally lets the secret she’s been guarding for decades come to light. This changes everything!
Courtesy of Mammoth Screen & MASTERPIECE
Key development: Soames commissions the country house. Jolyon decides his future. Ann reveals her long-guarded secret in the season’s defining moment.
The Girls Gone Hallmark Review of Episode Six is coming on Friday, May 1st.
The Forsytes Season 1: Full Cast List
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Francesca Annis | Ann Forsyte |
| Danny Griffin | Jolyon Forsyte |
| Joshua Orpin | Soames Forsyte |
| Tuppence Middleton | Frances Forsyte |
| Millie Gibson | Irene Heron |
| Stephen Moyer | Jolyon Senior |
| Jack Davenport | James Forsyte |
| Eleanor Tomlinson | Louisa Byrne |
| Justine Moore | June Forsyte |
| Jamie Flatters | Philip Bosinney |
| Eleanor Jackson | Winifred Dartie |
| Tom Durant-Pritchard | Monty Dartie |
| Naomi Frederick | Emily Forsyte |
| Owen Igiehon | Isaac Cole |
| Josette Simon | Ellen Parker Barrington |
| Sharon Rose | Alicia Cole |
| Susan Hampshire | Lady Carteret |
Where to Watch The Forsytes Season 1
All six episodes of The Forsytes Season 1 are available to stream now on the PBS app and PBS MASTERPIECE on Prime Video.
Season 2 has been confirmed and is currently filming. Read our full Season 2 announcement for everything we know so far, including the new cast additions.
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