New PBS Masterpiece Series Debuts In US To Positive Reviews

After its October 2025 premiere in the UK, The Forsytes has finally made its debut in the US as a part of PBS’ Masterpiece series, and has been met with solid reviews.

The Forsytes is a 6-part series that has an interesting history. Based on The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy, the series debuted in October in the UK to a somewhat more subdued reception. The US rollout comes months later, and while it doesn’t appear the series is a raving critical success, the show has already put down some solid roots in its first season.

With a score firmly in fresh territory, The Forsytes has had generally positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, sitting at 71% from a group of several critics. Highlighting a visually polished production, The Forsytes has been said to lean into the traditions of period storytelling, regardless of the level of melodrama. This often works well for period pieces, where the stakes are more societal than serious.

Overall, critics have described The Forsytes as elegant, well-crafted, and visually stunning. While this version of the story comes years after its last adaptation, which aired in 2002, some critics questioned why another adaptation of the novels was being developed, but viewers seem to have found The Forsytes a story that’s worth revisiting time and time again, regardless of how long since its last adaptation.

The Forsytes follows the lives of a wealthy British family navigating love, ambition, and societal expectations during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. The official synopsis teases a world where “desire, ambition and betrayal simmer,” as the Forsyte family is torn between tradition and modernity. Starring Francesca Annis as Ann Forsyte, Jack Davenport as James Forsyte, and Jack Davenport as James Forsyte, the series introduces new audiences to the family.

Notably, confidence in The Forsytes has been strong from the outset. A second season renewal was announced months before the series even premiered, signaling faith in the show’s long-term potential and audience appeal. That early vote of confidence now appears justified, as the show’s steady Rotten Tomatoes score suggests it has found a solid footing with critics along the way.

With its mix of lavish production design, classic storytelling, and enduring source material, The Forsytes is shaping up to be a reliable addition to the modern period drama landscape, one that proves even a 120-year-old story can still feel relevant today. With its PBS Masterpiece debut moving ahead and a new cast taking on a familiar story, The Forsytes is an exciting addition.

The Forsytes debuts Sunday, March 22, 2026, 9 p.m. EDT on PBS with episodes airing weekly thereafter.