Watch The Forsyte Saga

The Forsyte Saga is a British television series that aired in 1967 and tells the story of several generations of the wealthy Forsyte family. Adapted from a series of novels by John Galsworthy, the show follows the lives of the Forsytes, a successful middle-class family living in London during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

At the center of the story is Soames Forsyte, played by Eric Porter, who is determined to maintain his family's status and reputation at all costs. Soames marries the beautiful and sensitive Irene, played by Nyree Dawn Porter, but as their marriage progresses it becomes clear that Irene is not interested in conforming to the Forsyte way of life.

As the series unfolds, we see the various members of the family struggle to balance their personal desires with their duty to uphold the Forsyte legacy. Kenneth More plays the lovable and eccentric Uncle Timothy, while Margaret Tyzack portrays the cunning and manipulative Winifred Dartie. Susan Hampshire gives a standout performance as Fleur, the ambitious and headstrong daughter of Soames who is determined to make her own way in the world.

Throughout the series, we witness the Forsyte family navigate a shifting cultural landscape, as England enters the dawn of the 20th century. As the world changes around them, we see the Forsytes adapt their values and beliefs in order to survive.

The show's production values are impressive, with lavish sets and costumes that help transport the viewer back in time to the turn of the century. The acting is uniformly excellent, with standout performances by Porter, Dawn Porter, and Hampshire.

One of the most notable aspects of The Forsyte Saga is the way in which it explores the theme of love versus duty. Soames' obsession with preserving his family's reputation ultimately drives Irene away, and the rest of the family is forced to grapple with the consequences of this pivotal event.

In addition to its exploration of complex themes, the series is also notable for its strong female characters. Irene and Fleur in particular are portrayed as intelligent and capable women, who refuse to be boxed in by the expectations of society.

The Forsyte Saga was a critical and commercial success when it first aired in 1967, and it remains a classic of British television to this day. It was followed by a sequel, entitled The Forsyte Saga: To Let, which aired in 1970.

In conclusion, The Forsyte Saga is a gripping and emotionally resonant portrait of one family's struggle to adapt to a changing world. Its exploration of themes like love, duty, and social status is timeless, and the series' strong performances and lavish production values make it a must-watch for fans of historical drama.

The Forsyte Saga is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (13 episodes). The series first aired on October 6, 2002.