Here’s all the key info about Channel 5’s big new Victorian drama The Forsytes Season 1 (2025) — including when it officially starts, where you can stream it, a full episode list, the main cast, and clear steps for how to watch it online from Australia.
If you need help watching or accessing the show, just ask in the comments — I’ll reply quickly and make sure you can start streaming The Forsytes easily, wherever you are in the world.
How can I Watch The Forsytes (2025) in Australia on 5?
To watch The Forsytes Series 1 in Australia, stream it for free on Channel 5’s platform, 5 (formerly My5). Because it’s only available in the UK, you’ll need a premium VPN — just connect to a UK server, then visit the 5 website and you can watch all episodes as if you were in the UK.
- Subscribe to ExpressVPN.
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a UK-based server.
- Visit the Channel 5 website, then sign in or create a new 5 account. During registration, you’ll be asked for a UK postcode — if you don’t have one, you can use an online UK postcode generator.
- Finally, you can watch The Forsytes Season 1 in Australia.
The Forsytes (2025) Plot
The Forsytes follows a wealthy family of stockbrokers as they deal with love, loss, and the pressure to protect their legacy over several generations. The story focuses on Soames Forsyte, a man driven by success but emotionally conflicted, and his cousin Jolyon, who rejects the family’s obsession with power and chooses a more idealistic path.
While the older members fight to hold on to tradition and status, the younger Forsytes push back, searching for freedom and the right to live on their own terms. Two women — the passionate Irene Heron and the strong-willed Louisa Byrne — play a major role in reshaping the family’s future. In the end, each Forsyte must face one question: should you follow your head or your heart?
When does The Forsytes Premiere?
Season 1 of The Forsytes premiered on Channel 5 on October 20, 2025.
The Forsytes Cast
Here is the cast of The Forsytes:
- Millie Gibson as Irene Heron
- Eleanor Tomlinson as Louisa Byrne
- Jamie Flatters as Philip Bosinney
- Susan Hampshire as Lady Carteret
- Josette Simon as Mrs. Ellen Parker Barrington
- Owen Igiehon as Isaac Cole
- Fiona Button as Mrs. Clarissa Heron
- Tristan Sturrock as Professor Heron
- Naomi Frederick as Emily Forsyte
- Sharon Rose as Alicia Cole
- Francesca Annis as Ann Forsyte
- Stephen Moyer as Jolyon Forsyte Sr.
- Danny Griffin as Jolyon Forsyte Jr.
- Tuppence Middleton as Frances Forsyte
- Jack Davenport as James Forsyte
- Joshua Orpin as Soames Forsyte
How Many Episodes Does The Forsytes Season 1 Have?
| Episode | Title | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The House of Forsyte | The Forsyte family gathers for a major business expansion, reigniting old tensions. |
| 2 | A Question of Honour | Soames’s drive for power begins to strain family relationships and test loyalties. |
| 3 | The Artist’s Touch | The arrival of architect Philip Bosinney inspires admiration — and dangerous jealousy. |
| 4 | Hearts and Heirs | Irene seeks independence and Louisa returns, exposing cracks in love and inheritance plans. |
| 5 | Shadows of the Past | Hidden secrets emerge, putting the Forsytes’ carefully protected reputation at risk. |
| 6 | The Price of Freedom | The family must finally confront the clash between love, duty, and ambition in a dramatic finale. |
Is there a way to Watch The Forsytes Online for Free?
You can stream The Forsytes Series 1 for free on Channel 5’s official platform, 5 (formerly My5), which is supported by ads. However, the service is only available to viewers in the UK.
Viewers in Australia would need to appear as if they are accessing the platform from within the UK — many people use VPN services for this purpose. Once you’re able to access the 5 website, you can simply sign in or create a free account to start watching the series.
How to Sign Up for 5 (formerly My5)
| Step | Action | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the 5 platform | Go to the official website or download the 5 app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). |
| 2 | Select “Sign In” | Click Sign In in the top-right corner on the website, or find it under More or Settings in the app. |
| 3 | Create an account | Choose Register or Create Account, then enter your name, UK postcode, birth date, email, and password. |
| 4 | Confirm and submit | Accept the Terms & Conditions, then click Submit — registration is completely free. |
| 5 | Optional: Activate on Smart TV | On your TV, choose Sign In or Create Account, go to https://activate.channel5.com, and enter the 6-digit code shown on your screen. |
Review
Season 1 of The Forsytes is a beautifully made period drama that gives John Galsworthy’s classic story a modern touch while keeping its late-Victorian setting. The show looks stunning, with detailed sets, elegant costumes, and strong performances — especially from Francesca Annis and the rest of the cast. The story explores themes like family duty, reputation, ambition, and forbidden love, creating a rich and emotional viewing experience.
However, the series sometimes leans a bit too much into melodrama, and the pacing and dialogue can feel slow or overly explanatory at times — which may not appeal to viewers who prefer faster storytelling. Still, for fans of high-quality historical dramas, it offers a stylish and engaging adaptation of a beloved classic.
The Forsytes (2025) Trailer
The trailer for The Forsytes has been released. Watch it here: