The Forsytes, Season 1: Cast Panel

The Forsytes cast including Jack Davenport, Stephen Moyer, Millie Gibson and Josha Orpin, were joined by writer and creator Debbie Horsfield at a March 2026 NYC event. They discuss the making of the series, their characters, and favorite filming moments from The Forsytes. #ForsytesPBS #MasterpiecePBS #BritishDrama - In this video: 00:00 Introductions | Meet the panel: Screenwriter Debbie Horsfield, and stars Stephen Moyer (Jolyon Sr.), Jack Davenport (James), Millie Gibson (Irene), and Joshua Orpin (Soames). 00:50 - A Major Series Update | Stephen Moyer shares exciting news about the show’s future and the unprecedented three season commitment from PBS. 02:54 - Why Another Adaptation? | Screenwriter Debbie Horsfield explains what attracted her to Galsworthy’s books, focusing on intergenerational drama and the female characters. 04:47 - Inhabiting the Victorian Era | Millie Gibson discusses the physical transformation of playing Irene—from the wig to the restrictive corsets that got her in character. 05:53 - Logistics of Large Scenes | Jack Davenport talks about the scenes with 80+ people, and Debbie chimes in with the lessons she learned about scenes that are difficult to film. 08:00 - Researching the Characters | The actors discuss researching their roles, their relationship with the original novels and how Debbie’s scripts reimagine the characters' earlier years. 10:12 - Rivalry and Romance | Joshua Orpin breaks down the rivalry between Soames and Jolyon, and the complex relationship between Soames and Irene. 12:19 - "Nouveau Riche" Struggle | Jack Davenport and Stephen Moyer discuss their 30-year friendship and playing rival brothers onscreen, and how the Forsyte family will do anything protect their self-made status. 14:36 - Irene’s Journey | Millie Gibson explores Irene’s downfall at the start of the series and what the opportunity for a connection with Soames provides for her. 16:37 - Can Soames Be Defended? | Joshua Orpin discusses the challenge of playing a villain without judging the character’s motives. 17:33 - Fun Memories from Set | Millie Gibson recalls transitioning from the small cast of Doctor Who to a massive ensemble, and Stephen Moyer laughs with Jack Davenport about his dance scenes. 19:38 - Writing Drama and Secrets | Debbie Horsfield discusses the character of Jolyon Jr. and teases the "skeletons in the closet" coming in Season 2. 21:18 - Final Thoughts & Takeaways | The cast discusses the universal appeal of family sagas, the romance of the period setting, and what they hope viewers will connect with most. - For more videos on other shows from MASTERPIECE on PBS, make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/masterpi... Subscribe to the MASTERPIECE email newsletter to get updates about The Forsytes and other great MASTERPIECE shows delivered to your inbox: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/... Explore the MASTERPIECE series website for more on The Forsytes and other great dramas and mysteries. https://www.pbs.org/theforsytes Follow MASTERPIECE on social media for behind-the-scenes extras and more! MASTERPIECE on PBS on Facebook:   / masterpiecepbs   MASTERPIECE on PBS on Instagram:   / masterpiecepbs   MASTERPIECE on PBS on TikTok:   / masterpiecepbs   MASTERPIECE on PBS on X:   / masterpiecepbs