Throwback ITV Period Drama with Damian Lewis Will Be Removed From Netflix Soon

Why It Matters

The removal underscores the fleeting nature of licensing deals on global streaming services, prompting subscribers to act before content disappears. It also highlights ITV’s strategy to retain valuable library titles on its own ad‑supported service, driving traffic and ad revenue.

Key Takeaways

• Netflix's license for *The Forsyte Saga* expires June 2025.
• Series runs two seasons, ten episodes, starring Damian Lewis.
• ITVX offers full series free with ads after Netflix removal.
• Channel 5's new *The Forsytes* adds upcoming seasons.

Pulse Analysis

The early‑2000s adaptation of John Galsworthy’s *The Forsyte Saga* has become a reminder of how quickly streaming libraries can change. Netflix secured a limited‑term agreement to host the ten‑episode drama, adding it to its UK catalog in June 2024. As the contract lapses, the platform is set to remove the series, leaving fans with a narrow window to binge the show before it vanishes from the service. This scenario is typical for legacy titles that rely on time‑bound licensing rather than outright ownership.

For British viewers, the loss on Netflix is mitigated by ITVX, the broadcaster’s own streaming hub that now carries the full series at no cost beyond ad revenue. ITV’s decision to keep *The Forsyte Saga* on its platform reflects a broader push by traditional networks to leverage their back‑catalogues, turning classic dramas into evergreen assets that attract ad‑supported viewership. By retaining rights, ITV can drive traffic to ITVX, monetize through advertisements, and maintain control over the series’ distribution, reducing reliance on third‑party platforms.

The episode also arrives amid a resurgence of literary adaptations, with Channel 5 launching *The Forsytes*—a modern reimagining that has already filmed a second season and confirmed a third. This revival signals strong audience appetite for period narratives and offers broadcasters multiple revenue streams: broadcast, streaming, and international sales. As streaming giants juggle licensing costs, broadcasters like ITV and Channel 5 are capitalizing on their own content libraries, positioning themselves as both creators and distributors in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.