There have been few period dramas as popular as Bridgerton. Earlier this year, dear gentle viewers in their many millions watched with jaws dropped and hearts full as the blossoming romance between Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) unfolded. Although not the finest entry into the series, its promise of prestige must-watch drama hasn’t faltered, and the results are evident. From the very start of the most recent entry, the show’s popularity was clear, with it reported that Season 4, Part 1 was watched by 6.4 million households during the live plus three-day period, marking a 52% increase over Season 3, Part 1.

It is true then that, thanks to Bridgerton and the recent 250th anniversary celebrations of the timeless Jane Austen, period dramas and all the pomp and circumstance that come with them have never been more popular. A series that has benefited from this popularity most recently is The Forsytes, which made its U.S. debut on PBS Masterpiece following a successful stint on UK screens. This prequel to The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy finally concluded its opening season this past weekend, as the ups and downs of this swirling romantic story came to a shocking conclusion.

Following this finale, the first teaser for the upcoming second season has dropped, and the stakes have dramatically risen. “A new era dawns,” promises Joshua Orpin‘s Soames in the teaser, as Millie Gibson‘s Irene announces she is turning her life to marriage. Along with the promise of more unmissable drama comes fans’ first glimpse at the most exciting new addition to the Season 2 cast in the form of Outlander star Richard Rankin, who is one of several new faces to come.

Who Else Will Feature in ‘The Forsytes’ Season 2?

A blend of new and returning faces will be part of this indulgent period drama’s second season, with the first installment’s ensemble a significant highlight for viewers. Joining the likes of Doctor Who‘s Gibson and Orpin in returning for Season 2 are Danny Griffin as Jo Forsyte, Tuppence Middleton as Frances Forsyte, Eleanor Tomlinson as Louisa Byrne, Francesca Annis as Ann Forsyte, Stephen Moyer as Jolyon Forsyte Sr., and Jack Davenport as James Forsyte. New additions to the cast alongside Rankin include Art Detectives‘ Sarah Alexander and Bob Marley: One Love‘s Nia Ashi. The series has already been renewed for Season 3, and you can watch the Season 2 trailer below.