I just started a rewatch of the '67 series. I'm up to episode 11 of 26.
The casting, the close adherence to the perfect book, it truly is incomparable. Irene was an ethereal swan. Soames was so besotted with her but could never touch her heart. As cold and rigid as he was, in the end we were on his side.
The current series is so far removed from the book; same character names and a vague hint at original storylines. Soames and Jo are gorgeous. Irene again miscast - who is directing this hallmark wannabe? Who told her that heavy breathing = acting?? I just watched the finale and it was meh. Jack Davenport and the guy playing Monty are the most interesting characters. Irene bores me. June is a simp. Jo was desperately in love with Helaine, I mean, Louisa, but I'm not feeling it. Anne was the kind and wise spinster sister of old Jolyon and James, not their mother.
This series is somewhat watchable if you're into the Hallmark Channel but it ain't The Forsyte Saga.