Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Poldark, which brings Winston Graham’s beloved novels to stunning visual life with sweeping Cornish landscapes, passionate romance, and the compelling story of a man rebuilding his life after war.
Poldark premiered on March 8, 2015, running for five seasons with a total of 43 episodes, each approximately 60 minutes long. It aired on BBC One from 8 March 2015 – 26 August 2019, and is currently available on Prime Video, Netflix, and other streaming platforms. Created and written by Debbie Horsfield, the series adapts the first seven of the twelve novels in Winston Graham’s series, which were previously adapted in a 1975-1977 BBC television series.
Set between 1781 and 1801, it stars Aidan Turner as Ross Poldark, a British Army veteran of the American Revolutionary War, who returns to his home in Cornwall to find that his father has died, leaving his estate in ruins. The series explores themes of love, loss, social justice, and personal redemption against the backdrop of Georgian England’s dramatic social and economic changes.
The tone masterfully balances sweeping romantic drama with gritty historical realism. The series doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of 18th-century life while delivering the passionate romance and dramatic storylines that made Graham’s novels beloved by millions. The stunning Cornish coastline serves as both a beautiful backdrop and a character in its own right, representing the wild, untamed nature of the story’s central relationships.
Ross Poldark: The Brooding Veteran’s Return to Cornwall
Ross Poldark returns home after the American Revolutionary War and rebuilds his life with a new business venture, making new enemies and finding a new love where he least expects it. Aidan Turner’s portrayal of the titular character became iconic, earning him widespread acclaim and a devoted fanbase. Ross is a complex protagonist who struggles with trauma, loss, and the challenge of rebuilding not just his estate but his entire life.
Turner’s performance captures Ross’s internal conflicts as he navigates between his idealistic nature and the pragmatic demands of survival in Georgian society. The character’s journey from broken war veteran to successful mine owner and social reformer provides compelling character development that spans all five seasons. Ross’s passionate nature often leads him into trouble, but it also drives his determination to fight injustice and protect those he loves.
The series explores how Ross’s wartime experiences shaped his worldview and his relationships. His struggle with what we would now recognize as PTSD adds psychological depth to the character, while his romantic entanglements drive much of the series’ emotional drama and viewer engagement.
Demelza: From Servant Girl to Lady of the Manor
The series follows his efforts to rebuild his fortune with the aid of his maid-turned-wife Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson). Eleanor Tomlinson delivers a standout performance as Demelza, transforming from a rough servant girl into a refined lady while never losing her essential spirit and strength. Her character represents one of television’s most compelling rags-to-riches stories.
Demelza’s relationship with Ross forms the emotional core of the series. Their love story isn’t built on convenience or social expectations but on genuine connection and mutual respect that develops over time. Tomlinson brings both vulnerability and fierce determination to the role, making Demelza a character who can hold her own against Ross’s intensity.
The series explores how Demelza’s humble origins both help and hinder her as she navigates aristocratic society. Her natural empathy and street-smart intelligence often make her more effective than Ross at understanding people and situations, creating a dynamic partnership that drives many of the series’ most memorable moments.
Love Triangles and Social Revolution: The Heart of Georgian Drama
The series reaches its dramatic peaks through Ross’s complex relationships with both Demelza and his first love Elizabeth. These romantic entanglements aren’t just personal drama but reflect the broader social changes happening in Georgian England. The love triangle storyline drives character development and plot progression throughout multiple seasons.
Class conflict becomes particularly intense as Ross fights against the corrupt magistrates and mine owners who exploit workers. His battles aren’t just personal but represent the broader struggle between traditional aristocracy and emerging social consciousness. These episodes demonstrate how personal relationships and political activism intersect in meaningful ways.
The series handles its climactic moments with sophistication, using dramatic events like mine collapses, shipwrecks, and social upheaval to test character relationships and resolve ongoing storylines. The show succeeds in making historical events feel immediate and relevant to contemporary viewers.
Supporting Cast: The Rich World of Georgian Cornwall
The ensemble cast creates a vivid portrait of Cornish society across all social classes. Characters like Captain McNeil, Jud and Prudie Paynter, and the various miners and townspeople provide both comic relief and social commentary that enriches the main storyline without overshadowing it.
George Warleggan serves as Ross’s primary antagonist, representing new money’s challenge to old aristocracy. Jack Farthing’s portrayal of George adds complexity to what could have been a simple villain, showing how personal grudges and social ambitions can create lasting conflicts that affect entire communities.
The supporting characters evolve throughout the series, with storylines that explore themes of loyalty, ambition, and survival in a rapidly changing world. Their relationships with Ross and Demelza provide opportunities for character growth and social commentary that keeps the series grounded in historical reality.
Success on Streaming Platforms
Poldark achieved massive success both critically and commercially, becoming one of BBC’s most popular period dramas and finding new audiences through streaming platforms like Prime Video and Netflix. Turner smoldered his way through five seasons of Poldark, winning over hearts and earning accolades. The series maintained consistently high viewership throughout its run, with the final season drawing millions of viewers worldwide. During the course of the programme, 43 episodes of Poldark were produced, allowing for comprehensive character development and story resolution. Poldark stands out for its combination of historical authenticity with contemporary storytelling sensibilities, making Georgian England accessible to modern audiences while respecting the source material.
A Sweeping Epic Worth Every Minute
If you love period dramas that combine passionate romance with historical authenticity and stunning cinematography, Poldark is the perfect series to binge on Prime Video. This isn’t just another costume drama; it’s an epic exploration of love, loss, and social change in one of history’s most fascinating periods.
Why You Should Lose Yourself in 18th Century Cornwall
Positive Points:
- Aidan Turner’s magnetic performance as Ross Poldark creates an unforgettable lead character
- Stunning Cornish locations provide breathtaking cinematography throughout all five seasons
- Eleanor Tomlinson’s Demelza offers one of period drama’s most compelling character arcs
- Complex storylines balance personal relationships with broader historical and social themes
- Excellent supporting cast brings Georgian Cornish society to vivid, authentic life
Negative Points:
- Some storylines become repetitive, particularly Ross’s tendency toward self-destructive choices
- Romantic drama occasionally overshadows the series’ more interesting social and historical elements
- Pacing can be uneven, with some episodes feeling rushed while others drag
- Final season feels somewhat disconnected from earlier character development and themes
- Historical accuracy sometimes sacrificed for dramatic effect and contemporary appeal
Poldark proves that the best period dramas don’t just recreate the past but make it relevant to contemporary audiences through timeless themes of love, justice, and the courage to rebuild after devastating loss.
Series Details
- Number of Episodes: 43 episodes across 5 seasons (completed)
- Platform: Prime Video, Netflix, BBC iPlayer
- Release/End Year: 2015-2019
- Current IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
- Genre: Historical Drama, Romance, Period Piece
- Production Type: British series (BBC adaptation of Winston Graham novels)
- Status: Completed series
- Main Protagonists: Aidan Turner (Ross Poldark), Eleanor Tomlinson (Demelza)
- Main Antagonist: Jack Farthing (George Warleggan), social class system