A sweeping period drama hailed by viewers as “the best historic TV series ever made” is about to find a new audience, with all five seasons heading to ITVX.
Poldark, the acclaimed drama set against the rugged landscape of late 18th-century Cornwall, will become available on the streaming service from September 10.
Originally launching in 2015, the series stars Aidan Turner as British Army officer Ross Poldark and ran for five seasons before concluding in 2019. The cast also includes Eleanor Tomlinson, Heida Reed and Jack Farthing.
Years after its finale, the drama continues to inspire passionate reactions from viewers — with some arguing that its performances, storytelling and scenery even surpass Downton Abbey.
What Is Poldark About?
The story begins as Ross Poldark returns to Cornwall after spending three years fighting in the American War of Independence.
But the homecoming he imagined is nowhere to be found.
Ross discovers that his father has died, the family estate has deteriorated and his childhood sweetheart Elizabeth, played by Heida Reed, is now engaged to his cousin.
With his old life effectively gone, Ross is forced to start again.
Assisted by his new maid Demelza, played by Eleanor Tomlinson, he attempts to rebuild his future while navigating a community divided between struggling locals and powerful, wealthy businessmen.
Central to that effort is Ross’s ambition to reopen Wheal Leisure, his family’s abandoned copper mine.
Against the backdrop of poverty, class divisions and the dramatic Cornish countryside, his attempts to restore his fortunes become increasingly complicated.
Viewers Call It an ‘Absolute Masterpiece’
Although Poldark finished several years ago, its devoted following has continued to praise the series online.
“Singularly the best historic TV series drama that I’ve seen bar none,” one viewer wrote on IMDb.
The fan added that despite rarely rewatching television shows or movies, they had already watched the entire series twice and “loved every minute of it.”
Another described Poldark as “the very best TV has to offer,” saying the series exceeded already high expectations and transported them into the world of 18th-century Britain.
Other viewers have called the drama “exceptional,” “mesmerising” and an “absolute masterpiece.”
“Hands down best series EVER written and cast!” another fan declared.
Some Fans Even Prefer It to Downton Abbey
The enthusiasm becomes even more striking when Poldark is compared with some of television’s biggest period dramas.
One Reddit user declared it “better than both Downton and Bridgerton imo.”
Another viewer argued that Poldark offered “better acting, a better plot, and more beautiful scenery.”
Others singled out the complexity of its storytelling, with one fan saying: “The writing in Poldark was more emotional mature and complicated.”
For another viewer, the biggest difference was simple: its rewatch value.
“I watched Downton Abbey once. Once,” the fan wrote. “Poldark I’ve rewatched several times.”
With five complete seasons already available to binge, newcomers will soon be able to decide for themselves whether the comparisons live up to the praise.
Poldark will be available to stream on ITVX from September 10.