Netflix period drama is ‘instant classic’ as good as The Other Bennet Sister
The period drama has been described as a ‘masterpiece’ by viewers (Image: BBC)
Fans of sweeping, smash-hit period dramas such as The Other Bennet Sister, Bridgerton and Downton Abbey are in for an absolute treat, as one brilliant British gem has been hailed as the ultimate replacement for both beloved shows.
This British historical period drama has audiences raving about its gripping storylines, stunning scenery, and outstanding performances. The best part? All five series of the show are available to stream on Netflix.
Poldark has viewers utterly captivated — and fans simply cannot stop singing the period drama’s praises. Written, created, and adapted for television by Debbie Horsfield, Poldark is based on Winston Graham’s celebrated book series of the same name.
The show first graced television screens in March 2015 on BBC One and ran until August 2019. Poldark adapts the first seven of the twelve novels in Graham’s series, comprising five series and 43 episodes in total, all of which are currently streaming on Netflix.
Audiences can’t stop raving about the period drama series (Image: BBC/Mammoth Screen/Mike Hogan)
Poldark follows the story of Ross Poldark, a British Army veteran who served during the American Revolutionary War and returns to his homeland in Cornwall, England, only to discover that his father has died and his once-magnificent estate lies in ruins. Set between 1781 and 1801, the drama charts Ross’ determined efforts to rebuild his life and fortune while navigating the complexities of love, family, and society.
The role of Ross Poldark is portrayed by Aidan Turner, who is joined by Eleanor Tomlinson, Heida Reed, Ruby Bentall, Jack Farthing, and Luke Norris, alongside a wider ensemble cast. Poldark secured the prestigious Audience Award at the 2016 BAFTA TV Awards and received nominations for numerous coveted accolades at both the 21st and 22nd National Television Awards, including Best New Drama, Best Period Drama, Best Drama Performance and Impact Award, with Aidan Turner claiming the latter.
Poldark has predominantly been filmed across iconic locations throughout Cornwall, with certain episodes featuring scenes captured in Corsham, Wiltshire, and Frome, Bath and Wells in Somerset. Sets for the production were additionally constructed at The Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol.
Boasting an impressive 89% average approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes across all five seasons, Poldark has proved an enormous hit with both audiences and critics alike.
One impressed reviewer said about the series: “Thankfully…the series delivers immediately on the panoramic scenery and romance that this genre demands: plunging cliffs, green fields, galloping horses and burning glances aplenty.”
Dubbed an ‘instant classic’, the show is available to stream on Netflix (Image: BBC/Mammoth Screen/Robert Viglasky)
While one critic was full of admiration for Turner: “I came to it fresh, never having seen the apparently much-loved 1970s version, and was suitably enchanted by Aidan Turner.”
Another reviewer said: “Poldark is juicy, romantic, melodramatic storytelling at its most enjoyable.”
A fourth critic cheekily wrote: “Beneath the ruffles and wigs (Turner’s glue-stained curls in this season have been abominable) are stories with real heart, and characters we can fall in love with again and again.”
Viewers have been similarly captivated, with one fan posting on Rotten Tomatoes: “Poldark has everything I look for in a TV series: great characters, adventure, drama, joy, romance, inspiration, and feel good moments. The acting and the story are not exaggerated like in a soap opera.”
A user review on IMDB says: “This is a superb series. It recaptures the golden age of UK television, for those of us old enough to remember it. For those who do not, you are in for a real treat. 10 out of 10 from me.”
While another review shared on IMDB added: “Absolute Masterpiece! Where to start?! This is one of those shows that are unrepeatable, unmatched! The visuals are breathtaking, the atmosphere dense, the music is superb (the intro alone deserves to be played non-stop) costumes, actors, colour palette, everything about this series is extremely well made.
“This is an instant classic. I thought the same thing back in 2015 when I first saw it. Now that I’m 32, I enjoy it and understand it even more, it’s just beautiful in every possible way. 10/10!”.
Another fan of the show said: “Fantastic series, definitively one to watch! Absolutely love it.”
Poldark is available to stream on Netflix.
