Poldark

In late 18th century Cornwall, Ross Poldark returns from war to find his life in ruins and romance unsettled. His betrothal to Elizabeth collapses when she chooses his cousin Francis, leaving Ross to pick up the pieces while the world around him weighs down with debt and uncertainty. He marries his former farmworker Demelza, a union that surprised many but deepens his sense of loyalty and fairness. Ross sets out to salvage a derelict copper mining operation, hoping to restore his family name and secure a future for his people. Yet hardship, poverty, and the lure of smuggling pull at the seams of a community divided by class and greed. The drama tests loyalty, love, and grit.

Produced for BBC Two, the series adapts Winston Graham's Poldark novels and first aired in two seasons from 1975 to 1977, bringing the Cornwall saga to television with a focus on rugged landscapes and human resilience and social grit.

Awards: No major nominations are documented for this series. While the production earned praise from critics for its atmosphere and performances, it did not feature prominently in the era's major award tallies, staying a beloved but modestly recognized television drama. Its legacy remains rooted in faithful storytelling and a cast.

Cultural impact: The show helped establish a template for British period drama with its lush setting and ensemble cast. Robin Ellis as Ross Poldark and Angharad Rees as Demelza became defining on screen, shaping later audiences expectations for romance and frontier grit. Its cast and landscapes helped shape period dramas.

Reception & themes: Critics noted the series for faithful adaptation and strong emotional core, centering on loyalty, social inequality, and stubborn hope. The Cornwall saga balances romance with moral doubts, painting a portrait of a community negotiating hardship and pride. It invites viewers to weigh duty against personal happiness choices.