A period drama featuring a host of British stars has landed on Netflix, with viewers questioning why it did not receive the same acclaim as Downton Abbey. The BAFTA-winning series, which originally aired on the BBC in 2015, stars Eleanor Thompson, Jack Farthing, and Aidan Turner as the titular character, Ross Poldark.
A Hidden Gem on Netflix
Created by Debbie Horsfield, Poldark follows Ross Poldark as he returns home after the American Revolutionary War. He rebuilds his life with a new business venture, makes new enemies, and finds romance while re-establishing himself in the sweeping British countryside during the height of the underground smuggling trade. The series spans five seasons and has been rediscovered by audiences on Netflix.
Poldark won the BAFTA for Best Ensemble in 2018 and was nominated for Best Television Series. One Reddit user commented: “I don't know about the UK, but in the U.S., both Poldark and Downton Abbey aired on PBS. However, it just seemed that there was so much hype over Downton Abbey, and you barely heard anything about Poldark, except I made it a point to watch the show. Even r/DowntonAbbey has nine times more subscribers than this sub-Reddit.”
Viewer Comparisons
Another Reddit user agreed: “As someone who's watched both shows all the way through, I think Poldark has better acting, a better plot, and more beautiful scenery. What made Downton Abbey more popular?” An IMDB reviewer wrote: “Rarely do I find a tale that so draws me in because the story is elegant and gritty, actors outstanding, and scenery simply stunning. The word 'noble' means something, and not all noblemen demonstrate it. The relationships are not predictable, nor the storyline, which shows the desperation of those who scrape by—mostly with honour—and some not troubled by honour but wealth. I rate it higher than even Downton Abbey, which I have followed with dedication, as I will with Poldark. I hope it is around for a decade at least!”
The series has been praised for its stunning visuals, compelling characters, and gripping narrative, making it a must-watch for fans of period dramas.
