Poldark

:

Season 1
  • Network: PBS , BBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 21, 2015
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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Critic Reviews

  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Nina Terrero
    Jun 15, 2015
    83
    The series is impeccably produced, but the real draw is Turner. [19 Jun 2015, p.58]
    All this critic's reviews
  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Keith Uhlich
    Jun 22, 2015
    80
    The sheer blissful goofiness of [Poldark and Demelza's] burgeoning romance (with swelling music, furtive glances, and Harlequin romance novel compositions) encapsulates the pleasures of the series as a whole. This is trash done ecstatically well.
  3. The Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Kristi Turnquist
    Jun 19, 2015
    80
    Poldark is juicy, romantic, melodramatic storytelling at its most enjoyable.
  5. Philadelphia Daily News
    Reviewed by: Ellen Gray
    Jun 18, 2015
    80
    It's all great, escapist fun.
  6. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Jun 18, 2015
    80
    Turner brings the necessary swoon-worthy qualities to the emotionally wounded lead (who knew there were ab exercises back in the 18th century?), but the cast is uniformly good.
  7. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Jun 4, 2015
    80
    Aidan Turner cuts a dashing figure as the reincarnation of Poldark, reviving an early Masterpiece breakthrough from the mid-70s with swarthy, romantic vigor. [8 Jun 2015, p.13]
    All this critic's reviews
  8. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Hank Stuever
    Jun 17, 2015
    75
    It’s ridiculous, it’s sumptuous, it’s perfect summer sorbet.
  9. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Tirdad Derakhshani
    Jun 22, 2015
    70
    Poldark doesn't rise to the dramatic heights of Downton Abbey. And though it sometimes takes itself too seriously, it is an eminently watchable yarn.
  10. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Jun 22, 2015
    70
    An enjoyable mix of romance, period adventure and serialized plot turns, Poldark proves an entertaining, 18th-century summer soap.
  11. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    Jun 18, 2015
    70
    [Aidan Turner] strips Poldark’s Henry Higgins-like tendencies of any potentially unseemly qualities, which helps to make him easy to root for. Like everything else in Poldark, he’s old-fashioned and winning.
  12. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    Jun 22, 2015
    67
    By now, you’ve grasped Poldark is a soap, a four-letter word by PBS’ standards.
  13. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    Jun 19, 2015
    60
    Nothing stands out (including the blandly pretty cinematography and insistent music), but it’s saucier than the sum of its parts.
  14. Slate
    Reviewed by: Willa Paskin
    Jun 18, 2015
    50
    Poldark has no patience for dramatic tension. It is always in a rush. It turns what should be a deliciously drawn-out love story into a fait accompli.... It is too in love with Poldark.
  15. Las Vegas Weekly
    Reviewed by: Josh Bell
    Jun 17, 2015
    50
    Both the scenery and the star of Poldark look great, but the storytelling isn’t quite as effective.

Awards & Rankings

84
#84 Best TV Season of 2015
76
#76 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 42 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 42
  3. Negative: 5 out of 42
  1. Knighthawk81
    Jun 23, 2015
    6
    This is an interesting period piece about a British man who fought in the Revolutionary War, survived, and returned home to find his fatherThis is an interesting period piece about a British man who fought in the Revolutionary War, survived, and returned home to find his father dead, his family home in ruins, and his girl betrothed to his cousin. The pilot had a nice, moody vibe. I liked the work to build up the central character and the way the pilot ended.… Full Review »
  2. Allanbaxter
    Oct 5, 2018
    10
    We have watched 3 seasons of Poldark and love this show. It's a great show for curling up on cold nights. The storyline keeps you on the edgeWe have watched 3 seasons of Poldark and love this show. It's a great show for curling up on cold nights. The storyline keeps you on the edge of your couch. Combine that with great acting and you have one heck of a series on your hands. I suggest you give it a try.… Full Review »
  3. tdwillis
    Jul 26, 2017
    8
    I'm into the second season, and it is getting the feel of a 18th century soap opera. I suppose that isn't necessarily a bad thing as it isI'm into the second season, and it is getting the feel of a 18th century soap opera. I suppose that isn't necessarily a bad thing as it is indicative of a very fast pace with a good amount of turmoil and multi plots happening in each episode. Romance, adventure, drama, and comedy are rolled into each episode for a fun ride. The cinematography and acting are superbly done and the characters are easy to like or dislike. The setting and costumes appear to be time appropriate (which has been interesting to notice as a side note). Sound and score well done. Camera work and editing top notch. I am entertained enough, at season two, to go back for more.… Full Review »
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