best episodes of Poldark poster

Britain is in the grip of a chilling recession... falling wages, rising prices, civil unrest - only the bankers are smiling. It's 1783 and Ross Poldark returns from the American War of Independence to his beloved Cornwall to find his world in ruins: his father dead, the family mine long since closed, his house wrecked and his sweetheart pledged to marry his cousin. But Ross finds that hope and love can be found when you are least expecting it in the wild but beautiful Cornish landscape.

5 Seasons
43 Episodes
Ended
Drama
Cast & Characters
episode image Episode 4
8.8/10 (949 votes)

#1 Episode 4

S1:E4

News of Ross and Demelza's marriage spreads, damaging Wheal Leisure's prospects.

episode image Episode 8
8.8/10 (891 votes)

#2 Episode 8

S1:E8

George expands the Warleggan empire, launching a new ship and bankrupting Carnmore.

episode image Episode 10
8.8/10 (540 votes)

#3 Episode 10

S2:E10

Dwight enlists in the navy to forget Caroline, and Demelza visits Verity to spend some time apart from Ross. While Ross considers rejoining his regiment, Elizabeth and George settle into married life, but George's plans provoke the locals to riot.

episode image Episode 8
8.8/10 (460 votes)

#4 Episode 8

S4:E8

Ross Poldark returns home after American Revolutionary War and rebuilds his life with a new business venture, making new enemies and finding a new love where he least expects it.

episode image Episode 2
8.6/10 (580 votes)

#5 Episode 2

S2:E2

As the election leads to rioting, Elizabeth goes to Bodmin herself. Demelza tries to influence the case by making a personal appeal to the judge, but George has a number of tricks up his sleeve as the day of the trial arrives.

episode image Episode 5
8.6/10 (537 votes)

#6 Episode 5

S2:E5

An informant in the smuggling ring poses a serious threat to all, and George buys Ross's debt to finally crush him. Meanwhile, Caroline returns to Cornwall to make an announcement, but it is Elizabeth who reveals a great secret.

episode image Episode 5
8.6/10 (474 votes)

#7 Episode 5

S3:E5

While George makes political manoeuvres at home, Ross sails to France to rescue Dwight from the French Revolution.

episode image Episode 3
8.4/10 (897 votes)

#8 Episode 3

S1:E3

Rumours spread of a scandalous relationship between Ross and Demelza.

episode image Episode 4
8.4/10 (526 votes)

#9 Episode 4

S2:E4

Needing money to open a mine free of George's influence, Ross strikes a deal with a local smuggler. Dwight, meanwhile, tries to diagnose an epidemic and receives help from an anonymous benefactor.

episode image Episode 1
8.4/10 (494 votes)

#10 Episode 1

S3:E1

Ross and Demelza look to forget the past and rebuild their marriage, but new arrivals threaten their fragile reconciliation.

episode image Episode 9
8.4/10 (472 votes)

#11 Episode 9

S3:E9

The Poldark family finds itself challenged on all fronts and threatened as never before.

episode image Episode 2
8.3/10 (936 votes)

#12 Episode 2

S1:E2

Ross plans to reopen his family mine with Francis. Demelza struggles to fit in at Nampara.

episode image Episode 7
8.3/10 (485 votes)

#13 Episode 7

S2:E7

Ross joins a smuggling trip in the Isles of Scilly in order to meet Mark Daniel but, in his absence, George moves in on Elizabeth. Caroline convinces Dwight they must elope for a new life in Bath, and Captain McNeil plans to ambush the smugglers on their return.

episode image Episode 8
8.3/10 (543 votes)

#14 Episode 8

S2:E8

Ross and Dwight stand trial for their part in the smuggling. A new tin lode gives Ross renewed hope in Wheal Grace, but it is George who is there for Elizabeth when her mother falls ill and deals Ross a bitter blow.

episode image Episode 9
8.3/10 (479 votes)

#15 Episode 9

S2:E9

Ross closes Wheal Grace for good. With Elizabeth wrestling with a life-changing decision, Demelza's world has been turned upside down. How will harmony be restored?

episode image Episode 6
8.3/10 (433 votes)

#16 Episode 6

S3:E6

Drake finds himself in the Warleggans' firing line as George moves to secure his connection to the nobility, and Ross provides some local aid.

episode image Episode 7
8.3/10 (430 votes)

#17 Episode 7

S3:E7

George pursues a vacant seat in Parliament as Agatha plans for her hundredth birthday, and Ross is given a proposition. Meanwhile, there is a new arrival at the Whitworth vicarage.

episode image Episode 8
8.3/10 (415 votes)

#18 Episode 8

S3:E8

Ross is adamant George will lose in the election and determines to get a headstone made for Agatha's grave, something Trenwith has neglected. George, meanwhile, questions Dwight over Valentine's legitimacy and - paranoid and jealous - shuts himself to Elizabeth, as Rowella begins to seduce Osborne Whitworth and Demelza receives tokens of Hugh's affection. Sam continues to pine after Emma, as Dwight instructs Osborne to forego intercourse with Morwenna and Cary informs Lord Falmouth that the Warleggans will be opposing Falmouth in the election. Ross returns from his mine to discover Hugh Armitage at Nampara with Demelza - and this time Hugh's attention does not go unnoticed..

episode image Episode 7
8.3/10 (368 votes)

#19 Episode 7

S4:E7

Joining the Enyses and Ross in London Demelza enjoys the city life and accompanies Ross to a charity ball thrown by Warleggan to celebrate his wife's pregnancy. Here she attracts Adderley's predatory attention, leading him to challenge Ross to a duel, the outcome of which makes Warleggan even more anxious to crush Ross. Whilst Demelza, overwhelmed by events, returns to Cornwall, Morwenna has a message for Drake and Geoffrey Charles makes an observation.

episode image Episode 5
8.2/10 (761 votes)

#20 Episode 5

S1:E5

Demelza gives birth. Ross welcomes old friend Dr Dwight Enys to Cornwall.

episode image Episode 7
8.2/10 (723 votes)

#21 Episode 7

S1:E7

Francis wrongly blames Ross for helping Verity elope with Andrew Blamey.

episode image Episode 1
8.2/10 (639 votes)

#22 Episode 1

S2:E1

Ross prepares for his trial as Demelza and Elizabeth try to help his cause. George does everything in his power to harm Ross, Francis wrestles with his conscience, and Dwight clashes with an entitled heiress, Caroline Penvenen.

episode image Episode 3
8.2/10 (522 votes)

#23 Episode 3

S2:E3

Ross and Demelza face financial ruin, and George plans revenge on Jud. Francis, meanwhile, tries to rebuild his life and extends an invitation to Ross and Demelza.

episode image Episode 6
8.2/10 (502 votes)

#24 Episode 6

S2:E6

Ross tries to help Francis's family financially, but George calls in Ross's debt. Demelza toils loyally to protect all at Nampara, and Dwight and Caroline continue to meet in secret.

episode image Episode 4
8.2/10 (424 votes)

#25 Episode 4

S3:E4

George proves merciless as the new magistrate, and Clowance is christened. Ross discovers the means to both help Dwight and combat Cornwall's famine.

episode image Episode 1
8.2/10 (464 votes)

#26 Episode 1

S4:E1

As the Poldarks look to rebuild their marriage and the Enyses to increase their family, Cornwall struggles under the Warleggans, whose power threatens all they hold dear.

episode image Episode 1
8.1/10 (1096 votes)

#27 Episode 1

S1:E1

Cornwall, 1783. Ross Poldark returns from the battlefield to find his father dead.

episode image Episode 6
8.1/10 (727 votes)

#28 Episode 6

S1:E6

With Jim gravely ill in jail, Ross and Dwight launch a desperate mission to save him.

episode image Episode 2
8.1/10 (434 votes)

#29 Episode 2

S3:E2

Sam and Drake provoke Trentishoe and Ross's stubbornness gives George the upper hand. Meanwhile, a great naval battle leaves Dwight's fate in question.

episode image Episode 2
8.1/10 (396 votes)

#30 Episode 2

S4:E2

The Poldarks determine to get their relationship on track and the Enyses announce they're expecting a baby. Hugh's worsening health threatens his chance to stand in the election, and the prospect of him remaining in Cornwall adds pressure to the Poldarks' fragile marriage. At the Sawle Feast, Tom Harry challenges Sam to a wrestling match. When Emma offers herself as the prize, Sam accepts.

episode image Episode 4
8.1/10 (372 votes)

#31 Episode 4

S4:E4

Ross is reunited with his family at home, but tragedy strikes in Cornwall. Dwight tells Caroline some devastating news about Sarah. Ossie is seen visiting Rowella by her husband Arthur, who grows suspicious. Emma returns to give Sam her answer, whilst Drake is persuaded into courting Rosina.

episode image Episode 5
8.1/10 (373 votes)

#32 Episode 5

S4:E5

George increases the strain on the struggling poor, driving Ross to make a risky gambit. The adversity the Poldarks face, however, may not be confined to Cornwall alone.

episode image Episode 6
8.1/10 (359 votes)

#33 Episode 6

S4:E6

After it is revealed that Nathaniel Pearce embezzled Pascoe’s client’s funds, the Warleggans take action. In London, Ross finds Geoffrey Charles led astray by Adderley. Sam convinces Drake to return from exile following his abandonment of Rosina and Morwenna’s subsequent rejection and Morwenna reveals some news. Dwight meanwhile helps in the development of Truro’s infirmary.

episode image Episode 3
8.0/10 (425 votes)

#34 Episode 3

S3:E3

Ross is ordered to leave Roscoff under threat of execution. He travels with Tholly to meet his contact in France, but finds information about Dwight's fate comes at a high price. Sam leads a congregation of methodists in protest outside the church - only to face broken promises from George, who revokes their lease on the meeting house, which leads them to turn to Elizabeth for help. Geoffrey Charles has some words of advice for Drake, who has shared a moment of intimacy on the beach with Morwenna.

episode image Episode 3
7.9/10 (382 votes)

#35 Episode 3

S4:E3

Ross faces the challenge of Parliament and the Warleggans refuse to accept defeat. In Cornwall, Demelza contends with a failing mine and fixing Drake's broken heart. Dwight and Caroline welcome a baby daughter. Ossie meanwhile tends to a dying parishioner and George hosts an extravagant party at Trenwith.

episode image Episode 3
7.9/10 (334 votes)

#36 Episode 3

S5:E3

Ross's tenacity in helping Ned bears fruit, but not without cost. Hanson’s presence in Cornwall raises suspicion and as Demelza wrestles with how best to equip the community to look after itself, Morwenna lends herself to the cause and finds new hope.

episode image Episode 6
7.9/10 (326 votes)

#37 Episode 6

S5:E6

Ross fights for Ned’s life as Demelza uncovers betrayal and the young lovers take flight for a future together.

episode image Episode 4
7.7/10 (310 votes)

#38 Episode 4

S5:E4

Ralph seeks to ruin Ned as rebellion stirs and the Poldarks are trapped in the middle.

episode image Episode 1
7.6/10 (452 votes)

#39 Episode 1

S5:E1

The Poldarks look forward to life together in peace, but a plea from his old army colonel, Ned Despard, compels Ross to the capital. Arriving in London, he finds a city gripped with paranoia, and is determined to save Ned from the conspiracy that imprisoned him.

episode image Episode 2
7.6/10 (339 votes)

#40 Episode 2

S5:E2

As George expands his power through a shady alliance, the Poldarks become caught in a deadly web.

Cast & Chracters

character image Ross Poldark

Ross Poldark

Actor: Aidan Turner
character image Demelza Poldark

Demelza Poldark

Actor: Eleanor Tomlinson
character image George Warleggan

George Warleggan

Actor: Jack Farthing
character image Dwight Enys

Dwight Enys

Actor: Luke Norris
character image Prudie Paynter

Prudie Paynter

Actor: Beatie Edney
character image Cary Warleggan

Cary Warleggan

Actor: Pip Torrens
character image Caroline Enys

Caroline Enys

Actor: Gabriella Wilde
character image Sam Carne

Sam Carne

Actor: Tom York
character image Drake Carne

Drake Carne

Actor: Harry Richardson
character image Zacky Martin

Zacky Martin

Actor: Tristan Sturrock
character image Tess Tregidden

Tess Tregidden

Actor: Sofia Oxenham
character image Kitty Despard

Kitty Despard

Actor: Kerri McLean
character image Ned Despard

Ned Despard

Actor: Vincent Regan
character image Valentine Warleggan

Valentine Warleggan

Actor: Woody Norman
character image Morwenna Carne

Morwenna Carne

Actor: Ellise Chappell
character image Cecily Hanson

Cecily Hanson

Actor: Lily Dodsworth-Evans
character image Ralph Hanson

Ralph Hanson

Actor: Peter Sullivan
character image Geoffrey Charles

Geoffrey Charles

Actor: Freddie Wise

Clowance Poldark

Actor: Wensdae Gibbons
character image Jeremy Poldark

Jeremy Poldark

Actor: Oscar Novak
character image William Wickham

William Wickham

Actor: Anthony Calf

The highest rated episode of Poldark is "Episode 4" (S1E4) with a rating of 8.80.

This episode received 949 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 8" (S5E8) with a rating of 7.40.

This episode received 428 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 4" (S1E4) with a rating of 8.80.

This episode received 949 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 1" (S1E1) with a rating of 8.10.

This episode received 1,096 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 10" (S2E10) with a rating of 8.80.

This episode received 540 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 1" (S2E1) with a rating of 8.20.

This episode received 639 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 5" (S3E5) with a rating of 8.60.

This episode received 474 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 3" (S3E3) with a rating of 8.00.

This episode received 425 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 8" (S4E8) with a rating of 8.80.

This episode received 460 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 3" (S4E3) with a rating of 7.90.

This episode received 382 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 3" (S5E3) with a rating of 7.90.

This episode received 334 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 8" (S5E8) with a rating of 7.40.

This episode received 428 votes.

Name Department Job
Tania Couper Costume & Make-Up Makeup Artist
Damien Timmer Production Executive Producer
Debbie Horsfield Production Executive Producer
Karen Thrussell Production Executive Producer
Rebecca Eaton Production Executive Producer
Winston Graham Writing Novel

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