“Poldark” has wrapped up, leaving fans without a new season to anticipate. However, there are more books in the series that could be adapted in the future. In the meantime, to satisfy your craving for dramatic period romances, here are thirty-five period dramas that might fill the Poldark-shaped hole in your entertainment lineup.
If you haven’t watched “Poldark” yet, check out our detailed review to learn more.
WHERE TO WATCH
To help you find these shows, here are the platforms where you can watch them in the U.S. as of March 2023. Note that availability might change over time. You can stream “Poldark” on Prime Video, PBS Passport, and PBS Masterpiece via Amazon Channel, or purchase it digitally or on DVD.
MOVIES AND SHOWS LIKE POLDARK
1. THE MUSKETEERS (2014-2016)
For pure entertainment, “The Musketeers” offers a mix of romance, action, and compelling characters. Santiago Cabrera shines as Aramis.
Content: TV-14
Watch on Hulu, Prime Video, Roku Channel, Crackle, Pluto TV, CW Seed. Available for purchase on Digital or DVD.
2. POLDARK (1975-1977) & (1996)
Revisit the earlier adaptations of “Poldark,” starting with the 1975 series and then the 1996 TV movie featuring Ioan Gruffudd.
Content: NR but akin to TV-14
Watch the 1975 series on Acorn TV, Hoopla, or purchase it on Digital or DVD. The 1996 movie is available on Britbox via Amazon, Tubi, Pluto TV, and Plex.
3. HORATIO HORNBLOWER (1998-2003)
This series with eight films captures heroic tales set in a similar timeframe as “Poldark.” Starring Ioan Gruffudd.
Content: NR but akin to TV-14
Available only on DVD.
4. WUTHERING HEIGHTS (1939, 1970, 1992)
This classic story shares thematic similarities with “Poldark,” particularly with its dark, brooding characters. Key adaptations include Laurence Olivier’s 1939 version, Timothy Dalton’s 1970 version, and the 1992 adaptation close to the book’s plot.
Content: Varies (NR, G, PG)
Available across Prime Video, Roku, and other platforms for streaming and purchase.
5. JANE EYRE (1983, 2006)
Adaptations of Charlotte Bronte’s novel featuring Timothy Dalton and Ruth Wilson. Both versions reflect the novel’s spirit authentically.
Content: TV-PG
Watch the 1983 version on Britbox via Amazon and Plex. The 2006 series is available on Hulu, Britbox, Crackle, and for purchase.
6. WOLF HALL (2015)
An excellent period drama about Henry VIII and his wives, featuring outstanding British actors.
Content: TV-14
Watch on Hoopla and PBS Masterpiece via Amazon.
7. VICTORIA (2016-)
This series about Queen Victoria offers romance and drama with a class structure vibe similar to “Poldark.”
Content: TV-14
Available on PBS Passport, Prime Video, and PBS Masterpiece via Amazon.
8. REIGN (2013-2017)
A historically loose but highly entertaining series about Mary Queen of Scots, with engaging romances and humor by Megan Follows.
Content: TV-14
Watch on the CW app and CW Seed, or purchase it.
9. JAMESTOWN (2017-2019)
Though not a favorite, it provides ample intrigue and good acting, suitable for those seeking more period drama.
Content: TV-14
Stream on PBS Passport and Freevee, or purchase it.
10. TURN: WASHINGTON’S SPIES (2014-2017)
A gripping series about America’s first spy ring during the War of Independence. Watch for J.J. Feild from “Northanger Abbey.”
Content: TV-14
Available on AMC+ and for purchase.
11. LES MISERABLES (1998)
A classic adaptation starring Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush. Offers a tender romance and deep narrative.
Content: PG-13
Stream on HBO Max or rent/buy it.
12. ORDEAL BY INNOCENCE (2018)
An Agatha Christie mystery starring Eleanor Tomlinson, perfect for fans missing Demelza.
Content: TV-MA
Watch on Amazon Prime or purchase it.
13. AND THEN THERE WERE NONE (2015)
Another Agatha Christie adaptation with Aidan Turner playing a mysterious role.
Content: NR
Watch on Hoopla, Acorn TV, and Amazon, or purchase it.
14. VANITY FAIR (2018)
A series recommended for its complex female characters and enticing drama.
Content: 13+
Watch on Prime Video or purchase it.
15. THE WAR OF THE WORLDS (2018)
This adaptation of HG Wells’ classic stars Eleanor Tomlinson.
Content: TV-14
Stream on Peacock, AMC+, and Tubi, or purchase it.
16. THE WOMAN IN WHITE (2018)
A recent adaptation of Wilkie Collins’ Gothic detective story.
Content: TV-PG
Stream on PBS Passport and purchase it.
17. THE PARADISE (2012-2013)
For a romance about an ambitious young woman, look no further. Also, see Ruby Bentall from “Poldark.”
Content: TV-PG
Watch on Prime Video, Britbox, or purchase it.
18. FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD (2015)
Set in Victorian England, with themes of love and loss. Features a romantic hero with fewer flaws than Ross Poldark.
Content: PG-13
Rent or buy it.
19. LORNA DOONE (2000)
A dramatic story set against class struggles and star-crossed romance.
Content: TV-PG
Stream on Britbox or purchase it.
20. AMAZING GRACE (2006)
Focusing on William Wilberforce’s fight to abolish slavery, with strong romantic elements.
Content: PG
Rent or buy it.
21. BELLE (2013)
An underrated romantic period drama set around the same time as “Poldark.”
Content: PG
Stream on HBO Max or rent/buy it.
22. LARK RISE TO CANDLEFORD (2008-2011)
An uplifting series to counterbalance the darker tones of “Poldark.”
Content: TV-PG
Watch on Britbox or purchase it.
23. LITTLE DORRIT (2008)
A top-notch British miniseries with a compelling cast and romance.
Content: TV-PG
Watch on Britbox or purchase it.
24. BLEAK HOUSE (2005)
A series centered around a will, adapted from Charles Dickens’ novel.
Content: TV-PG
Watch on Britbox, Hulu, or purchase it.
25. MERCY STREET (2016-2017)
If you enjoy Dr. Enys from “Poldark,” this American period drama with medical themes might appeal to you.
Content: TV-14
Stream on Freevee, PBS, or purchase it.
26. DOWNTON ABBEY (2010-2015)
Revisit the classic ensemble drama about characters living upstairs and downstairs.
Content: TV-14
Watch on various platforms like Britbox, Prime Video, and Peacock, or purchase it.
27. MY COUSIN RACHEL (2017)
A Gothic period film set in Cornwall, much like “Poldark.”
Content: PG-13
Rent or buy it.
28. BECOMING JANE (2007)
A fictionalized romantic tale about Jane Austen and Tom Lefroy.
Content: PG
Watch on Paramount+, Hoopla, Pluto TV, or rent/buy it.
29. SANDITON (2019-2023)
A romance-laden show with an entertaining love triangle.
Content: TV-14
Watch on PBS Passport, or purchase it.
30. BELGRAVIA (2020)
A brief but engaging miniseries by Julian Fellowes.
Content: TV-14
Available on DVD or MGM+.
31. BEECHAM HOUSE (2019)
With a strong cast and great love stories, this period drama is a delightful watch.
Content: TV-14
Watch on PBS Masterpiece via Amazon, or purchase it.
32. ANNE WITH AN E (2017-2020)
Dark romanticism and beautiful opening credits make this series appealing to Poldark fans.
Content: TV-PG
Watch on Netflix, or purchase it.
33. THE ENGLISH GAME (2020)
Another exceptional series by Julian Fellowes featuring charismatic characters and intriguing plot twists.
Content: TV-14
Stream on Netflix.
34. CURSED (2020)
A historical fantasy romance involving a young King Arthur and familiar actors.
Content: TV-MA
Stream on Netflix.
35. NORTH AND SOUTH (2004)
Always a reliable option for those missing “Poldark,” featuring Richard Armitage.
Content: TV-PG
Watch on Britbox, or purchase it.
BONUS RECOMMENDATIONS
– All Creatures Great and Small
– Around the World in 80 Days
– Various adaptations of “Beauty and the Beast”
– Being Human starring Aidan Turner
– Bridgerton
– Call the Midwife
– The Crown
– Dalgliesh
– Death Comes to Pemberley
– Desperate Romantics with Aidan Turner
– Dickensian
– The Dig
– A Discovery of Witches
– Doctor Thorne
– Dracula (2013)
– Effie Gray
– Emily (2022)
– Multiple adaptations of “Emma”
– The English
– The Essex Serpent
– The Forsyte Saga
– The Gilded Age
– Grand Hotel
– Numerous adaptations of “Great Expectations”
– The Hobbit Trilogy
– Howards End (2017)
– The Illusionist
– Jamaica Inn (2014)
– Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell
– Leonardo featuring Aidan Turner
– The Living and the Dead
– Mansfield Park (1999)
– Miss Scarlet and the Duke
– Mr. Malcolm’s List
– Mr. Selfridge
– The Nevers
– Northanger Abbey (2007)
– Outlander
– Pachinko
– The Personal History of David Copperfield
– Numerous adaptations of “Persuasion”
– Pride and Prejudice (1995, 2005)
– Rebecca (1997)
– Scholar Who Walks the Night
– Multiple adaptations of “Sense and Sensibility”
– Shadow and Bone
– Spencer
– The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
– To Walk Invisible
– The Vineyard
– The White Queen and The Spanish Princess
What period dramas are you planning to watch next? Let us know!
