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.
Episode 1 6.5
Air date: 2016-09-04
Runtime: 57 min
Overview: 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 2 6.2
Air date: 2016-09-11
Runtime: 55 min
Overview: 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 3 6.2
Air date: 2016-09-18
Runtime: 58 min
Overview: 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 4 6.2
Air date: 2016-09-25
Runtime: 56 min
Overview: 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 5 6.5
Air date: 2016-10-02
Runtime: 57 min
Overview: 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 6 6.5
Air date: 2016-10-09
Runtime: 57 min
Overview: 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 7 6.0
Air date: 2016-10-16
Runtime: 57 min
Overview: 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 8 6.0
Air date: 2016-10-23
Runtime: 58 min
Overview: 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 9 4.8
Air date: 2016-10-30
Runtime: 57 min
Overview: 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 10 6.0
Air date: 2016-11-06
Runtime: 59 min
Overview: 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.
