5 Shows To Watch When You’re Missing ‘Poldark’

Both Outlander and Poldark are sweeping dramas featuring spunky heroines and devastatingly dreamy leading men. A word to the wise, though: while Poldark’s charm was often in its ability to be clean and family-friendly, Outlander is so intoxicating because it pushes every envelope available. There will be sex, there will be nudity, and there will be devastating depictions of violence. But, you know, Jamie is really hot, so, you can pull through it. [Watch Outlander on STARZPlay]

Yeah, you could get your period romance fix from Downton Abbey or Pride & Prejudice, but then you’d be missing out on this amazing adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s romance with a “people dealing with the financial, cultural, and technological effects of the Industrial Revolution” twist. Margaret Hale is a high-minded young lady whose future is in upheaval when her pastor father loses his faith and moves the family up north. There, in a grim industrial city, she crosses paths with Mr. Thornton, an upstart mill owner with a mind to work his way into the upper class for good. Obviously, the two fall in love. I mean…obviously.
[”Watch North & South on Netflix]

Poldark isn’t just about a man; it’s about an entire family’s journey struggle through changing times, financial worries, and tempestuous romances. For my money, the best show about this very theme is The Forsyte Saga. John Gallsworthy’s epic familial saga has been adapted many times, but the most recent BBC version is pulsing with sensuality. Head’s up: the show is coming off of Netflix on August 15, so you have a week to binge both seasons. [<a href=“http://www.netflix.com/title/70208063”Watch The Forsyte Saga on Netflix]

It’s entirely possible that you were not hooked on Poldark for its sweeping Cornwall vistas or 18th century setting. No, you were just tuning in to see if Aidan Turner was going to take his shirt off again. If you found yourself overcome with passion for the Irish heartthrob this summer, then you’ll be thrilled to know that you don’t have to wait until next year to see more of him. Turner appeared as a brooding vampire in the original British version of Being Human — and if that’s not enough, check out his “Meet Queue.” [Being Human on Netflix]

If you are truly, totally, and completely head-over-heels for Poldark, then there’s really only one thing you need to watch: the original Poldark miniseries. While it might seem a bit “theatrical” at first glance, you’ll quickly find that this is a darker, crazier take on Winston Graham’s novels. Ross is a bit more threatening, his romance with Demelza is much more reluctant, and the pace of the story is quite different. Basically: it’s still Poldark, but an unpredictable one. [Poldark on Acorn TV]

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