Poldark is our TV suggestion of the week to get through Droughtlander
Not only are we in Droughtlander, but we’re into the hardest Droughtlander we’ve known. That’s why you’re looking for shows like Outlander to keep you entertained.
We’re going to start offering Droughtlander suggestions each week. We’ll do three posts a week, suggesting TV shows or movies, books, and podcasts. There’s one of each every single week posted Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Today’s suggestion is the TV series Poldark. It’s one we’ve recommended before, and one that remains popular for all.
Based on a book series set in the past
Poldark is like Outlander in the way that it’s based on a book series set in the past. However, that’s where the similarities end. Ross Poldark is not Jamie Fraser, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. After all, at no point is Ross trying to mimic Jamie.
Also, Demelza is nothing like Claire. That doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of things to love about her.
The series follows Ross Poldark, who returns home from the American Revolutionary War to find out his father has died and the land that is now his has suffered from a lot of debt. On top of that, the love of his life engaged to another man. Can he get the love of his life back or is there someone else out there for him?
Throughout the course of five seasons, we follow him on this journey to repair wrongs and live a life free from politics and danger. If only life would go along with his wishes.
There are only five seasons. While there are more books, the series decided to end with Ross and Demelza’s storyline rather than continuing the series with their children. It makes sense from a TV standpoint.
Beautiful sets and costumes
One of the things that keeps us engaged in Outlander as fans is the work that goes into it. The costumes and sets are among the biggest talking points. Well, Poldark has them too.
If you miss the beauty of the costumes from Outlander, you’ll want to check out this series during Droughtlander. The costumes are a little later than our beloved series, set in the years after the Revolutionary War. They’re also the English costumes for those in the south. This will mean different materials, colors, and extra items. They’re still true to the time.
As for the sets, there are just so many. The series has done such a wonderful job of bringing 18th-century England to life.
Riveting drama and wonderful acting
Of course, we love the costumes and sets, but a show wouldn’t be any good if it wasn’t written well. There’s no need to worry about that. Like any show based on a book series, there is some artistic license taken. However, for the most part, the storylines (especially earlier ones) follow what you’d expect.
On top of that is the brilliant casting. Aidan Turner is outstanding as Ross Poldark. He has his flaws, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a man you want by your side. There are times you will scream at the screen, but that shows how wonderful Turner is in the role.
Eleanor Tomlinson got her chance to shine on Poldark. She takes on the role of Demelza and brings the character to life so perfectly. She’s joined the cast of The Nevers with Laura Donnelly, so you’ll want to see her in this leading lady role to see her at her best and get an idea of what to expect from her in the new series.
There are also some familiar faces that pop up along the way. One of those is Andrew Gower in Poldark Season 5.
It’s worthy of a binge-watch
There are some shows that you’ll only be able to watch an episode or two and need to take a break. It could be the topics, the violence, or just that you feel overwhelmed by them. When you’re looking for something during Droughtlander, there’s no doubt that you need something that’s binge-worthy. You want shows like Outlander!
Well, that’s what you get with Poldark.
The story is told over five seasons. Most seasons are just eight episodes long, although Season 2 is 10 episodes and Season 3 is nine episodes. Everything remains contained and focused, which is common for British period dramas.
And the short seasons work with the contained storylines. It’s a better chance to get to know particular characters and feel attached to them. Plus, you have something that is far more binge-able than something that has 22 episodes and 15 seasons!
You won’t regret starting the series. Well, unless you regret spending a whole week watching one show.
Once it’s over, you’ll probably want to start the book series.
What are you watching to get through Droughtlander? Which shows like Outlander do you highly recommend? Let us know in the comments below.
Watch Poldark on Amazon Prime Video with a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime.