You’ve probably seen the clip. The one where Ross Poldark is scything a field, shirt nowhere to be found, while the Cornish sun beats down. It’s the scene that basically launched a thousand memes and made Aidan Turner a household name. But maybe you’re late to the party, or maybe you just want to relive the drama of 18th-century mining and complicated love triangles. Whatever the reason, if you're asking how do I watch Poldark in 2026, you've likely realized the streaming landscape is a bit of a mess.
Rights move. Contracts expire. One day it’s on Prime, the next it’s gone. Honestly, it’s enough to make you as grumpy as George Warleggan on a bad day.
Currently, the 2015-2019 BBC adaptation—the one everyone talks about—is spread across a few different platforms depending on where you live. It’s not just about finding the show; it’s about finding all five seasons without getting hit by a "this content is unavailable in your region" error. Let's break down exactly where the scything is happening right now.
How do I watch Poldark in the United States?
If you’re in the States, things got a lot easier recently. For the longest time, the show was locked away in the vault of PBS. But as of late 2025 and into 2026, Netflix US finally bagged the rights to all five seasons. It was a huge deal for fans who didn't want to juggle extra add-on channels.
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If you don't have Netflix, your next best bet is PBS Passport. This is basically the "pro" version of the PBS app. You usually get access by donating a small monthly amount (often around $5) to your local member station. It’s a solid deal because you get the full Masterpiece library, which includes Sanditon and Victoria too.
- Netflix: All 5 seasons (the easiest way to binge).
- PBS Passport: Full access for members.
- Amazon Prime Video: You can stream it here, but there's a catch. Unless you have the PBS Masterpiece add-on, you usually have to buy the episodes individually.
Buying the seasons on Apple TV or Amazon is always an option if you’re a "forever" collector. It’s pricey, but then you don’t have to worry about the show disappearing when a licensing deal ends in three years.
Tracking down Poldark in the UK and Beyond
In the UK, the show is a national treasure, so it’s rarely hard to find. BBC iPlayer is the natural home for it. Since it’s a BBC production, it tends to cycle back onto the free iPlayer service regularly. However, if it’s currently "in the vault," you’ll find it on Netflix UK.
The UK Netflix library has been pretty consistent with Poldark for years. Unlike the US version which just got it, the British library has been the reliable backup for a long time.
For the folks in Australia, BritBox is your best friend. They specialize in exactly this kind of period drama. If you’re in Canada, you’re mostly looking at CBC Gem or buying the seasons through the usual digital storefronts.
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Wait. What about the 1970s version?
If you accidentally click on a thumbnail and see a guy who looks nothing like Aidan Turner, you’ve probably found the original 1975 series starring Robin Ellis. Honestly, it’s great. It’s slower, sure. But it follows the Winston Graham books very closely. You can usually find that version on Acorn TV or Tubi (sometimes for free with ads).
Why is it so hard to find sometimes?
Streaming rights are basically a game of musical chairs. Poldark was a co-production between the BBC and PBS. Because PBS helped pay for it, they get "first dibs" in America. When their exclusive window ends, other big players like Netflix can swoop in and bid.
Also, the "Masterpiece" brand is its own entity. They often license shows to Amazon’s "channels" system. This is why you’ll see the show listed on Amazon but still be asked to pay $5.99 a month for the "Masterpiece Channel." It’s annoying. I know.
A Quick Tip on VPNs
Some people use a VPN to jump between Netflix regions. If you’re in a country where Poldark isn't streaming, you could technically set your VPN to London or New York and find it. It's a bit of a grey area, and Netflix is getting better at blocking these, but it remains a popular workaround for the truly desperate.
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What should you watch after the finale?
Once you finish Season 5, there’s a void. The show ends in 1801, but the books actually go much further. There’s a massive time jump in the novels that the show never covered.
If you need that same "misty cliffs and brooding men" vibe, check out:
- The Onedin Line: Old school, but heavy on the shipping and business drama.
- Rivals: It’s on Disney+ and features Aidan Turner in a completely different, very 80s role.
- Outlander: If you want the romance but with more time travel and kilts.
Actually, the best next step is to grab the books. Winston Graham wrote 12 of them. The TV show only covers the first seven. If you want to know what happens to Ross and Demelza’s kids as they grow up, the books are the only way to get the full story.
To get started right now, check your Netflix search bar first. If you're in the US and it's not there, head over to the PBS app and see if your local station offers a Passport trial. That's usually the fastest way to get to Nampara Cove without leaving your couch.
Check your local library's digital catalog through Libby or Hoopla. Many libraries actually have the full Poldark series available to stream for free with just a library card, which is a massive win if you want to avoid yet another subscription fee.