Ross Poldark returns home after American Revolutionary War and rebuilds his life with a new business venture, making new enemies and finding a new love where he least expects it.

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.

While George makes political manoeuvres at home, Ross sails to France to rescue Dwight from the French Revolution.

With the fate of his nation in the balance, Ross must gamble everything to protect his country and those he loves.

The Poldark family finds itself challenged on all fronts and threatened as never before.

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.

George expands the Warleggan empire, launching a new ship and bankrupting Carnmore.

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.

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.

News of Ross and Demelza's marriage spreads, damaging Wheal Leisure's prospects.

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.

Ross and Demelza look to forget the past and rebuild their marriage, but new arrivals threaten their fragile reconciliation.

As the Poldarks look to rebuild their marriage and the Enyses to increase their family, Cornwall struggles under the Warleggans, whose power threatens all they hold dear.

Cornwall, 1783. Ross Poldark returns from the battlefield to find his father dead.

Ross faces the challenge of Parliament and the Warleggans refuse to accept defeat. In Cornwall, Demelza contends with a failing mine and fixing Drake's broken heart. Dwight and Caroline welcome a baby daughter. Ossie meanwhile tends to a dying parishioner and George hosts an extravagant party at Trenwith.

The Poldarks look forward to life together in peace, but a plea from his old army colonel, Ned Despard, compels Ross to the capital. Arriving in London, he finds a city gripped with paranoia, and is determined to save Ned from the conspiracy that imprisoned him.

As George expands his power through a shady alliance, the Poldarks become caught in a deadly web.

Ross plans to reopen his family mine with Francis. Demelza struggles to fit in at Nampara.

Ross is reunited with his family at home, but tragedy strikes in Cornwall. Dwight tells Caroline some devastating news about Sarah. Ossie is seen visiting Rowella by her husband Arthur, who grows suspicious. Emma returns to give Sam her answer, whilst Drake is persuaded into courting Rosina.

Ralph seeks to ruin Ned as rebellion stirs and the Poldarks are trapped in the middle.

Ross discovers a French plot, and George finds himself at the mercy of Joseph and Ralph.

Ross is ordered to leave Roscoff under threat of execution. He travels with Tholly to meet his contact in France, but finds information about Dwight's fate comes at a high price. Sam leads a congregation of methodists in protest outside the church - only to face broken promises from George, who revokes their lease on the meeting house, which leads them to turn to Elizabeth for help. Geoffrey Charles has some words of advice for Drake, who has shared a moment of intimacy on the beach with Morwenna.

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.

George’s cabal moves to ruin the Poldarks, and Morwenna wrestles with a heavy decision.

Demelza gives birth. Ross welcomes old friend Dr Dwight Enys to Cornwall.

After it is revealed that Nathaniel Pearce embezzled Pascoe’s client’s funds, the Warleggans take action. In London, Ross finds Geoffrey Charles led astray by Adderley. Sam convinces Drake to return from exile following his abandonment of Rosina and Morwenna’s subsequent rejection and Morwenna reveals some news. Dwight meanwhile helps in the development of Truro’s infirmary.