Cornwall in England, towards the end of the eighteenth century. Ross Poldark returns from the American War of Independence to find his beloved, but finds only one world in ruins: his father died, the family mine closed and his companion committed to marry his cousin. Fortunately for Poldark, nothing is lost...

Ross resolves to reopen his family mine with Francis. Demelza struggles to fit in at Nampara. Verity makes an unsuitable match, leading to a feud between Ross and Charles, which ends in a violent showdown.

Ross celebrates the opening of Wheal Leisure as rumours spread of a scandalous relationship between him and Demelza. Francis and Elizabeth celebrate the birth of their new son. Ross must fight to save his friend Jim, sparring in court with Reverend Halse.

News of Ross and Demelza's marriage spreads through the community, damaging Wheal Leisure's prospects. Demelza is filled with anxiety when Francis and Elizabeth invite the newlyweds to spend Christmas at Trenwith.

Demelza gives birth and resolves to help Verity reconcile with Captain Blamey. Ross welcomes old friend Dr Dwight Enys to Cornwall. Francis' persistent gambling threatens the security of all he holds dear.

With Jim gravely ill in Bodmin jail, Ross and Dwight launch a desperate mission to save him. Demelza is excited to attend a grand ball held by George, who is determined to ruin Ross and his smelting company.

Francis wrongly blames Ross for helping Verity elope with Andrew Blamey. Mark suspects Dwight and Keren of having an affair, starting a chain of events which will have tragic consequences and threatens the safety of everyone at Nampara.

George expands the Warleggan empire, launching a new ship and bankrupting Carnmore. Ross blames Francis, but when Francis and Elizabeth fall sick with a life-threatening illness, Demelza risks her own life to save them.