Sean Bean's 'excellent' drama Sharpe is your next free TV binge

Sean Bean fans, listen up! The Game of Thrones star’s action-packed period drama, Sharpe, is currently available to stream on ITVX – and it could just be your next TV obsession.

Adapted from Bernard Cornwell’s best-selling novels, this gripping historical adventure stars Sean in one of his most iconic roles as a rugged, working-class soldier rising through the ranks during the Napoleonic Wars.

Sean Bean Television: Sharpe (1994) — Sean Bean leads the show as soldier Richard Sharpe

The series originally ran on ITV from 1993 to 1997, before later returning with two feature-length specials, Sharpe’s Challenge in 2006 and Sharpe’s Peril in 2008, which drew the saga to a compelling close.

Not only is the series co-written by Russell Lewis, the creative mind behind ITV’s Endeavour, but it boasts a star-studded cast featuring the likes of Brian Cox and Elizabeth Hurley. Fans of thrilling historical adventures are in for a treat.

Keep reading to find out more about the show.

What is Sharpe about?

The series follows Richard Sharpe, a soldier from humble beginnings serving in the 95th Rifles during the Peninsular War in 1809.

After heroically saving Sir Arthur Wellesley’s life, Sharpe is promoted to lieutenant and rewarded with a mission to locate a missing agent.

Elizabeth Hurley & Sean Bean Television: Sharpe (1994) — Elizabeth Hurley also stars as Lady Isabella Farthingdale

The ITVX logline reads: “Sean Bean stars as the rugged hero in these swashbuckling tales of the Napoleonic wars. Sharpe rises through the British Army’s ranks, romancing a few beauties along the way.”

What have viewers said about Sharpe?

The series has been hailed by viewers as “epic,” with some calling it as Sean Bean’s “best ever” series.

Taking to social media, one person wrote: “To this day Sean Bean has played so many memorable characters in movies and TV but none so far have ever gotten close to Sharpe, by far one of if not the best periodic dramas the UK has ever produced,” while others described the drama as “excellent,” and “perfectly cast”.

A third viewer encouraged others to tune in, writing: “Cannot recommend Sharpe enough. Such a fun series. Sean Bean is great in it.”

Who stars in Sharpe?

Sean Bean leads the cast as Richard Sharpe.

He’s joined by Brian Cox as Major Michael Hogan, Daragh O’Malley as Rifleman Patrick Harper, Assumpta Serna as Comandante Teresa Moreno and Elizabeth Hurley as Lady Isabella Farthingdale.