Netflix has dropped a bold, cinematic escape that’s tailor-made for viewers craving immersive historical drama with heart-pounding action and emotional stakes. Sandokan: The Pirate Prince, an eight-episode series now streaming in full, transports audiences to the lush, treacherous waters of 19th-century Borneo, where colonial empires clash with indigenous resistance, pirates raid for freedom, and personal destinies intertwine amid betrayal and forbidden love. This lavish Italian production, originally aired on Rai 1 in December 2025 before its global Netflix rollout on January 19, 2026, reimagines the legendary tales of author Emilio Salgari with modern flair, stunning visuals, and a cast that elevates the classic swashbuckler into binge-worthy territory.

At the center of the storm is Sandokan, the charismatic Malaysian pirate captain known as the Tiger of Malaya. Portrayed by Turkish star Can Yaman, Sandokan emerges as a fierce protector of his crew and the native Dayak people against the iron grip of British colonialism. Yaman, known for his breakout roles in romantic dramas, brings intensity and physicality to the role after months of rigorous training. He transforms Sandokan from a mere outlaw into a symbol of rebellion—a man driven by justice, haunted by his past, and destined for greatness. His journey begins with daring raids on British ships from his stronghold on the island of Mompracem, but it evolves into something far more personal when he crosses paths with Lady Marianna Guillonk (Alanah Bloor), the rebellious daughter of a British consul.

Marianna, an English-Italian aristocrat with a spirit that defies her privileged world, becomes the emotional anchor of the series. Their instant, electric connection sparks a forbidden romance that threatens to upend the fragile power balance in the region. As Sandokan and Marianna navigate their growing bond, they find themselves at the heart of a larger struggle for freedom, loyalty, and identity in a world dominated by colonial ambition.

Opposing them is the ruthless pirate hunter Lord James Brooke, played with chilling charisma by Gossip Girl alum Ed Westwick. Brooke, a historical figure reimagined as a fanatical enforcer of British interests, pursues Sandokan relentlessly, viewing the pirate as both a threat to empire and a personal rival for Marianna’s affections. Westwick sheds his preppy Chuck Bass persona for a darker, more calculating antagonist—elegant yet brutal, ambitious yet tormented. His performance adds layers of intrigue, turning Brooke into a compelling foil whose pursuit blurs the lines between duty and obsession.

Supporting the leads is a strong ensemble, including Alessandro Preziosi as Yanez de Gomera, Sandokan’s loyal Portuguese companion and strategic mind; John Hannah as a seasoned colonial figure; and Madeleine Price as Sani, a character deeply tied to the Dayak communities facing displacement and violence. The series weaves their stories into a tapestry of alliances, betrayals, and unexpected turns, where no one is entirely hero or villain.

The show’s visual splendor is one of its greatest strengths. Filmed across breathtaking locations that capture Borneo’s dense jungles, pristine beaches, and stormy seas, every frame feels cinematic. Sweeping aerial shots of pirate ships slicing through turquoise waters, intense hand-to-hand combat on swaying decks, and intimate moments amid torch-lit villages create a sense of scale and immersion. The production values rival big-budget period pieces, with detailed costumes, authentic weaponry, and a score that blends orchestral swells with Southeast Asian musical influences to heighten tension and romance.

Beyond the high-seas spectacle, Sandokan: The Pirate Prince delves into deeper themes. It explores identity and belonging—Sandokan’s quest to reclaim his heritage as a “lost prince” tied to ancient prophecy, Marianna’s rebellion against the constraints of her class and empire, and the Dayak people’s fight to preserve their way of life against encroaching colonialism. The series doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of 19th-century imperialism, portraying the human cost of conquest while celebrating resistance and cultural resilience. These elements give the adventure emotional weight, making viewers invest not just in the action but in the characters’ personal growth.

The pacing keeps the momentum relentless. Each episode clocks in around 50 minutes, packed with cliffhangers that make it impossible to stop at just one. The narrative balances pulse-pounding set pieces—ship battles, jungle ambushes, daring rescues—with quieter moments of vulnerability and connection. Romance simmers throughout, but it’s the evolving relationships—Sandokan and Yanez’s unbreakable brotherhood, Brooke’s obsessive pursuit, Marianna’s internal conflict—that provide the emotional core.

Critics and early viewers have praised the series for its throwback feel to classic pirate adventures while updating them with contemporary sensibilities. It evokes the spirit of old-school epics like The Count of Monte Cristo or Pirates of the Caribbean, yet grounds the spectacle in character-driven storytelling. Yaman’s magnetic presence, Westwick’s nuanced villainy, and the chemistry between the leads have fueled fan excitement, with social media buzzing about potential second-season arcs following the strong finale.

For anyone seeking a bold escape this week, Sandokan: The Pirate Prince delivers exactly that—an addictive blend of action, romance, and intrigue that captures the thrill of discovery in a dangerous, beautiful world. Start with episode one, and don’t be surprised if dawn finds you still watching. In an era of endless content, this is the kind of series that reminds us why we fall in love with stories of pirates, empires, and impossible love.