Sharpe (1993)
Sean Bean stars as Richard Sharpe, a daring British rifleman fighting through the Napoleonic Wars in this landmark ITV historical drama series.
Sharpe - Series Information
- Original Title: Sharpe
- First Air Year: 1993
- Last Air Year: 2008
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: War, Politics, Action, Adventure
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (90 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 7
- Number of Episodes: 18
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: ITV1
- Alternative Titles: Συνταγματάρχης Σαρπ (GR)
Sharpe - Plot
Sharpe is a British series of television dramas starring Sean Bean as Richard Sharpe, a fictional British soldier in the Napoleonic Wars. Sharpe is the hero of a number of novels by Bernard Cornwell; most, though not all, of the episodes are based on the books. Produced by Celtic Films and Picture Palace Films for the ITV network, the series was shot mainly in Turkey and the Crimea, although some filming was also done in England, Spain and Portugal. The series originally ran from 1993 to 1997. In 2004, as part of ITV's new set of drama, ITV announced that it intended to produce new episodes of Sharpe, in co-production with BBC America, loosely based on his time in India, with Sean Bean continuing his role as Sharpe. Sharpe's Challenge is a two-part adventure; part one premiered on ITV on 23 April 2006, with part two being shown the following night. With more gore than earlier episodes, the show was broadcast by BBC America in September 2006.
Sharpe - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of Sharpe's Napoleonic adventures below.
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Sharpe - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Sean Bean
- Daragh O'Malley
- John Tams
- Jason Salkey
- Lyndon Davies
- Philip Whitchurch
- Michael Byrne
- Abigail Cruttenden
- Hugh Fraser
- Assumpta Serna
Writers
- Russell Lewis
- Charles Wood
- Patrick Harbinson
- Nigel Kneale
Sharpe - FAQs
Is Sharpe based on a true story?
Sharpe is not based on a single true story, but it draws heavily from real history. Richard Sharpe is a fictional character created by novelist Bernard Cornwell, though the Napoleonic Wars backdrop, battles, and figures like the Duke of Wellington are historically accurate and richly researched.
Who plays Richard Sharpe in the series?
Sean Bean brings Richard Sharpe to life across all 18 episodes of the series. His portrayal of the rough-edged, courageous rifleman became one of his most iconic roles, earning him a devoted fanbase and cementing the character as a beloved figure in British television history.
Where can you stream Sharpe?
Sharpe is available to stream on BritBox, including via the BritBox Apple TV Channel and BritBox Amazon Channel. It can also be purchased or rented digitally through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
How many seasons and episodes does Sharpe have?
Sharpe spans 7 seasons with 18 episodes in total, plus a collection of specials. Each episode runs approximately 90 minutes, giving the series more of a TV movie feel than a conventional drama, with each instalment delivering a self-contained adventure within the broader Napoleonic saga.
Where was Sharpe filmed?
Most of Sharpe was filmed on location in Turkey and the Crimea, which stood in for the Iberian Peninsula battlefields of the Napoleonic Wars. Additional filming took place in England, Spain, and Portugal, giving the series an authentic period atmosphere that studio productions rarely achieve.
Is Sharpe worth watching for history fans?
Absolutely. Sharpe blends rousing military action with genuine historical texture, following real campaigns and figures from the Napoleonic Wars. Sean Bean's charismatic lead performance, strong ensemble support, and Bernard Cornwell's source material make it one of the finest British historical dramas ever produced for television.
What are some shows similar to Sharpe?
Fans of Sharpe often enjoy Masters of the Air, The Liberator, and China Beach for their gripping wartime drama. For period military action with a similar tone, King & Conqueror and Wounded Love are strong picks. The Terminal List appeals to viewers drawn to intense, action-driven storytelling.
Who wrote the scripts for Sharpe?
The Sharpe scripts were written by a talented team including Russell Lewis, Charles Wood, Patrick Harbinson, and the legendary Nigel Kneale. Their adaptations of Bernard Cornwell's novels balanced action-packed plotting with character depth, helping the series maintain its quality across nearly two decades of production.
More About Sharpe
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