TV series
Set during the 18th century Napoleonic Wars, Horatio Hornblower, a young and shy midshipman, rises through the ranks to become an admiral.
Availability
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Hornblower premiered October 7, 1998. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Set during the 18th century Napoleonic Wars, Horatio Hornblower, a young and shy midshipman, rises through the ranks to become an admiral.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Finally promoted to Captain and given command of HMS Hotspur, Hornblower is sent to France to determine the status of Napoleon's pledge of peace, but instead he discovers Napoleon's troops waiting to invade. He also begins a romantic relationship with the young Maria Mason.
Guest stars Ian McElhinney, Greg Wise, Christian Coulson, Jonathan Forbes, Lorcan Cranitch, Tony Haygarth, Ron Cook, Barbara Flynn
Episode 2
Soon after getting married, Hornblower is sent on a search and rescue mission for a British ship (under the command of an old friend) last reported off the French coast. In the midst of the search, the HMS Hotspur picks up some unwanted passengers and attempts to discover the objective of a small French invasion force.
Guest stars Lorcan Cranitch, Tony Haygarth, Ron Cook, Jonathan Forbes, Jonathan Coy, Barbara Flynn, David Birkin, Camilla Power
Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026
Available now in United States
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ITV1United Kingdom
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