TV series
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.
See where to watchStreaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
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.
Cast, crew and production details
Sean BeanRichard Sharpe
Daragh O'MalleyPatrick Harper
Pete PostlethwaiteObadiah Hakeswill
Assumpta SernaTeresa Moreno
Alexis DenisofRossendale
Brian CoxMajor Hogan
John TamsDaniel Hagman
Jason SalkeyRifleman Harris
ITV1United KingdomWatch options above are for the show and may vary by season or episode.
Episode 1
India, 1817 Two years after Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo, the Duke of Wellington sends Sharpe to India to check out an Indian prince who appears to threaten British interests. The mission becomes dangerous when a general's daughter is kidnapped and Sharpe must find her.
Written by Russell LewisGuest stars Hugh Fraser, Lex Shrapnel, Oliver Chris, Lucy Brown, Padma Lakshmi, Toby Stephens, Michael Elwyn, Alyy Khan
Where to watch SharpeEpisode 2
India, 1817 The adventures of Sharpe and Harper in India continue with the rescue of Miss Celia Burroughs from a dangerous Indian prince. Meanwhile, Sharpe has old scores to be settled with the bully Simmerson.
Written by Russell LewisGuest stars Lucy Brown, Padma Lakshmi, Toby Stephens, Michael Elwyn, Peter-Hugo Daly, Thierry Hancisse, Karan Panthaky, Shruti Vyas
Where to watch SharpeEpisode information updated Jul 22, 2026
