Pirates, colonial empires, impossible love, and one of the most physically transformed leading men on television right now. The Sandokan series has landed on Netflix — and if high-stakes adventure drama is your thing, this one deserves your full attention this weekend.
Table of Contents
Sandokan Series — Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Title | Sandokan |
| Platform | Netflix US |
| Genre | Action / Adventure / Drama |
| Episodes | 8 |
| Netflix US Premiere | January 19, 2026 |
| Original Broadcast | Rai 1, Italy (2025) |
| Producer | Lux Vide & Rai Fiction |
| Showrunner | Scott Rosenbaum (The Shield, Chuck) |
| Season 2 | ✅ Confirmed (Expected 2027) |
What Is the Sandokan Series About?
Based on the famous novels by Emilio Salgari, the series is an action-adventure set in the mid-19th century on the island of Borneo. It tells the story of Sandokan — a pirate known as the “Tiger of Malaysia” — who leads a band of rebels against the colonial power of the British Empire. WhoScored
In 1849 Borneo, Sandokan lives by the day, fighting only for himself and his crew — until his life changes when he meets Marianna, the beautiful daughter of the British consul. Their impossible love affair sparks a war, with the legendary pirate hunter Lord James Brooke stopping at nothing to capture Sandokan and destroy his legend. WhoScored
Romance, rebellion, and revenge — all in one sweeping epic. What’s not to love?
Cast — Who Stars in the Sandokan Series?
Can Yaman (Erkenci Kus) stars as the titular pirate Sandokan, having undergone months of intense physical training for the role — marking his first major English-language project. Ed Westwick (Gossip Girl) plays the villainous Lord James Brooke, the “White Rajah” of Sarawak. Alanah Bloor stars as Lady Marianna, the “Pearl of Labuan,” while John Hannah (The Mummy) appears as the Colonel and Alessandro Preziosi (Medici) plays Sandokan’s loyal right-hand man Yanez de Gomera. WhoScored
An utterly stacked international cast. The original Sandokan novels by Emilio Salgari — the Italian Jules Verne — have captivated readers since the 1880s, making this modern reimagining a truly legacy-worthy production.
For more Netflix series breakdowns and streaming picks, head over to Technosports. Also explore our latest international series reviews and OTT guides on Technosports to keep your watchlist full.
Is a Season 2 Coming?
Absolutely. Despite initially being labeled a mini-series, a second season has been confirmed, with production eyeing a 2026 start and a 2027 release date. Whether Netflix will continue as its streaming home remains to be seen — but the momentum is real. WhoScored
FAQs
Q: Where can I watch the Sandokan series and how many episodes does it have?
All eight episodes of Sandokan are available to stream on Netflix US, having arrived on January 19, 2026, shortly after its strong-rated finale on Rai 1 in Italy. WhoScored
Q: Who plays Sandokan in the 2025 Netflix series?
Turkish superstar Can Yaman plays the titular role of Sandokan, the “Tiger of Malaysia,” in his first major English-language project — having undergone months of intense physical training for the part.
