The high seas have a new legend, and Netflix viewers worldwide are surrendering to its pull. What began as a quiet international release has exploded into a global phenomenon, with Sandokan (also known as Sandokan: The Pirate Prince) claiming the #1 spot on Netflix charts in dozens of countries shortly after its January 19, 2026, debut on the platform. The eight-episode Italian series, originally premiering on Rai 1 in December 2025, has become a breakout hit, proving that swashbuckling pirate epics still command the throne in the streaming era.
Set in the mid-19th century across the lush, treacherous waters of Borneo and the South China Sea, Sandokan follows the legendary pirate captain known as the “Tiger of Malaya.” Portrayed with magnetic intensity by Turkish star Can Yaman, Sandokan leads a fierce, multinational crew of outlaws in a defiant rebellion against the iron grip of the British Empire. The colonial forces, hungry for the region’s gold, spices, and natural resources, exploit and enslave the native Dayak tribes, stripping them of their ancestral lands. Sandokan, a Dayak warrior turned pirate, raids British ships and settlements to protect his people, living by a code of freedom and loyalty rather than mere plunder.
The story ignites when Sandokan crosses paths with Lady Marianna Guillonk (Alanah Bloor), the spirited daughter of the British consul, whose beauty and rebellious spirit draw her into his world. Their forbidden romance becomes the emotional core, pitting personal passion against political and cultural divides. Opposing them is Lord James Brooke (Ed Westwick), a ruthless pirate hunter and ambitious colonial enforcer determined to crush Sandokan’s legend, seize Marianna, and solidify British dominance. Brooke’s charm masks a ruthless ambition, making him a formidable antagonist whose schemes threaten to destroy everything Sandokan fights for.
The series blends high-seas adventure with political intrigue, cultural clash, and sweeping romance. Sandokan’s crew—led by his loyal Portuguese friend Yanez de Gomera (Alessandro Preziosi)—is a diverse band of rebels from different backgrounds, united by their resistance to empire. Their raids are thrilling: ship boardings, sword fights, cannon fire, and daring escapes through stormy waters and dense jungles. The production’s scale is breathtaking—lavish sets recreate 1840s Borneo with authentic villages, opulent colonial mansions, and majestic sailing ships. Filming locations across Italy, Spain, and Southeast Asia bring vivid authenticity to the tropical paradise turned battlefield.
The cast elevates the material. Can Yaman embodies Sandokan’s charisma, physical prowess, and inner turmoil, making the pirate both a fearsome warrior and a man capable of deep love. Alanah Bloor’s Marianna is no passive damsel—she’s intelligent, defiant, and willing to challenge her own world’s injustices. Ed Westwick’s Brooke is coldly calculating yet magnetically dangerous, while supporting players like John Hannah as Sergeant Murray, Owen Teale as Lord Guillonk, and Madeleine Price as Sani add layers of intrigue and heart.
Visually stunning and emotionally resonant, Sandokan balances pulse-pounding action with quieter moments of cultural richness, family loyalty, and forbidden love. The series explores themes of colonialism, resistance, identity, and freedom with nuance, portraying the Dayak people’s struggle with respect while delivering the escapist thrills of classic pirate tales.
The show’s rapid rise to dominance on Netflix charts—topping lists in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, the UK, Canada, and many others—reflects its broad appeal. Viewers praise the epic scope, chemistry between leads, and unapologetic adventure spirit. Social media buzzes with fan art, theories, and emotional reactions to the romance and betrayals.
The finale delivers a jaw-dropping twist that leaves audiences stunned. After a brutal confrontation, Sandokan appears to meet his end in a staged execution orchestrated by Brooke. The world believes the Tiger of Malaya is dead—until Marianna’s quick thinking and Brooke’s hidden motives reveal Sandokan has survived. In a climactic showdown, Sandokan challenges the Sultan in a personal duel. As defeat looms, Marianna intervenes decisively, shooting the Sultan to save her love and reject the colonial fate imposed on her. The moment shatters expectations, proving Marianna’s agency and altering the power balance forever. Sandokan survives, reclaims his heritage, and emerges as the true leader his people need—setting sail with Marianna for new adventures, while Brooke’s victory comes at a devastating personal cost.
This “unthinkable” twist has ignited frenzy online, with fans dissecting every clue and clamoring for more. The ending opens the door wide for a second season, already confirmed for production starting in 2026 and expected in 2027.
With its blend of romance, rebellion, and breathtaking spectacle, Sandokan transcends typical pirate fare. It is an ambitious period drama that feels both timeless and urgently modern, challenging empires while celebrating freedom’s cost. As it shatters records and captivates millions, one thing is clear: the Tiger of Malaya has returned—and the high seas will never be the same.
