Netflix viewers can’t stop talking about a period drama that’s pulling people in and refusing to let go. Packed with pirates, dangerous love triangles, and nonstop action, the series is being called an absolute must-watch by fans who say they were hooked almost instantly. Set in 19th-century Southeast Asia, the story follows fearless pirate captain Sandokan and his loyal crew as they sail the South China Sea, risking everything to protect the Dayak people from the tightening grip of the British Empire. Played by Can Yaman, Sandokan isn’t just a pirate—he’s a rebel, a protector, and a man constantly torn between love and war.
Netflix fans have been left gripped by a ‘dynamic and exciting’ period drama hailed as ‘an absolute must-see’ – with pirates, love triangles and heaps of action.
The eight-part television series Sandokan: The Pirate Prince, based on Emilio Salgari’s Sandokan novels, hit Italian network Rai 1 in December last year.
It recently landed on Netflix, and according to Metro, it has already climbed the top 10.
The streamer’s synopsis reads: ‘Pirate captain Sandokan and his crew fight to protect the Dayak people from the clutches of the British Empire in 19th-century Southeast Asia.’
Lead actor Can Yaman portrays Sandokan, with the pirate hero and his crew sailing the South China Sea.
Joining Turkish star Can, 36, is Italian actor Alessandro Preziosi, 52, in the role of Yanez.
Eight-part television series Sandokan recently landed on Netflix – after first debuting last year on Italian network Rai 1
The popular pirate drama series is based on Emilio Salgari’s Sandokan novels – with Can Yaman as the title character
Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick, 38, plays Lord James Brooke, a pirate hunter in pursuit of Sandokan.
Brooke is also chasing the affections of Marianne (Alanah Bloor), who has fallen for Sandokan.
Meanwhile, Race Across The World narrator John Hannah, 63, stars as Sergeant Murray in this series.
Taking to IMDB, one fan penned: ‘An extremely interesting and dynamic series!
‘The story unfolds in such an exciting way that every episode ending makes you want to keep watching more and more.
‘It definitely holds your attention and doesn’t let you lose interest. At the beginning, I was a bit skeptical, but the series pleasantly surprised me.
‘The plot is well developed, full of intriguing twists and constant suspense. The characters are convincing and add a lot to the overall experience.
‘I definitely recommend watching it – you won’t regret it.’
The streamer’s synopsis reads: ‘Pirate captain Sandokan and his crew fight to protect the Dayak people from the clutches of the British Empire in 19th-century Southeast Asia.’
Fans took to review site IMDb to share their thoughts
Another added: ‘I really liked everything about the episodes, it’s a completely new approach to a classic story, which’s part of Italian culture.
‘All the actors were very good, I particularly liked Can Yaman performance, who played a role different from those we’re accustomed to.
‘And I think it’ll become even better in the next episodes. I’ll watch it in English to appreciate him better.
‘I’m looking forward to watching the second season! I’m rewatching it every day!’
While a third chimed in: ‘From the first moment we perceive that the story will tell of great characters and deeds.
‘It will do so with a modern, human approach that takes into account the Personal history of each character.
‘An origin story that explains the birth of each character, his evolution. Important themes such as colonialism, friendship, love, sacrifice are addressed.
‘The story unfolds gradually, coherently and truthfully… it is not the usual pirate story: it is a journey into the human soul with its dark sides.
Based on Agatha Christie’s 1929 novel of the same name, Seven Dials follows Lady Eileen ‘Bundle’ Brent (Mia McKenna-Bruce) investigating a murder at a 1920s country house
‘Can Yaman gives a fully convincing and heartfelt performance: he seems born for this role! Measured, immersed in the story, intense… an absolute must-see!’
Sandokan is available to stream on Netflix.
Elsewhere, Netflix’s new murder mystery Seven Dials rocketed up the charts – but fans had a major complaint.
Based on Agatha Christie’s 1929 novel of the same name, it follows Lady Eileen ‘Bundle’ Brent (Mia McKenna-Bruce) investigating a murder at a 1920s country house.
Joined by Scotland Yard’s Superintendent Battle (Martin Freeman), these sleuths uncover dark secrets linking the death to the elusive Seven Dials society.
The cast also includes Helena Bonham Carter as Bundle’s mother, Lady Caterham.
One viewer wrote on X: ‘I’m not normally a book adaptation purist but Seven Dials on Netflix has taken out so much from the original that all the tension, intrigue and fun have gone, which in a murder mystery is quite important.’
Another shared: ‘How is it possible to make an Agatha Christie murder mystery dull, bland and uninteresting?’
A third branded the series as ‘terrible’ and argued that Seven Dials contained a ‘creaky script and boring tropes’.