'Excellent' wartime series adapted from epic novels is a must-watch

Viewers who adore period dramas and wartime epics should tune into this ITV series after others have "thoroughly" relished another historical piece and some have enjoyed a Shakespeare adaptation, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The enduring programme aired from 1993 to 2008 and drew inspiration from a collection of bestselling novels.

Numerous fans have previously lauded the show on IMDb, with one viewer penning a 10/10 review describing the series as "outstanding".

Another person awarded a 10/10 review and commented: "Amazing Work (almost 30 years later)."

A third viewer remarked: "An excellent war-drama series. Based on the novels by Bernard Cornwell and starring Sean Bean as Sharpe, this is as a series of rollicking adventures, often set against the background of actual historic battles in the Peninsular War."

Sharpe was adapted from historical writer Cornwell's book series, chronicling the titular fictional soldier Richard Sharpe (portrayed by Bean) throughout his exploits in the Napoleonic Wars.

Sharpe also featured Daragh O'Malley as Sharpe's loyal ally Patrick Harper.

The series began with Sharpe serving as a sergeant in the 95th Rifles in Portugal during the Peninsular War in 1809.

Following his heroic rescue of a general's life, he earned promotion to lieutenant.

The programme has produced 16 films altogether across a decade and was shot in diverse locations worldwide, including Turkey, England, Portugal, India and Spain. Sean Bean's portrayal of Richard Sharpe in the historical drama series has been widely praised, with one fan stating: "Something awesome to follow the leader of a small bataillon of men during Napoleonic war, Sharpie [sic] charismatic and physical lead representation by Sean Bean with a perfectly cast support that grow as each episode progress."

Another viewer commented: "The Sharpe series is a very enjoyable piece of historical fiction. Sean Bean is excellent as Sharpe. He is one of the finest actors of modern times.

"Everything he is in is great. His great strength is portraying flawed (and very human) characters either heroic or evil. The other actors in the show are also very good- with some going on to greater fame."

A third admirer declared: "Sean Bean at His Best" and elaborated: "Long before Alec Trevelyan, Boromir or Ned Stark it was the role of Richard Sharpe that made Sean Bean famous.

"In recent years Bean's portrayal of Sharpe has unfortunately been largely forgotten and overshadowed by his later roles which is unfortunate because it is arguably one of the greatest roles of his career."

Another fan added: "Sean Bean IS Richard Sharpe, the British rifleman whose career mirrors that of Sir Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington through the British campaigns in Europe against the French forces under Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.

"Even though Bernard Cornell originally had his most famous character sporting black hair, I personally can't read Sharpe and not think of Sean Bean. That's how well he owned the role."

Sharpe is streaming on ITVX now