Netflix has added a military series to its lineup, marking a significant expansion of its original content library. The series in question is 'SEAL Team', a seven-season military drama that follows the professional and personal lives of an elite Navy SEAL unit led by David Boreanaz's character, Jason Hayes. This addition is particularly intriguing given the involvement of 'Yellowstone' spin-offs' showrunners, Benjamin Cavell and Spencer Hudnut, who are now overseeing 'Dutton Ranch' and 'Marshals', respectively.
What makes 'SEAL Team' stand out is its focus on authenticity. The show hires former Navy SEAL Mark Semos and former U.S. Army special operations soldier Tyler Grey to advise, ensuring accurate mission protocols and a realistic portrayal of the personal toll warfare takes on individuals. However, the first season faced criticism for a vaguely jingoistic tone, typical of other CBS procedurals.
Despite this, 'SEAL Team' ran for seven seasons, earning a solid 71% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. The show's popularity led to its transition from CBS to streaming service Paramount+ for its fifth, sixth, and seventh seasons. Now, all 114 episodes are available on Netflix, where the series could experience a 'Suits'-like renaissance.
The show's premise is simple: the Navy SEALs are an elite special-operations force, with the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) being the best of the best. David Boreanaz plays Jason Hayes, leader of DEVGRU's Bravo Team, who is haunted by the death of a brother-in-arms but refuses to process it, focusing on his missions to the detriment of his children and estranged wife. The team includes Ray Perry, Sonny Quinn, and Clay Spenser, supported by CIA analyst Mandy Ellis and logistics specialist Lisa.
'SEAL Team' debuted in 2017 and earned a solid 71% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. The show's success led to its transition from CBS to streaming service Paramount+ for its fifth, sixth, and seventh seasons. The finale premiered in October 2024, and now all 114 episodes are available on Netflix.
The involvement of 'Yellowstone' spin-offs' showrunners, Benjamin Cavell and Spencer Hudnut, in 'Dutton Ranch' and 'Marshals' raises concerns among fans. 'Marshals' has faced significant debate among 'Yellowstone' fans, and the addition of Cavell to 'Dutton Ranch' might be a cause for worry. However, 'SEAL Team' offers a chance to see what Cavell and Hudnut did with that show, and it's worth checking out while the entire series is available on Netflix.
In conclusion, 'SEAL Team' is a military drama that stands out for its focus on authenticity and realistic portrayal of warfare's personal toll. The series' success and transition to Netflix make it an intriguing addition to the platform's original content library, offering a unique perspective on the military world.
