Netflix has added a military series to its lineup, marking a significant expansion of its original programming. The series, titled "SEAL Team," is a seven-season military drama created by Benjamin Cavell and produced by CBS. It follows the professional and personal lives of an elite Navy SEAL unit led by David Boreanaz's character, Jason Hayes.
The show's authenticity is a key selling point, thanks to the involvement of former Navy SEAL Mark Semos and former U.S. Army special operations soldier Tyler Grey. However, while the first season received praise for its authenticity, it was also criticized for a vaguely jingoistic tone typical of other CBS procedurals. Despite this, "SEAL Team" ran for seven seasons, indicating a positive response from audiences.
Now, Netflix has acquired the series, allowing viewers to catch up on all 114 episodes. This move could potentially lead to a "Suits"-like renaissance for the show, especially given the involvement of the Taylor Sheridan-verse's new guard.
The series stars David Boreanaz as a tortured Navy SEAL badass, haunted by the death of a brother-in-arms. He refuses to process his grief, focusing on his missions to the detriment of his children and estranged wife. The show also features Neil Brown Jr. as Ray Perry, A.J. Buckley as Sonny Quinn, and Max Thieriot as Clay Spenser, alongside CIA analyst Mandy Ellis (Jessica Paré) and logistics specialist Lisa (Toni Trucks).
The show's premise revolves around the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), the best of the best in the Navy SEALs. Jason Hayes leads DEVGRU's Bravo Team, which engages in the military's most dangerous and important black ops operations. The team travels around the world, from Syria to North Korea, taking down terrorists.
"SEAL Team" debuted in 2017 and earned a solid 71% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. It aired for four seasons on CBS before transitioning 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 series has a complex production history. Benjamin Cavell left "SEAL Team" in 2018, and John Glenn became showrunner. However, Glenn was quickly dismissed following an "unspecified investigation by producer CBS Television Studios." Spencer Hudnut then stepped up to replace him and remained in place until the series' end.
Hudnut later became the creator of "Marshals," a Luke Grimes-led "Yellowstone" spin-off. However, "Marshals" has faced significant debate among "Yellowstone" fans, with some questioning its quality. Given this context, the addition of Cavell to oversee "Dutton Ranch" has raised concerns among fans, who are worried about the show's potential direction.
In conclusion, Netflix's acquisition of "SEAL Team" offers a chance for viewers to catch up on the series and form their own opinions. The show's authenticity, complex characters, and engaging premise make it a compelling addition to the platform's original programming. As for the future of the Taylor Sheridan-verse, only time will tell if Cavell and Hudnut can successfully shepherd these shows and maintain their quality.
