32 TV Shows About Life In The Military

As a retired army veteran myself, I’ve seen my fair share of military-themed shows and films. Some have been spot-on in their portrayal of military life, while others have missed the mark by a mile. In this list, there are both realistic representations and some that veer off course.

Since the inception of TV, programs showcasing military life have been in existence. Given that TV became a common household item in America following the Second World War, it’s no surprise that the experiences and dramas of military life captivated audiences. The enduring appeal of top war films is echoed in this list of 32 shows delving into life within the armed services.

32 TV Shows About Life In The Military

The Unit

Despite airing for just four seasons with 68 episodes during the mid-2000s, “The Unit” boasted a devoted fanbase. Featuring talented actors like Dennis Haysbert, Scott Foley, and Robert Patrick, this series chronicled the covert missions of a special forces unit across the globe. It also offered an intriguing look into their personal lives both at home and on their military base.

Private Benjamin

In 1980, the remarkable success of Goldie Hawn’s film “Private Benjamin” brought about a brief but commendable TV series adaptation. This popular movie, renowned for its portrayal of women in the military, paved the way for this small-screen spin-off. Lorna Patterson, known for her role in “Airplane!,” starred as the lead character, Private Benjamin. The show chronicled the amusing experiences of life on a military base.

Army Wives

Army Wives ran for seven successful seasons on Lifetime and what makes it unique is that it is as much or more about the families of soldiers. Life in the military isn’t just about the members themselves, but their spouses and children too. This is one of the few shows focusing on that and while it got a bit sappy at times, and even cheesy, it gets props for being unique.

Catch-22

I’m utterly captivated by Joseph Heller’s masterpiece, “Catch-22,” which brilliantly pokes fun at the quirks of military existence. Initially brought to life on the big screen in 1970, and more recently, in 2019, Hulu transformed this literary gem into a mini-series. Featuring an impressive ensemble cast, including Hugh Laurie, George Clooney, and Christopher Abbott, they breathed new life into the character of Yossarian, the protagonist of the story.

JAG

Following the achievement of “A Few Good Men” in cinemas, the television series “JAG” emerged. This show centered around lawyers working for the Navy’s Judge Advocate General Corps, similar to Tom Cruise’s character in the blockbuster film that initiated the series. The program gained immense popularity, airing for a grand total of ten seasons – the first on NBC and the remaining nine on CBS. Additionally, it gave birth to a spin-off called “NCIS,” which has become quite renowned.

Homeland

One intriguing representation of television history is Showtime’s “Homeland” by Carl Elias. Primarily focusing on CIA analyst Carrie Mathison, portrayed by Claire Danes, the initial three seasons, featuring Damien Lewis as Brody, offer an enlightening look into his multifaceted life – as a soldier, prisoner, spouse, parent, and traitor.

MASH

Few military-themed shows enjoy the same level of acclaim as “MASH.” Despite running for much longer than the Korean War it portrayed, the show primarily focused on the experiences of a military field hospital, albeit with an exaggerated dose of humor and mischief.

China Beach

In the late 1980s, there was a surge of nostalgia among Baby Boomers, and many beloved TV shows from their era were revived. However, “China Beach” didn’t follow this trend. Instead, it offered a more somber take on the M*A*S*H format, set during the Vietnam War. The show provided a gripping portrayal of life in a military hospital and was rich with 1960s music and reminiscence.

Gomer Pyle: USMC

Military life’s quirks have been a common theme in TV and movies for a long time, and no show illustrates this better than “Gomer Pyle: USMC” with Jim Nabors as the main character Pyle. Originally a spin-off of “The Andy Griffith Show,” it chronicled the journey of simple-minded yet kind-hearted Gomer after he left Mayberry to join the Marines.

The Last Ship

The Navy destroyer crew in TNT’s “The Last Ship” survived a global pandemic for five seasons before the show concluded in 2018. At that time, Covid-19 was not yet a threat, but as people went into lockdown during the pandemic, they discovered the show and were captivated by how the sailors adapted to their new world.

Masters Of The Air

Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks produced the third installment in their World War II series for 2-24, titled “Masters Of The Air“. Similar to their previous works, “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific“, this show offers a gripping portrayal not only of the horrors of war in European skies with airborne bombers, but also the unique experiences of military life during wartime.

NCIS

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) functions as the investigative branch within the Military Police of the Navy. While not all NCIS team members currently serve in the military, many have previously served and the show explores military life extensively in its case investigations. The program’s popularity has resulted in an impressive number of spin-offs, almost equaling the quantity of ships in the Navy fleet.

Victory At Sea

Among the listed documentaries, “Victory At Sea” stands alone with over 20 episodes aired in the early 1950s. Unlike regular documentaries, it offers an intriguing perspective on the Navy during World War II. Although it may seem outdated now, it’s a must-see for WWII enthusiasts and history lovers.

Band Of Brothers

Without a doubt, Band Of Brothers is arguably the most exceptional television production about World War II and army life. Over two decades since its HBO premiere, this masterpiece continues to captivate audiences with its impressive ensemble cast, gripping narrative, and top-notch production. The series follows Easy Company soldiers from their initial paratrooper training to their final days of the war, offering viewers a glimpse into both camp life and the harsh realities of the battlefield.

SEAL Team

The CBS series “SEAL Team” is appreciated for its accuracy. During its production, it recruited veterans not only as actors but also as writers and crew members. Moreover, it relied heavily on consultants to portray the missions and experiences of the team members in a true-to-life manner.

McHale’s Navy

McHale’s Navy combines the elements of Gilligan’s Island and Hogan’s Heroes, offering a lighthearted perspective on military life with amusing jabs at regulations. Starring Ernest Borgnine, this beloved sitcom entertained audiences extensively, giving rise to three films, one of which was less successful in the ’90s reboot.

Rome

In the early stages of the Roman Empire, life in the Roman army was extremely harsh. Soldiers were often engaged in long-lasting military campaigns that could span over years. Additionally, the constant political turmoil brought about nearly perpetual civil wars. The armies had to sustain themselves by living off the land for extended periods of time. HBO’s cancelled series “Rome” provides a vivid portrayal of this reality through the experiences of two soldiers, Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) and Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson), as well as from the perspectives of prominent figures such as Julius Caesar and Augustus Caesar.

North And South

The American Civil War, which took place in the 19th century, was one of the most violent and devastating conflicts. ABC aired a three-part miniseries titled “North and South” in the late ’80s and ’90s, offering a gripping portrayal of its brutal and deeply personal nature. The narrative focuses on two soldiers, portrayed by Patrick Swayze and James Read, who were once close friends but became bitter enemies during the war.

Hogan’s Heroes

Similar to other sitcoms on this list, “Hogan’s Heroes” offers a humorous perspective on military life, set against the backdrop of a German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. The portrayal may be over-the-top and comically exaggerated, but it captures the essence of the army experience with wit, sarcasm, and a hint of reality.

The Pacific

As a dedicated gamer and history enthusiast, I can’t help but share my excitement about the gripping World War II dramas created by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. Following the immense success of “Band of Brothers” on HBO, they came back with another masterpiece titled “The Pacific.” Though it didn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor, this series still offers a haunting portrayal of the United States’ military campaign against Japan. Instead of focusing on one company like in “Band of Brothers,” “The Pacific” showcases the raw and brutal experiences of various Marine units throughout the conflict.

Shogun

The TV series “Shogun” by FX, inspired by James Clavell’s renowned novel, offers an intriguing glimpse into Japan’s militaristic culture during the shift to the Edo Period, around 1600 CE. This engaging show brings historical fiction to life and is a must-watch for anyone fascinated by military history or curious about the experiences of those living during that era.

Major Dad

Television has been home to comedic series portraying the humorous aspects of military life since its inception. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, one such show was “Major Dad.” Although it may not rank among the best, it offers a charming perspective on family life at a military base with a significant military father figure.

Generation Kill

Alexander Skarsgård features prominently in “Generation Kill,” HBO’s early portrayal of the Iraq War. This groundbreaking series is adapted from the eponymous book recounting a journalist’s experiences while embedded with the Marine Corps during their 2003 invasion of Iraq. To this day, it remains one of the most compelling and authentic representations of that conflict.

The Terminal List

I personally find “The Terminal List” with Chris Pratt an engaging watch, even if some critics argue that its realism leaves room for improvement. Yet, this show struck a chord with me and many other fans of military-themed stories and revenge narratives. In fact, it delivers these elements in abundance.

Reacher

As a dedicated fan of thrilling novels, I’ve had the pleasure of following Jack Reacher’s gripping adventures, brought to life by the masterful storytelling of Lee Child. The character’s allure has captivated readers for years, and I’ve eagerly anticipated each new addition to the series.

Pensacola: Wings of Gold

I’ve seen my fair share of military-themed shows throughout the years, and let me tell you, “Pensacola: Wings of Gold” from the ’90s is one that falls short in portraying an authentic experience. Having a family member who served in the military, I’ve witnessed firsthand how intricately woven military life can be. However, this show misses the mark in numerous ways.

Strike Back

Through its eight-season tenure on Cinemax, Strike Back experienced occasional hiccups and moments of uncertainty, teetering on the edge of cancellation. Fortunately for its devoted fanbase, the series managed to persist. The fans’ unwavering support proved crucial, as they deeply appreciated and adored this exceptional production.

The A-Team

The A-Team was such an entertaining show for us that we can’t help but include it. Set in the Los Angeles underworld of the 1980s, this series followed a group of unconventional soldiers of fortune. Despite being wanted by the US Army for their past military transgressions, the ex-soldiers found themselves in numerous adventures filled with excitement.

Turn: Washington’s Spies

The American Revolution stood out among previous conflicts due to its unprecedented nature. It was almost inconceivable for a colonial territory to defy the ruling empire and achieve independence. A major factor contributing to America’s triumph was General George Washington’s intelligence network. This intriguing tale comes alive in the series “Turn: Washington’s Spies” and offers an enlightening perspective on this significant aspect of history.

12 O’Clock High

I used to be an avid fan of ABC’s “12 O’Clock High,” which aired several seasons before Apple TV+ debuted “Master of the Air.” This show, inspired by the 1949 film of the same name, followed bomber crews during World War II in Europe. However, it struggled to gain traction due to frequent cast changes and ultimately, it’s largely forgotten in television history.

Valor

The CW’s short-lived series “Valor,” which ran for 13 episodes, is noteworthy as it features a female lead character, played by Christina Ochoa. In this role, she portrays Chief Warrant Officer Nora Madani, who is both a skilled pilot and Special Operations soldier – a combination that is uncommon in reality and on television.

Foyle’s War

Foyle’s War, a British crime series, focuses more on portraying daily life during wartime rather than military existence in World War II-era Britain. However, the show incorporates sufficient representations of military life to merit its inclusion here.

2024-07-23 20:38