Netflix has added a military series to its lineup, marking a significant expansion of the Taylor Sheridan-verse. The show, titled "SEAL Team," is a seven-season series that follows the professional and personal lives of an elite Navy SEAL unit led by David Boreanaz's character, Jason Hayes. The series is a spin-off of the popular CBS show "Yellowstone," and its addition to Netflix is a strategic move by the streaming giant to tap into the dedicated fan base of the Taylor Sheridan-verse.
What makes "SEAL Team" particularly intriguing 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 that mission protocols and the personal toll of warfare are accurately portrayed. This attention to detail has been praised by critics, with the first season earning a solid 71% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, some reviews also noted a vaguely jingoistic tone that undercut the authenticity.
The show's premise is simple: the Navy SEALs are an elite special-operations force, and the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) is the best of the best. David Boreanaz plays Jason Hayes, the 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 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 all 114 episodes are now available on Netflix. This addition to Netflix could be a game-changer, especially given the involvement of the Taylor Sheridan-verse's new guard.
The show's behind-the-scenes drama is also noteworthy. Benjamin Cavell, the creator of "SEAL Team," left the show in 2018 after an unspecified investigation by producer CBS Television Studios. John Glenn became showrunner but was quickly dismissed, and Spencer Hudnut stepped up to replace him. Hudnut is now credited as the creator of the Luke Grimes-led "Yellowstone" spin-off, "Marshals," which has faced significant debate among fans.
The addition of "SEAL Team" to Netflix is a strategic move, allowing the streaming giant to tap into the dedicated fan base of the Taylor Sheridan-verse. It also provides an opportunity for fans of "Yellowstone" to explore a different aspect of the Sheridan-verse. As for the future, "Dutton Ranch" and "Marshals" have been renewed for second seasons, which will likely premiere in 2027, giving fans plenty of time to catch up on "SEAL Team" and see whether these CBS boys have what it takes to shepherd the Taylor Sheridan-verse for the foreseeable future.
