Best Military TV Shows to Watch in 2024

Military TV shows have always been a popular genre, providing viewers with a glimpse into the world of the military, its culture, and the lives of those who serve. These shows often showcase the bravery, dedication, and sacrifices of the men and women who serve in the armed forces. From dramas to comedies, military TV shows have something for everyone.

In this article, we have compiled a list of the best military TV shows that have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. We have researched and tested various shows to identify the ones that offer the most authentic and engaging portrayal of the military. Our list includes shows that have stood the test of time, as well as newer shows that have garnered critical acclaim.

When it comes to choosing the best military TV show, there are several factors to consider. The most critical factor is the authenticity of the show’s portrayal of the military. It’s essential to choose a show that accurately depicts the military’s culture, traditions, and values. Other factors to consider include the show’s production quality, storyline, and cast.

After extensive research and testing, we have identified the top military TV shows that we believe offer the most authentic and engaging portrayal of the military. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our list of the best military TV shows.

Best Military TV Shows

We have compiled a list of the best military TV shows that will give you an adrenaline rush and an insight into the lives of soldiers. These shows are perfect for anyone who loves action, drama, and patriotism. From intense combat scenes to heartwarming moments of camaraderie, these shows will keep you on the edge of your seat. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best military TV shows.

The Rat Patrol: The Complete Series

If you’re a fan of classic war dramas, The Rat Patrol: The Complete Series is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The show’s action-packed storylines keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
• The characters are well-developed and easy to root for.
• The show’s emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie is a refreshing change from some of the more individualistic war dramas out there.

Cons

• Some viewers may find the show’s special effects and production values to be somewhat dated.
• The show’s depiction of war can be somewhat sanitized, which may not appeal to viewers looking for a more gritty, realistic portrayal.
• The show’s pacing can be somewhat slow at times, which may not be to everyone’s taste.

If you’re looking for a classic war drama with plenty of action and well-drawn characters, The Rat Patrol: The Complete Series is definitely worth checking out. The show’s emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie is a refreshing change from some of the more individualistic war dramas out there, and the action-packed storylines will keep you on the edge of your seat.

That being said, some viewers may find the show’s special effects and production values to be somewhat dated, and the show’s depiction of war can be somewhat sanitized, which may not appeal to viewers looking for a more gritty, realistic portrayal. Additionally, the show’s pacing can be somewhat slow at times, which may not be to everyone’s taste. Overall, however, The Rat Patrol: The Complete Series is a solid choice for fans of classic war dramas.

The Unit, The Complete Series

If you are a fan of military TV shows, then we highly recommend The Unit, The Complete Series. The show follows the lives of a covert special forces team and their families, providing an exciting and emotional portrayal of the sacrifices made by those in the military.

Pros

• The show features a talented cast, including Dennis Haysbert and Robert Patrick, who bring their characters to life in a way that is both realistic and engaging.
• The storylines are well-written and keep you on the edge of your seat, with plenty of action and suspense throughout the series.
• The DVD set comes in a convenient box set, making it easy to store and access all episodes in one place.

Cons

• Some viewers may find the show’s portrayal of military life to be overly dramatized or unrealistic.
• The DVD set may not include all of the special features that some fans of the show would like to see.
• The show may not be suitable for all audiences, as it contains graphic violence and adult themes.

Overall, we highly recommend The Unit, The Complete Series for anyone who enjoys military TV shows. With its talented cast, engaging storylines, and convenient DVD set, it is sure to provide hours of entertainment.

McHale’s Navy: The Complete Series

If you’re looking for a classic military comedy series, McHale’s Navy: The Complete Series is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The series features an amazing cast, including Academy Award® winner Ernest Borgnine, comic genius Tim Conway, and the indisputable brilliance of Joe Flynn.
• The writing is sharp and the supporting cast is indelible.
• The bonus content includes The Crew Reunion and Ernest Borgnine and Tim Conway Remember, providing a unique look back at the show and its real-life military inspirations.

Cons

• The show may not be for everyone, as it is a classic comedy series that may not appeal to those looking for more serious military content.
• The show was originally aired in the 60s, so the production values may not be up to modern standards.
• The series is only available in DVD format, which may not be ideal for those who prefer streaming or digital downloads.

If you’re a fan of classic comedy and military-themed shows, McHale’s Navy: The Complete Series is definitely worth checking out. The series features an amazing cast and sharp writing, providing a unique and hilarious look at military life during WWII. While the show may not be for everyone and the production values may not be up to modern standards, the bonus content and overall charm of the series make it a worthwhile addition to any collection.

Hawkins: The Complete TV-Movie Collection

If you’re a fan of classic courtroom dramas and enjoy watching Jimmy Stewart’s acting, then Hawkins: The Complete TV-Movie Collection is a must-have for your collection.

Pros

• The collection features nine hours and forty-eight minutes of engaging content.
• The rotating mystery movie franchise offers a variety of storylines.
• The courtroom scenes are well-written and acted.

Cons

• The series is not available in languages other than English.
• The video quality may not be up to the standards of modern-day high definition.
• The collection has only one season.

The Hawkins: The Complete TV-Movie Collection is an excellent addition to any classic TV show collection. The series features James Stewart as Billy Jim Hawkins, a country lawyer who solves crimes alongside his cousin RJ and a bevy of sensational costars. The collection includes courtroom dramas with Bonnie Bedelia, Cameron Mitchell, Julie Harris, William Windom, Lew Ayres, James Best, Teresa Wright, Paul Burke, and Pernell Roberts.

The collection features nine hours and forty-eight minutes of engaging content that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The rotating mystery movie franchise offers a variety of storylines that will keep you entertained for hours. The courtroom scenes are well-written and acted, making the series a must-watch for fans of classic courtroom dramas.

However, the series is not available in languages other than English, which may limit its appeal to non-English speaking audiences. Additionally, the video quality may not be up to the standards of modern-day high definition, which may disappoint viewers accustomed to the latest technology. Finally, the collection has only one season, which may leave viewers wanting more.

In conclusion, if you’re a fan of classic courtroom dramas and enjoy watching Jimmy Stewart’s acting, then Hawkins: The Complete TV-Movie Collection is a must-have for your collection. Despite its limitations, the engaging content, well-written storylines, and excellent acting make it a worthwhile purchase.

Jackie Gleason Television Treasures: 70th Anniversary Collection

If you’re a fan of classic television and Jackie Gleason’s comedic genius, this collection is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The set features a variety of hard-to-find highlights from Gleason’s heyday in the ’50s and ’60s, including a full-length episode of “The Jackie Gleason Show” and long-unseen sketches from “Jackie Gleason: American Scene Magazine.”
• The appreciative documentary “Genius at Work” provides a fascinating look at Gleason’s life and career.
• The two-disc set runs for a total of seven hours, providing plenty of entertainment value for the price.

Cons

• While the set is a treasure trove for Gleason fans, those who aren’t already familiar with his work may find it less appealing.
• Some of the sketches and episodes included in the set may feel dated or politically incorrect to modern audiences.
• The set’s packaging is fairly basic, with no special features or extras included.

Overall, we’d recommend the Jackie Gleason Television Treasures collection to anyone who appreciates classic television and the comedic talents of one of the medium’s true legends. While the set may not be for everyone, those who love Gleason’s work are sure to find plenty to enjoy here.

The Last of Us: The Complete First Season

If you are a fan of the video game or post-apocalyptic dramas, then you should consider purchasing The Last of Us: The Complete First Season on Blu-ray.

Pros

• The acting is superb, with Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey delivering standout performances.
• The show does an excellent job of adapting the game’s story and characters for television.
• The production design and special effects are top-notch, creating a convincing and immersive world.

Cons

• The show can be intense and emotionally draining at times, so it may not be suitable for all viewers.
• Some fans of the game may be disappointed by changes made to the story for the show.
• The ending may be divisive among viewers.

We were thoroughly impressed by The Last of Us: The Complete First Season. The show does an outstanding job of bringing the world and characters of the video game to life, with excellent acting, production design, and special effects. While the show can be intense and emotionally draining, it is well worth the watch for fans of the game or post-apocalyptic dramas.

The show follows Joel and Ellie as they travel across a desolate United States, navigating dangerous and violent encounters with the Infected and other survivors. Along the way, they form a deep bond and rely on each other’s unique skills for survival.

One of the standout aspects of the show is the acting. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey deliver powerful performances as Joel and Ellie, respectively. They bring depth and nuance to their characters, making them feel like real people rather than just video game characters brought to life.

The production design and special effects are also impressive. The show’s post-apocalyptic world feels lived-in and authentic, with convincing sets and practical effects. The Infected are genuinely terrifying, and the action sequences are well choreographed and exciting.

While the show does make some changes to the story from the game, we felt that these changes were necessary to make the story work for television. However, some fans of the game may be disappointed by these changes.

Overall, we highly recommend The Last of Us: The Complete First Season to fans of the game or post-apocalyptic dramas. It is a well-crafted and emotionally impactful show that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Band of Brothers

If you’re looking for a military TV show that is both historically accurate and emotionally impactful, Band of Brothers is a must-watch.

Pros

• The show is based on the real-life experiences of Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, making it an incredibly accurate portrayal of WWII.
• The acting is superb, with Damian Lewis, Scott Grimes, and Rick Gomez delivering standout performances.
• The show does an excellent job of balancing the action and intensity of war with the personal stories and relationships of the soldiers.

Cons

• The show can be quite graphic, with depictions of violence, nudity, and sexual content that may not be suitable for all viewers.
• The pacing can be slow at times, with some episodes feeling like they drag on.
• The show may not be for everyone, as it can be emotionally heavy and difficult to watch at times.

Overall, if you’re a fan of military history or just looking for a well-made and impactful TV show, Band of Brothers is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for some intense and emotional moments along the way.

Band of Brothers

If you’re looking for a gripping military drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat, Band of Brothers is a must-watch. This acclaimed HBO series follows the real-life experiences of the men of Easy Company, a parachute infantry regiment in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Pros

• The show is incredibly well-researched and historically accurate, giving viewers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of the soldiers who fought in the war.
• The characters are well-developed and engaging, making it easy to become invested in their stories and rooting for them throughout the series.
• The action sequences are intense and realistic, providing a visceral experience of what it was like to be on the front lines of the war.

Cons

• Some viewers may find the show’s graphic violence and depictions of war to be too intense or disturbing.
• The large cast of characters can be difficult to keep track of at times, especially in the early episodes.
• The show’s focus on the experiences of American soldiers may not appeal to viewers who are more interested in the perspectives of soldiers from other countries or conflicts.

Overall, we highly recommend Band of Brothers to anyone who enjoys military dramas or is interested in learning more about the history of World War II. The show is a masterful blend of action, drama, and historical accuracy that will leave you feeling both entertained and educated. Check it out on Amazon and experience the journey of Easy Company for yourself.

Three-Body

If you’re a fan of science fiction and military dramas, Three-Body is a show that you won’t want to miss. With its gripping storyline and intense action scenes, this show will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Pros

• The show offers a unique blend of science fiction and military drama, which makes for an exciting and engaging viewing experience.
• The acting is top-notch, with each actor delivering a convincing and emotional performance that draws you into the story.
• The show’s production values are impressive, with stunning visuals and expertly choreographed action scenes that will leave you breathless.

Cons

• The show may not be suitable for all audiences, as it contains violence, alcohol use, smoking, and foul language.
• The show’s pacing can be slow at times, which may not appeal to viewers who prefer fast-paced action.
• The show’s subtitles may be difficult to read for some viewers, as they are presented in English CC.

Overall, Three-Body is a must-watch for anyone who loves science fiction and military dramas. With its compelling storyline, talented cast, and impressive production values, this show is sure to leave a lasting impression. So if you’re looking for a new show to binge-watch, be sure to check out Three-Body on Amazon.

Band of Brothers

If you’re looking for a military TV show that’s both thrilling and historically accurate, Band of Brothers is the perfect choice. This epic 10-part miniseries follows the journey of Easy Company, a group of American soldiers who fought in World War II.

Pros

• The show is incredibly well-researched and accurate, giving viewers a real sense of what it was like to be a soldier during WWII.
• The acting is top-notch, with a talented cast that includes Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, and Donnie Wahlberg.
• The action is intense and realistic, making for a truly immersive viewing experience.

Cons

• Some viewers may find the show’s graphic violence and depictions of war to be too intense.
• At times, the show can be slow-paced and may not appeal to viewers who prefer faster-paced action.
• The show’s focus on a single group of soldiers may not provide the same level of variety as other military TV shows.

Overall, if you’re a fan of historical dramas or war movies, Band of Brothers is definitely worth checking out. The show’s attention to detail and immersive storytelling make it a standout in the genre.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best military TV show, there are a few key features to consider that can make all the difference in your viewing experience. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Genre

First and foremost, decide what type of military TV show you want to watch. Do you prefer action-packed dramas, historical documentaries, or comedies? Knowing what genre you prefer can help narrow down your options and ensure you find a show that you will enjoy.

Authenticity

Another important factor to consider is the level of authenticity in the show. If you are looking for a military TV show that accurately portrays the experiences of soldiers and the realities of combat, then you will want to look for shows that have been vetted by military experts or feature real-life veterans as consultants.

Production Value

The production value of a military TV show can also greatly impact your viewing experience. Look for shows with high-quality cinematography, realistic special effects, and well-crafted sound design to fully immerse yourself in the world of the show.

Cast and Characters

The cast and characters of a military TV show can also make a big difference in how much you enjoy the show. Look for shows with strong, well-developed characters that you can connect with and root for throughout the series.

Availability

Finally, consider where and how you can access the show. Is it available on a streaming service you already subscribe to, or will you need to purchase it separately? Can you easily watch it on your preferred device, or will you need to jump through hoops to access it?

By considering these factors, you can find the best military TV show for your preferences and enjoy hours of thrilling, thought-provoking entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which military TV series are considered must-watch?

There are several military TV series that are considered must-watch for fans of the genre. Some of the most popular ones include Band of Brothers, The Pacific, Generation Kill, and MAS*H. These shows have garnered critical acclaim and have been praised for their realistic portrayal of military life.

What are the top-rated military series currently on Netflix?

Netflix has a great selection of military TV series, with some of the top-rated ones being Narcos: Mexico, The Last Kingdom, and The Crown. However, in terms of military-specific shows, we recommend checking out The Siege of Jadotville, Medal of Honor, and The Vietnam War.

What are the most acclaimed military TV shows of the last decade?

Over the last decade, several military TV shows have received critical acclaim. Some of the most acclaimed ones include Homeland, The Americans, and SEAL Team. These shows have been praised for their attention to detail and realistic portrayal of military life.

Can you recommend any military series that are exclusive to Amazon Prime?

If you’re an Amazon Prime subscriber, there are several military TV series that you can watch exclusively on the platform. Some of our recommendations include Jack Ryan, The Man in the High Castle, and Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse.

What are some of the new military TV series released in 2024?

In 2024, several new military TV series were released. Some of the most notable ones include The Brave, The Long Road Home, and Valor. These shows have been praised for their fresh take on military life and their realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by service members.

Are there any military TV shows that accurately depict the life in the Army?

Several military TV shows have been praised for their accurate depiction of life in the Army. Some of the most notable ones include Band of Brothers, Generation Kill, and The Pacific. These shows have been praised for their attention to detail and realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by soldiers on the front lines.