SEAL Team: Main Characters, Ranked By Likability
SEAL Team, CBS’s action-packed military drama, has captivated audiences since its debut in 2017. The series follows the lives of the Navy SEALs of Bravo Team, exploring the intense, high-stakes operations they perform as well as the personal challenges they face. Alongside heart-pounding action, the show features complex and relatable characters, making it easy to get emotionally invested in their journeys.
In this article, we’ll rank the main characters of SEAL Team based on their likability. This ranking will take into account traits like loyalty, emotional depth, humor, leadership qualities, and how much they resonate with the audience.
H2: Why Likability Matters in SEAL Team
SEAL Team is more than just a military procedural. The characters aren’t merely soldiers on a mission; they are human beings with emotions, flaws, and personal struggles. The drama’s success hinges not only on its realistic portrayal of military life but also on how well the audience connects with the characters.
Likability, in this context, doesn’t mean that a character has to be perfect. It’s about how the character evolves, how they interact with others, and how their complexities make them feel real. As we dive into the ranking, keep in mind that each of these characters brings something unique to the table.
H2: SEAL Team Main Characters Ranked by Likability
H3: 1. Jason Hayes – The Complicated Leader
Jason Hayes (played by David Boreanaz) is the fearless leader of Bravo Team. As the team’s guiding force, Jason’s leadership is undeniably crucial. He’s tough, strategic, and committed to his job, but his emotional struggles give him a depth that makes him highly relatable. His internal battle with PTSD, the toll of his personal sacrifices, and his desire to protect his team make him both heroic and deeply flawed.
What makes Jason highly likable is his vulnerability beneath the tough exterior. He’s not a perfect leader, but he’s authentic. The love-hate relationship fans have with him is due to his complicated nature – he’s driven by duty, yet his humanity constantly gets in the way.
Despite being a high-ranking figure, Jason’s willingness to admit when he’s wrong or when he’s struggling makes him a leader the audience can root for. His moments of humor, especially when he shares easy camaraderie with his teammates, bring a refreshing lightness to his otherwise heavy role.
H3: 2. Ray Perry – The Heart of Bravo Team
Ray Perry (played by Neil Brown Jr.) is, without a doubt, one of the most likable characters on SEAL Team. As Bravo Team’s communications expert, Ray balances intelligence with empathy, often acting as the voice of reason among his more emotionally driven colleagues. His charm lies in his unwavering loyalty to his teammates and his ability to provide emotional support even in the most dire situations.
Ray’s likability is further strengthened by his strong moral compass. He consistently advocates for the well-being of his team, often standing up to Jason when necessary. His humor and laid-back attitude bring warmth to a show otherwise dominated by tension and conflict. Despite the dangers of his profession, Ray’s devotion to his family and his team makes him incredibly relatable.
Fans love Ray not just because of his tactical skills, but because of the heart he brings to Bravo Team. He’s a stabilizing force, offering a sense of hope amidst the chaos.
H3: 3. Clay Spenser – The Idealist Turned Realist
Clay Spenser (played by Max Thieriot) starts off as the idealistic rookie of Bravo Team, eager to prove himself but naïve about the brutal realities of warfare. Over time, Clay grows into a well-rounded SEAL, balancing his enthusiasm with the harsh lessons that come with the job. His likability stems from his journey of growth, as he evolves from a wide-eyed young man into a seasoned warrior.
Clay’s loyalty to his team and his close bond with Jason makes him an endearing character. His struggles with balancing his career and personal life – especially his relationship with his girlfriend, Stella – show that even the toughest SEALs have vulnerabilities. Despite the tough exterior required for his job, Clay’s emotional depth is what makes him so likable. Fans see him as a character who is both idealistic and practical, someone who strives to do good while coming to terms with the realities of his dangerous profession.
H3: 4. Sonny Quinn – The Wild Card
Sonny Quinn (played by A.J. Buckley) is a character that many fans either love or hate, but one thing is for sure: he’s never boring. Sonny is the classic “wild card” of Bravo Team, often brash, impulsive, and full of swagger. He’s known for his reckless behavior, but underneath the bravado is a man who cares deeply for his brothers in arms.
What makes Sonny likable is his honesty. He doesn’t pretend to be anything other than who he is, and his unapologetic nature often leads to humorous and memorable moments. Though his emotional walls are high, Sonny’s relationship with his teammates, particularly with Clay, shows his softer side. Fans appreciate that while Sonny can be frustrating at times, his loyalty and courage always shine through when it matters most.
Sonny’s quick wit and no-nonsense attitude make him a fan-favorite, even if his methods are unorthodox.
H3: 5. Mandy Ellis – The Tough Yet Sensitive Operator
Mandy Ellis (played by Jessica Paré) is one of the few female main characters in the series, and her character arc provides an essential balance to the predominantly male Bravo Team. Mandy serves as an intelligence officer and, at times, as a tactical support member for Bravo. Her strength lies in her intelligence, professionalism, and her ability to keep her emotions in check, even in the face of adversity.
Mandy’s likability is grounded in her competence and resilience. She’s not there to simply be a side character; she’s an equal to her male counterparts. What sets Mandy apart is her ability to be both tough and vulnerable. She carries the emotional weight of the team’s decisions but doesn’t let it define her. Though she may not always be as emotionally open as the other characters, her strength and determination make her admirable.
While Mandy isn’t as front-and-center as some of the other characters, her presence on the team is invaluable, and her moments of quiet strength make her more likable than many realize.
H2: The Appeal of Complex Characters in SEAL Team
H3: The Balance Between Strength and Vulnerability
One of the primary reasons SEAL Team resonates with so many viewers is its portrayal of characters who are not just soldiers, but human beings. The men and women of Bravo Team are frequently placed in high-pressure situations, and their reactions—ranging from stoicism to breakdowns—make them all the more real. Their strength is complemented by their vulnerabilities, and this complexity adds layers to their personalities.
In real life, the men and women of the military aren’t just defined by their toughness. They are individuals who experience love, loss, fear, and hope. SEAL Team excels at showing these dualities, making it easy for viewers to empathize with the characters even when their actions are difficult to understand.
Character Development and Growth
Over the seasons, the characters of SEAL Team evolve, which is another reason why they become more likable over time. While Jason may start off as the stoic, hard-nosed leader, he becomes more introspective and emotionally open as he deals with his personal demons. Similarly, Clay’s development from an eager newbie to a seasoned warrior reflects the personal growth that many of us experience in our own lives.
Sonny, Ray, and even Mandy experience their own arcs, and it’s this evolution that keeps viewers invested. The characters are far from static, and their flaws are part of what makes them interesting. By exploring their vulnerabilities, SEAL Team offers a deeper connection with its audience.
Conclusion: The Likability of SEAL Team’s Characters Is Key to Its Success
When it comes to ranking the characters of SEAL Team, it’s clear that their likability isn’t just about being “good” or “bad.” Instead, it’s about complexity, growth, and the human experience. Jason, Ray, Clay, Sonny, and Mandy each bring something unique to the table, and their combined efforts make Bravo Team a unit that’s easy to root for.
From Jason’s tortured soul to Ray’s warm-hearted loyalty, and from Clay’s emotional journey to Sonny’s irrepressible spirit, these characters are more than just soldiers—they’re real people with flaws, strengths, and everything in between. The likability of these characters is what makes SEAL Team not just a thrilling military drama, but a show that captures the emotional depth of its characters, making them beloved by fans around the world.
