SEAL Team Season 5 Vanished From CBS? Here’s the Real Reason

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Why Can’t You Watch SEAL Team Season 5 on CBS?

If you’re wondering why SEAL Team Season 5 isn’t airing on CBS like the previous seasons, you’re not alone. Many loyal fans have been confused and even frustrated to discover that the show they’ve followed for years is no longer available on traditional broadcast TV. In this article, we’ll break down exactly why SEAL Team Season 5 moved from CBS to streaming, what it means for viewers, and how you can still catch all the action.

 A Quick Recap: What is SEAL Team?

Before we dive into the details of why it disappeared from CBS, here’s a quick overview for those new to the series.

SEAL Team is a military drama that premiered on CBS in 2017. It follows an elite unit of Navy SEALs led by Jason Hayes, played by David Boreanaz, as they embark on high-stakes missions across the globe. With a mix of action, emotion, and military realism, the show quickly gained a loyal following.

 What Changed With Season 5?

A Mid-Season Platform Shift

Unlike previous seasons that aired entirely on CBS, SEAL Team Season 5 had a unique rollout strategy:

  • Episodes 1–4 aired on CBS in October 2021.

  • Starting with Episode 5, the series moved exclusively to Paramount+, CBS’s streaming platform.

This change left many fans confused. After watching the first few episodes on CBS, they couldn’t find the rest of the season on traditional TV or DVR.

 The Big Move to Paramount+: Why It Happened

So, why the sudden change?

1. Streaming is the Future of TV

The entertainment landscape is shifting rapidly. Traditional cable and broadcast TV viewership is declining, while streaming platforms are on the rise. Networks are investing more in their own services to compete with Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.

2. Paramount+ is CBS’s Streaming Solution

CBS is owned by Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS). As part of a larger strategy, they’ve been migrating content to Paramount+ to increase subscriptions and solidify their place in the streaming market.

3. SEAL Team is a Valuable Asset

SEAL Team has a dedicated fan base and a strong brand identity. Moving it to Paramount+ was a calculated move to draw subscribers to the platform. It’s a common strategy: use a popular series to make a new service more attractive.

 What CBS Said About the Move

In an official statement, CBS explained that the decision was made to allow more creative freedom and longer episode runtimes, which streaming platforms offer. They wanted the writers and producers to explore deeper storylines without the constraints of traditional TV time slots.

Executive producer Spencer Hudnut said:

“This move to Paramount+ is an exciting opportunity to dive deeper into the personal lives of our heroes and tell more powerful stories without time limits.”

 What This Means for Traditional Viewers

If you’re used to watching SEAL Team on your TV via CBS, this shift may feel disappointing.

1. No More Free Airings on CBS

After Episode 4 of Season 5, the show is no longer broadcast on CBS. You won’t find it on your local channel, cable TV, or over-the-air broadcasts.

2. DVR Won’t Help

Since new episodes are not on CBS, you can’t record them using a DVR setup linked to your cable subscription.

3. Requires a Paramount+ Subscription

To continue watching SEAL Team, fans must subscribe to Paramount+, which comes with a monthly or yearly fee.

 What About International Viewers?

Limited Access Outside the U.S.

If you’re trying to watch SEAL Team from Vietnam, the UK, Canada, or Australia, you may encounter regional restrictions. Paramount+ isn’t available in every country, and licensing deals differ by region.

Solution:

  • Use a VPN to access the U.S. version of Paramount+ (though this may violate terms of service).

  • Wait for the show to air on a local partner network (delays are common).

  • Watch on digital purchase platforms like Amazon or iTunes, where available.

 How to Watch SEAL Team Season 5 Now

Here’s a quick guide to access Season 5 (and beyond):

Option 1: Paramount+

  • Price: $5.99/month (with ads) or $11.99/month (ad-free)

  • Availability: U.S., some parts of Latin America, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe

  • Device Compatibility: Smartphones, tablets, Smart TVs, streaming sticks, gaming consoles, web browsers

Option 2: Buy Episodes or Seasons

  • Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play

  • Price: ~$2.99 per episode or $20–25 per season

  • Benefit: No subscription needed

 Will SEAL Team Ever Return to CBS?

As of now, there are no plans to return SEAL Team to CBS. Paramount+ has embraced the series as one of its original titles. In fact, starting with Season 6, the show became a Paramount+ exclusive from the start.

There’s also talk of a SEAL Team movie in development for Paramount+, which suggests the franchise is being positioned as a long-term asset for the platform.

 Fan Reactions to the Move

The transition wasn’t entirely smooth. Reactions from fans were mixed:

  • Frustrated fans felt “blindsided” by the platform switch.

  • Some criticized CBS for turning a free show into a paid one.

  • Others welcomed the darker, more cinematic tone the show adopted on streaming.

Online petitions and social media threads expressed disappointment, but others acknowledged that streaming offers more creative freedom and less censorship, especially for a gritty military drama.

 Pros and Cons of SEAL Team’s Move to Paramount+

✅ Pros:

  • No time slot limits = more creative freedom

  • Higher production quality

  • Exclusive content like behind-the-scenes footage

  • Supports future expansion (movies, spin-offs)

❌ Cons:

  • Costs money to access

  • Limited international availability

  • No longer part of CBS’s broadcast

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