An Inside Look at CBS’ New Show ‘SEAL Team’: Everything You Need to Know
In a world full of thrilling action-packed military dramas, CBS’ SEAL Team stands out as one of the most intense and captivating shows of recent years. Premiering in 2017, the series quickly gained a loyal fanbase thanks to its realistic portrayal of the life of Navy SEALs, the elite unit of the U.S. military tasked with the most dangerous and high-stakes missions around the world. But what makes SEAL Team stand apart from other military-themed shows? And what goes into the making of such a gritty, high-octane drama?
In this article, we’ll take an inside look at CBS’ SEAL Team, diving deep into the show’s characters, production process, themes, and the real-life inspiration that brings the series to life. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering the show, this article provides everything you need to know about the heart-pounding drama that is SEAL Team.
What is SEAL Team About?
SEAL Team follows the men and women of Bravo Team, an elite group of Navy SEALs led by the battle-hardened Jason Hayes (played by David Boreanaz). Bravo Team’s missions take them to some of the most dangerous and hostile regions of the world, where they are tasked with taking on high-risk operations, such as counter-terrorism missions, hostage rescues, and eliminating high-profile threats. However, the show doesn’t just focus on the action; it also delves into the emotional and psychological toll that being a SEAL takes on the characters, their families, and the bond they share as a team.
While SEAL Team is packed with adrenaline-pumping action sequences, the show is equally concerned with the emotional lives of its characters. From Jason’s struggle with PTSD to the personal sacrifices each team member makes, the series blends high-stakes action with the heart-wrenching realities of war. Over time, the show has become a powerful exploration of the human side of war, touching on themes of sacrifice, mental health, loyalty, and brotherhood.
The Heart of the Show: The Characters
One of the key reasons SEAL Team has resonated so strongly with viewers is its deeply developed characters. From their military prowess to their personal struggles, the show presents complex, multi-dimensional people whose journeys are as engaging as the missions they undertake.
Jason Hayes (David Boreanaz)
At the center of the show is Jason Hayes, portrayed by David Boreanaz. Jason is a seasoned and battle-tested leader of Bravo Team who carries the weight of his past experiences, including a deep struggle with PTSD. Boreanaz, known for his roles in shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Bones, brings a perfect mix of toughness and vulnerability to the character. Throughout the series, Jason’s leadership skills and dedication to his team are tested by the psychological and emotional scars of war.
Jason’s relationship with his team is at the heart of the show, with his struggles often mirrored by those of his team members. His journey is about leadership, sacrifice, and coming to terms with his demons, making him one of the most compelling characters on TV.
Clay Spenser (Max Thieriot)
Clay Spenser, played by Max Thieriot, is another pivotal character in SEAL Team. Clay is a young, talented SEAL who is eager to prove himself to the older, more experienced members of Bravo Team. As the son of a Navy SEAL, Clay feels a sense of both privilege and pressure. Throughout the show, his character evolves, transitioning from an impulsive and eager soldier to a more experienced and mature member of the team.
Clay’s storyline brings a sense of personal growth and internal conflict, particularly when he is faced with the harsh realities of military life. His relationship with his father and his evolving connection with the rest of the team provides an emotional backbone to the series.
Ray Perry (Neil Brown Jr.)
Ray Perry, portrayed by Neil Brown Jr., is one of Bravo Team’s most experienced and level-headed members. Ray is known for his quick thinking and ability to stay calm under pressure, which makes him a valuable asset during high-stakes missions. His relationship with Jason and the rest of the team is built on mutual respect, and he often serves as a voice of reason when tensions run high.
Ray also has a personal life that is explored in the show, particularly his relationship with his family and the challenges of balancing his duties as a Navy SEAL with his role as a father and husband. His character provides a grounded, relatable presence on the show.
Sonny Quinn (A.J. Buckley)
Sonny Quinn, played by A.J. Buckley, is another member of Bravo Team who brings a unique dynamic to the show. While he is tough and relentless on the job, Sonny often struggles with his own personal demons and emotional baggage. His backstory reveals a troubled past, and his relationship with his teammates is complicated by his impulsive nature and tendency to act before thinking.
Sonny’s character is often portrayed as the “wild card” of Bravo Team, and his journey is one of self-discovery and redemption. His evolving relationships with the other members of the team, especially Jason, make for some of the show’s most emotional moments.
The Action and Realism
One of the standout features of SEAL Team is its commitment to portraying military life in a realistic and respectful way. The show’s creators consulted with former Navy SEALs and military experts to ensure that the action scenes, tactics, and procedures depicted on screen are as accurate as possible. The show’s realistic portrayal of combat, weapons, and military operations is one of the key reasons it resonates with veterans and military enthusiasts.
Intense Combat Scenes
Whether it’s a covert mission in a foreign country or a rescue operation under fire, SEAL Team is packed with thrilling and intense combat scenes that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The show’s action sequences are expertly choreographed, with the camera work often putting the viewer right in the middle of the action. The fast-paced, high-stakes missions feel as realistic as they do intense, with each member of Bravo Team playing a crucial role in executing their plans.
Emotional Depth Behind the Action
While the action is undoubtedly a big draw for fans, SEAL Team distinguishes itself by also focusing on the emotional and psychological consequences of these missions. The toll that combat takes on the soldiers is explored in depth, particularly through Jason’s struggle with PTSD and the impact it has on his personal and professional life. The show portrays the mental health challenges that military personnel face, shining a light on the emotional costs of war that are often overlooked in other action-based series.
Behind the Scenes: Production and Filming
Creating a show as intense and action-packed as SEAL Team requires a lot of hard work and attention to detail, both in front of and behind the camera. The production team works tirelessly to ensure that every episode is as realistic and thrilling as possible.
On-Location Filming
While much of SEAL Team is filmed on sets, the show also takes advantage of real-world locations to create authentic settings for its missions. For example, scenes depicting international locations like Afghanistan and the Middle East are shot in various parts of California, utilizing diverse landscapes to stand in for these far-flung regions. The use of real-world settings helps ground the show in a sense of reality, adding to the immersion and authenticity of the series.
Training with Real Navy SEALs
One of the show’s unique features is its close collaboration with actual Navy SEALs. The cast members undergo intense physical training and military simulations to prepare for their roles. David Boreanaz and the rest of the cast have worked with military experts to understand the nuances of SEAL tactics and behavior, ensuring they accurately portray the life of a Navy SEAL.
In addition to training, the show’s producers often consult with Navy SEALs to get feedback on scripts, tactics, and character portrayal, which helps the show maintain a high level of authenticity.
The Themes of SEAL Team
While the action and military sequences are a key part of the show, SEAL Team also explores several deep and thought-provoking themes. These themes add layers of complexity to the series, elevating it from a simple military drama to a character-driven exploration of sacrifice, loyalty, and the human cost of war.
Brotherhood and Loyalty
At its heart, SEAL Team is about the brotherhood between the members of Bravo Team. The soldiers are not just colleagues; they are family. This bond is tested and strengthened over the course of the series, as the team faces life-or-death situations together. Their loyalty to one another is one of the most compelling aspects of the show, and it is often tested in ways that reveal the depth of their commitment.
