Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Military violence, cursing in non-political docuseries.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Marines
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
MARINES is a docuseries that follows active duty members of the 31st U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) during a 2024 deployment in the Indo-Pacific region. Young Marine pilots, snipers, and infantry stationed at Camp Hensen, Okinawa, Japan join Naval officers on the U.S.S. Green Bay and the U.S.S. America. While onboard the aircraft carriers they strategically collaborate in land, sea, and air training missions and certification exercises (aka CERTEX) to be ready to respond to any conflict in the area. The ships are sometimes ordered to monitor foreign military ships or the growing political instability in the area, but the 31sr MEU is not in combat, so members have lots of time to read, exercise, and build strong bonds between them. For some, the deployment is simply another step in an ongoing military career. For others, not using their skills in battle is frustrating, and at times raises self-doubt about the value of their service. Meanwhile, they all have to cope with unit redesigns and changes to technology. But despite knowing that they may never be called upon to fight, they still do everything they can to be physically and mentally ready to do so.
Is It Any Good?
The four-part docuseries, which was released in honor of the U.S. Marine Corps 250th Birthday, offers viewers a non-political look at what day-to-day life is like for Marines who are actively deployed but not in combat. Marines offers a close-up look at some of the battle simulators and CERTEX exercises Corp members are required to complete, and offers some voyeuristic moments around conversations about issues and concerns. Meanwhile, there are endless conversations with Corps members, including machine gunners like Pryce Seymour and lightning pilot Captain Keven McGinty to leaders like Scout Sniper Platoon Commander Lt. Samantha Miller and U.S.S. Green Bay Executive Officer Lt. Cmdr. Angie Violante. While they all express their desire to serve their country, they're also candid about their goals, frustrations, and fears. Some folks will be surprised about what's revealed here, including the fact that members of the Corp often require mental health support when they don't have the opportunity to fight during their service. Others may view Marines as a recruiting tool. Nonetheless what's offered here is delivered with insight, honesty, and pride.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 10, 2025
- Cast : Pryce Seymour , Samantha Miller , Angela Violante
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : History ( War: Other , War: WWII ) , Activism ( Gender equality ) , Sports
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Humility , Integrity , Perseverance , Self-control , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : November 13, 2025
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