Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Military-themed drama shows teamwork, family, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
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SEAL Team
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Parents say the show starts strong but declines significantly in later seasons, particularly season 5, which is criticized for excessive swearing and mature content, shifting the tone from serious military drama to a more soap opera-like narrative. While some viewers appreciate the realistic aspects of military operations and character development, many others find the increased adult themes and language distracting and inappropriate for family viewing.
- deterioration in quality
- excessive language
- mature content increase
- soap opera comparison
- strong early seasons
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 3 kid reviews
What's the Story?
SEAL TEAM is a military drama that follows the professional and personal lives of a group of Navy SEALs. It stars David Boreanaz as Jason Hayes, the leader of the tier-one team who is struggling with the death of one of his men under his command. He, along with Ray (Neil Brown Jr.) and Sonny (AJ. Buckley), is sent out on secret elite missions assisted by CIA analyst Mandy Ellis (Jessica Paré) -- missions that put their lives on the line every day. Joining them is the obnoxious but smart second-generation SEAL trainee Clay Spenser (Max Thieriot), who hopes to join Hayes' team permanently. Logistics officer Diaz (Toni Trucks) makes sure they're outfitted with the gear necessary to succeed at every mission. From deploying on dangerous secret missions at a moment's notice, to chasing down terrorist operatives and conducting hostage rescues, to trying to keep their marriage and families together, Hayes and his team are committed to serving their country and fearlessly keeping the United States safe.
Is It Any Good?
This pretty predictable series combines family drama with covert missions in an attempt to underscore the sacrifices Navy SEALs make to serve their country. It's fiction, but the plots rely heavily on current international affairs to make it relevant. Adding to this are the expected personal demons and family tensions that arise as a result of being committed to the job.
Slow-moving scenes are used to highlight the strategic precision each covert operation requires, which can sap the energy of the show. Nonetheless, SEAL Team still delivers a fair amount of fire power to keep it moving forward. The camaraderie between the team members also adds some substance to the show. It may not offer anything particularly new, but fans of military-themed television will find it entertaining.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Navy SEALs. What does SEAL stand for? Are women and men SEALs? What are SEALs' primary job? What does it take to be one?
Families can talk about how shows like SEAL Team feature men and women serving their country in a military capacity. Does it offer a realistic view of what this is like?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 27, 2017
- Cast : David Boreanaz , Max Thieriot , Toni Trucks
- Network : CBS
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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