Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Combat, survival in high-speed military aviation docuseries.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Top Guns: The Next Generation
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
TOP GUNS: THE NEXT GENERATION follows Navy and Marine Corps student pilots during six months in the U.S. Navy's elite fighter pilot training program. Each year 150 student pilots are accepted to Naval Air Station in Meridian, Mississippi to begin advanced fighter training, which is considered the most difficult stage in the U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Program (a.k.a. TOPGUN). The students have all made it through basic training in flying high-performance jets, but they soon realize that this program is harder than anything they could've imagined. From dog fights in the air and aircraft landings, to bombing precise targets while flying at mach speed, the student pilots must learn and master every aspect of advanced tactics. They must also be able to handle the pressure; all the while their superiors, who have years of training and combat experience, evaluate their every move. Some pilots outperform their fellow aviators, while others may not make the cut. It's a humbling experience for the student pilots, but they know that the goal is to ensure that they can do whatever they are called on to do in the air— and stay alive while they're doing it.
Is It Any Good?
The high-energy docuseries may not be as dramatic as Tom Cruise's cinematic experience, but these pilots are much more humble and work harder to reach their goals. In addition to showing student pilots as they to face their fears and undergo the hardest flight training of their lives, squadron commanders reveal the expectations for Top Guns. Meanwhile, instructors highlight what student pilots are training to do, and discuss some of the mistakes they made during each flight. But it's watching how the student pilots evolve into more skilled and confident military aviators that is the most fun. Top Guns: The Next Generation will appeal to military fans, but it's compelling enough to entertain civilians too.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the perseverance it takes to be a Top Gun in the U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Program. Why is it an important character strength?
Top Guns: The Next Generation shows a few female pilots in advanced fighter training, and also features Top Gun instructors with years of experience. What message does this send about the U.S. military?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 16, 2025
- Cast : Carissa Meinster , Steph Harris , Austin Clagget
- Networks : NatGeo , Disney+
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Transportation ( Planes )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Gratitude , Humility , Perseverance , Self-control
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 21, 2025
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