‘Very Realistic’: CBS War Series Receives High Praise From Navy SEAL for Authenticity

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A CBS war drama called SEAL Team has been praised for its realism by a former Navy SEAL. DJ Shipley, who served as a Navy SEAL, reviewed two episodes – one from the show’s first season and another from its seventh – and found them to be authentic. The show ran for seven seasons.

It was clear the show benefited from expert advice. He first noticed this in how well-developed the characters were as they moved through the city.

He explains that an alleyway feels more dangerous because of the potential for threats from above. Unlike a hallway where the ceiling usually isn’t a concern, an alley between tall buildings—like in an apartment complex—means danger could come from any floor. You constantly have to be aware of everything happening above you and assess potential risks in real time.

He explained that the initial movements closely resembled tactics used by special operations teams, like a SWAT team. He noted one person held a fixed position while the other carefully checked the stairs, clearing the space. He was impressed with the realistic speed, angles, and distances used, stating they did a good job overall.

As the fictional Navy SEAL team got ready to enter, Shipley offered more observations, including some critiques of their tactics. He said, “That’s how they’re lining up to go in. I wouldn’t have three people right in front of a closed door – it’s too easy for anyone inside to just shoot through it.”

People will hear us from the other side. We’re squeezed into the small hallway before the door, trying to move equipment like a dolly and a sledgehammer. There are several people standing right in front of the door, but it isn’t actually protecting anyone. You can’t do anything until it opens, so just step aside in case there’s shooting.

SEAL Team Is About as Realistic as a Network TV War Show Can Get

Shipley reviewed two episodes of the show, pointing out a few flaws but generally praising its realistic portrayal of SEAL tactics and the experience of being in combat. He gave it a score of 8 out of 10 for how accurately it depicts these things.

One key to SEAL Team’s seven-season run is its realism, according to Shipley. He credits the show’s strong creative team and their support of the actors for its success.

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I’m a big fan of SEAL Team, and it’s a truly compelling show. It really gets into the lives of a top-level Navy SEAL unit as they tackle incredibly risky missions to protect our country, but it also shows the heavy emotional toll it takes on them personally. Benjamin Cavell created this fantastic series, and it was produced by CBS Studios. The cast is amazing – David Boreanaz, Max Thieriot, Jessica Paré, Neil Brown Jr., A. J. Buckley, and Toni Trucks all deliver such powerful performances.

SEAL Team is available to stream on Paramount+.

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2025-12-25 18:08