Tour of Duty is an American television drama series that originally aired on CBS from 1987 to 1990. Created by Steven Duncan and L. Travis Clark, the show stood out as one of the first major U.S. network dramas to focus on the Vietnam War, portraying the daily lives, challenges, and moral struggles of American soldiers in combat. It offered a grounded and humanizing depiction of the conflict, moving beyond the larger political debate to explore the personal experiences of those who served.
The series centers on a fictional U.S. Army infantry platoon during the Vietnam War. Led by Lieutenant Myron Goldman and Sergeant Zeke Anderson, the platoon operates in dangerous and hostile conditions, carrying out missions ranging from reconnaissance to direct combat. Each episode combines action with emotional storytelling, delving into the soldiers’ relationships, fears, and resilience in the face of the war’s brutality. The characters are drawn from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the varied makeup of the American forces at the time.
A key strength of Tour of Duty is its focus on character development. While the show includes intense battle sequences, it also dedicates time to quieter moments, exploring how the war affects each soldier’s psyche. Lieutenant Goldman is portrayed as an idealistic yet sometimes conflicted leader, struggling to balance his sense of duty with the well-being of his men. Sergeant Anderson serves as a battle-hardened mentor figure, whose experience and pragmatism often keep the unit alive. Supporting characters bring additional perspectives, whether it’s the raw fear of new recruits or the coping mechanisms of veterans who have been in-country too long.
The show is notable for its relatively realistic portrayal of military life. Filmed primarily in Hawaii, the series recreated the jungles of Vietnam with convincing detail, complete with the oppressive atmosphere of the tropics and the constant tension of guerrilla warfare. Episodes often depict the uncertainty of combat, where the enemy can be anywhere, and survival depends as much on quick thinking and camaraderie as on firepower.
Music played a significant role in setting the tone for Tour of Duty. The first season famously used The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black” as its opening theme, underscoring the emotional weight of the series and connecting it to the cultural landscape of the 1960s. Although later seasons replaced the song due to licensing issues, the show maintained a strong period soundtrack that complemented its storytelling.
Critically, Tour of Duty was praised for tackling complex moral and ethical issues, from the psychological effects of war to the strained relationships between soldiers and civilians. It did not shy away from showing the cost of combat—both in terms of lives lost and the lasting scars on survivors. While some critics pointed out that it occasionally softened the harsher realities of the Vietnam War for television audiences, it still stood out as an earnest and respectful attempt to depict the conflict.
Over its three-season run, Tour of Duty built a loyal following. Even after its cancellation in 1990, it remained a cult favorite among military drama fans, remembered for its mix of action, humanity, and historical reflection. Today, it stands as a significant piece of television history, marking one of the earliest and most dedicated attempts to bring the Vietnam War to prime-time American audiences.
