SIX (2017–2018)

SIX (2017–2018): Brotherhood, Sacrifice, and the Hidden Cost of War

SIX is a military action-drama series that aired on the History Channel for two seasons. Inspired by real-life missions of the U.S. Navy SEAL Team Six, the series follows an elite unit deployed on high-risk operations across the globe. The story centers on Richard "Rip" Taggart (Walton Goggins), a former team leader whose actions during a mission in Afghanistan lead to lasting consequences for both his team and himself.

The series begins with Rip captured by Boko Haram, triggering a dangerous rescue mission by his former brothers-in-arms. As the story unfolds, the narrative explores the personal costs of combat, with team members like Joe Graves (Barry Sloane), Alex Caulder (Kyle Schmid), and Ricky “Buddha” Ortiz (Juan Pablo Raba) facing their own inner demons, fractured family lives, and questions of purpose.

– Strong, emotionally grounded performances from the cast, especially Walton Goggins and Barry Sloane, who portray the emotional weight of combat and command with depth.
– Realistic depiction of SEAL team dynamics and tactical operations, with attention to detail in weapons handling, communication, and leadership under fire.
– Willingness to confront the psychological impact of war, including PTSD, moral injury, and the difficulty of returning to normal life after combat.

– Secondary characters, particularly women, are underdeveloped, often relegated to background roles without their own meaningful arcs.
– Pacing can feel uneven, with slower, character-driven episodes occasionally disrupting the momentum of the central storyline.
– The series was abruptly canceled after Season 2, leaving key storylines unresolved and denying viewers a full conclusion.

SIX received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, with praise for its gritty realism and focus on the mental and emotional toll of warfare. Though some critics found elements of the plot familiar or formulaic, the performances and authenticity helped set the show apart from other military dramas.

Gritty, grounded, and often emotionally intense, SIX delivers more than just gunfights—it explores the burdens soldiers carry, the bonds they form, and the moral weight of the choices they make. Despite its premature end, the series remains a compelling portrayal of modern warfare and the warriors who fight it.