Six (2017–2018): A Gritty Look into the Lives of Elite Warriors
Six is a gripping military drama television series that aired on the History Channel from January 2017 to August 2018. Created by William Broyles Jr. and his son David Broyles, a former Navy SEAL, the series offers a realistic and emotionally intense portrayal of the lives of members of SEAL Team Six, one of the U.S. military’s most elite special operations units.
The series spans two seasons, totaling 18 episodes. Season 1 introduces viewers to the team on a mission in Afghanistan, where they are tasked with eliminating a Taliban leader. The operation takes a surprising turn when they uncover that an American citizen has joined the enemy ranks. The psychological toll of warfare becomes clear when team leader Richard "Rip" Taggart makes a controversial decision in the field, causing friction within the unit. Two years later, Taggart is captured by Boko Haram in Nigeria, prompting his former teammates to launch a dangerous and deeply personal rescue mission.
Season 2 picks up the story after Rip is critically wounded. The team shifts its focus to tracking down a powerful terrorist network responsible for the attack. They are joined by CIA operative Gina Cline, played by Olivia Munn, who brings a new dynamic to the group. As the mission expands into Eastern Europe and Chechnya, the series explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the emotional cost of a life spent in combat.
The ensemble cast features standout performances by Barry Sloane as Joe "Bear" Graves, Walton Goggins as Rip Taggart (in Season 1), Kyle Schmid as Alex Caulder, Juan Pablo Raba as Ricky "Buddha" Ortiz, and Edwin Hodge as Robert Chase. Olivia Munn’s addition in the second season adds complexity and a sharp contrast to the masculine camaraderie at the heart of the team. The characters are well-developed, and their personal lives—strained marriages, fatherhood, and PTSD—are woven into the narrative with authenticity.
What sets Six apart is its emphasis on realism. The show’s creators worked closely with military advisors, including retired Navy SEALs, to ensure the depiction of tactics, dialogue, and battlefield operations was as accurate as possible. The combat scenes are intense and well-choreographed, with a level of grit and urgency that makes the viewer feel embedded in the action.
Despite its solid performances and realistic portrayal of military life, Six received mixed-to-positive reviews. Some critics praised its action sequences and emotional depth, while others felt it leaned too heavily on familiar military drama tropes. The first season was generally well-received, but the second season’s shift toward espionage and geopolitical intrigue divided some viewers.
Ultimately, Six offers a raw and compelling exploration of the burdens carried by those who fight in the shadows. It highlights not only the bravery of special operations soldiers but also the unseen emotional wounds they carry. Though the show was canceled after its second season, it remains a powerful addition to the genre of modern war dramas, resonating with viewers for its honesty, intensity, and respect for those who serve.