David Boreanaz has long been a fixture on television, captivating audiences as the tortured vampire Angel in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off, and later as the sharp FBI agent Seeley Booth in Bones. He's set to return to the small screen in the upcoming Rockford Files reboot, but one of his most compelling roles remains somewhat overlooked: Jason Hayes, the leader of an elite Navy SEAL team in the action-packed series SEAL Team.
Before Reacher or Jack Ryan became streaming sensations, SEAL Team was quietly building a loyal fanbase on CBS and later Paramount+. The show ran for seven seasons, making it one of the longest-running military dramas on television. Its success lies in a potent mix of high-stakes combat sequences and deeply human stories about the toll that service takes on soldiers and their families.
Authenticity That Sets 'SEAL Team' Apart
What truly distinguishes SEAL Team from other action series is its commitment to realism. The production hired former Navy SEALs as writers, producers, and even stunt performers. Actor A.J. Buckley, who plays Sonny Quinn, once noted that the show brought in veterans straight from deployment to work behind the scenes, ensuring every mission felt genuine. This dedication to accuracy gives the action a visceral weight that fans of forgotten thrillers that outshine today's biggest blockbusters will appreciate.
That authenticity extends to the emotional core of the series. Boreanaz's character, Jason Hayes, begins the show grappling with the loss of a teammate, which strains his marriage and his relationship with his children. Yet he remains unflinching in the field, embodying a code he sums up in Season 1: "We can't control those decisions. We can only control ours, on the ground." It's a mantra that defines his journey across all seven seasons.
A Rocky Road to Success
SEAL Team didn't have an easy path. Originally, Jim Caviezel was cast as Hayes but left due to creative differences. The show also saw a revolving door of showrunners, with creator Benjamin Cavell departing after two seasons and his replacement, John Glenn, leaving after an internal investigation. Spencer Hudnut eventually took over and steered the series to its conclusion. In Season 5, the show moved from CBS to Paramount+, where it ran for two more seasons before ending.
Now, SEAL Team is finding a new audience thanks to a deal that brought it to Netflix, alongside other Paramount+ hits like Mayor of Kingstown. This move gives subscribers a chance to binge the entire series, and it's a perfect entry point for anyone who loves Reacher or other no-nonsense action thrillers. For those who have been following Paramount+ spy thrillers, this is another gem worth discovering.
If you're a fan of David Boreanaz or simply crave a military drama that balances explosive action with genuine emotion, SEAL Team delivers on all fronts. It's a testament to the actor's range and a reminder that sometimes the best action stories are the ones that feel the most real.
