The Ultimate List: 7 Must-Watch Armed Forces TV Shows And Military Docuseries For 2025

The landscape of military and armed forces television is more dynamic and intense than ever, offering a blend of high-stakes fictional dramas and gripping, authentic docuseries. As of December 2025, the appetite for stories of courage, sacrifice, and elite military operations continues to drive a new wave of content, pushing the boundaries of realism and emotional depth.

From deep-dive historical documentaries on conflicts like the Vietnam War and the Battle of Mogadishu to the expansion of modern action franchises, this year and the start of 2025 are packed with must-watch armed forces shows. We've compiled the most current and anticipated series that are defining the genre right now, ensuring you don't miss the next blockbuster military narrative.

The New Wave: Most Anticipated Armed Forces TV Shows and Docuseries of 2025

The upcoming slate of programming is heavily focused on docuseries, bringing a raw, unvarnished look at the realities of military life and historical conflicts. This shift reflects a growing audience demand for authenticity and deep historical context.

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1. MARINES (Netflix Docuseries)

Netflix is set to deliver an unprecedented look into the United States Marine Corps with its four-part docuseries, MARINES. This series offers a coming-of-age narrative, following members of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), often referred to as the US military's "force in readiness." The documentary provides intimate access to the training, deployment, and personal lives of the Marines, showcasing the intensity and dedication required to serve in this elite branch of the armed forces.

• Focus: US Marine Corps, 31st MEU, training, deployment.
• Topical Entity: Force in Readiness, USMC, Marine Expeditionary Unit, Pacific Command.

2. Vietnam: The War That Changed America (Apple TV+)

Slated for a global premiere on January 31, 2025, this Apple TV+ documentary promises a comprehensive and fresh perspective on the Vietnam War. The title suggests a focus on the conflict's profound and lasting impact on American society, politics, and the military itself. Historical documentaries continue to be a cornerstone of armed forces programming, offering critical analysis and often featuring newly declassified footage or interviews with veterans and historians.

• Focus: Vietnam War history, societal impact, political analysis.
• Topical Entity: Historical Documentary, Cold War, Tet Offensive, My Lai Massacre, Agent Orange.

3. Surviving Black Hawk Down (Netflix Docuseries)

Chronicling the harrowing 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, this dramatic new Netflix original docuseries is one of the most anticipated releases for 2025. The series is unique in that it chronicles the events from both sides of the conflict, offering a comprehensive and balanced view of the intense urban warfare that defined the operation. The Battle of Mogadishu, often referred to simply as the "Black Hawk Down" incident, remains a pivotal moment in US military history, and this series aims to tell the full story.

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• Focus: Battle of Mogadishu (1993), Delta Force, US Army Rangers, Somali perspective.
• Topical Entity: Operation Gothic Serpent, Task Force Ranger, Somalia, Urban Warfare, Delta Force.

Current Military Drama Powerhouses: What's Dominating Now

While docuseries are on the rise, fictional military dramas continue to capture massive audiences, often focusing on the lives of elite Special Operations Forces (SOF) and the complex geopolitical missions they undertake. These shows thrive on high-octane action and deep character studies.

4. The Terminal List and The Terminal List: Dark Wolf

The original series, starring Chris Pratt as Navy SEAL Commander James Reece, has established itself as a major player in the military thriller genre. Based on the novels by Jack Carr, the show's success has led to a major expansion of its universe. The upcoming prequel/spin-off, The Terminal List: Dark Wolf, will further explore the backstory of Reece's friend and former SEAL, Ben Edwards, played by Taylor Kitsch. This franchise is a prime example of the successful transition of military fiction from print to screen, blending intense action with themes of conspiracy and revenge.

• Focus: Navy SEALs, psychological thriller, conspiracy, Special Operations, revenge.
• Topical Entity: James Reece, Jack Carr, Taylor Kitsch, Navy SEAL Team 7, Military-Industrial Complex.

5. SEAL Team (Paramount+ / CBS)

One of the longest-running and most respected military dramas, SEAL Team continues to follow the professional and personal lives of the US Navy's most elite unit, Bravo Team. The show, which stars David Boreanaz as Jason Hayes, is lauded for its focus on the psychological toll of deployment, PTSD, and the sacrifices made by military families. Its longevity is a testament to its ability to balance intense mission sequences with compelling character development, making it a staple of the armed forces TV show category.

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• Focus: Navy SEALs, Bravo Team, counter-terrorism, PTSD, military family life.
• Topical Entity: Tier One Operator, DEVGRU, Special Warfare Command, Jason Hayes, Afghanistan, Psychological Impact.

6. Special Forces: World's Toughest Test (FOX Reality)

Moving away from scripted drama, this reality competition series is a unique and popular entry, with Season 3 set to premiere in January 2025. The show puts celebrity contestants through genuine, grueling Special Forces training challenges administered by former operatives from units like the US Navy SEALs, British SAS, and US Army Green Berets. It provides a fascinating, albeit condensed, look at the sheer physical and mental fortitude required for elite military training, appealing to the curiosity of what it takes to be a Special Forces operator.

• Focus: Reality competition, celebrity endurance, military training, physical challenge.
• Topical Entity: SAS, Delta Force, US Army Green Berets, Directing Staff (DS), Selection Process, Psychological Warfare.

The 2024 Blockbuster: A World War II Epic

Historical epics, particularly those centered on World War II, maintain a powerful presence, often drawing on the prestige established by classics like Band of Brothers and The Pacific.

7. Masters of the Air (Apple TV+)

Premiering in January 2024, Masters of the Air is the long-awaited companion series to the iconic WWII dramas produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. This series shifts the focus to the "Mighty Eighth" Air Force of the US Army Air Forces, chronicling the harrowing experiences of the bomber crews who conducted perilous missions over Nazi Germany. The show combines incredible aerial combat sequences with the personal stories of the young men who faced unimaginable danger, solidifying its place as a definitive armed forces historical drama of the decade.

• Focus: World War II, US Army Air Forces, bomber crews, air combat.
• Topical Entity: Mighty Eighth Air Force, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, B-17 Flying Fortress, Strategic Bombing, Nazi Germany.

The current slate of armed forces TV shows demonstrates a clear trend: a commitment to telling both the fictional and non-fictional stories of military life with high production value and a focus on detail. Whether you are drawn to the geopolitical intrigue of *The Terminal List*, the historical gravitas of *Masters of the Air*, or the raw authenticity of the *MARINES* docuseries, the genre is delivering compelling, fresh content that honors the complexity of the world's armed forces.