Between tactical action and personal drama, Six was one of the series that best portrayed the life and missions of the legendary SEAL Team Six, the world’s most famous special operations unit. Secret missions, moral dilemmas, and brutal realism made it a gem for those who enjoy stories where the uniform doesn’t protect from everything. 

The essentials: what it’s about and who’s in it 

The series premiered in 2017 on History Channel, and although it only had two seasons, it left its mark among fans of the genre. It tells the story of the SEAL Team Six’s covert operations, centered on the character Richard “Rip” Taggart, a veteran operator played by Walton Goggins, who, after a mistake during a mission in Afghanistan, is removed from the team and years later kidnapped by an African terrorist group.

The rest of the team — led by Barry Sloane (Joe “Bear” Graves) and Kyle Schmid (Alex Caulder) — embarks on a rescue mission that will confront them not only with external enemies but also with their own ghosts.

Available on Prime Video, Apple TV, and other streaming platforms.

How they make it “credible”, key points 

Real military advising: the series worked with former members of SEAL Team Six as technical consultants to ensure that procedures, language, and tactics were as realistic as possible.

Tactical filming approach: Six avoided gratuitous spectacle and prioritized a close, almost documentary-style visual tone, with handheld cameras, real environments, and authentic gear

Intensive cast training: the actors went through live-fire drills, night patrols, and real fatigue sessions to understand the mindset of a SEAL operator. 

Script focused on the soldier’s morality: beyond bullets, the show explored the psychological impact of missions, guilt, leadership, and broken loyalties. 

Real curiosities (to share with friends) 

Based on real events: although the story is fictional, it’s inspired by real DEVGRU (SEAL Team Six) operations and reflects the internal culture of Tier One units. 

Change of protagonist: Walton Goggins appears only partially in the second season due to scheduling conflicts; leadership passed to Barry Sloane, who also trained with former SEALs for the role.

Filmed in North Carolina: although depicting African and Middle Eastern settings, much of the filming took place in the U.S., using its diverse landscapes and rural environments.

Weapon details: operators use replicas or adapted versions of real firearms such as the HK416, M4A1, Glock 19, SCAR-L, or MP7, along with Crye Precision gear and Ops-Core helmets.

Abrupt ending: the second season ended with an intense and emotional arc, but the series was canceled in 2018, leaving many fans waiting for a third mission that never came.