The Best '90s Military TV Shows, Ranked
- 1David James Elliott, Catherine Bell, Patrick Laborteaux
Watch This Show If You Love: NCIS, The Guardian, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Unit, Covert Affairs
Why Should I Stream? For a gripping foray into the world of military law, look no further than the long-running series JAG. Lauded for its riveting blend of action, drama, and compelling legal cases, this show is an essential watch for fans of crime procedurals and military intrigue. Don't miss out on JAG's impressive 10-season run that highlights the challenges and triumphs faced by the dedicated men and women who serve in The Judge Advocate General's Corps.In a seamless fusion of military drama and legal intrigue, this long-running series delves deep into the high-stakes world of the United States Navy's Judge Advocate General's Corps. Through the eyes of determined characters such as Lt. Cmdr. Harmon Rabb (David James Elliott) and Lt. Col. Sarah MacKenzie (Catherine Bell), the show explores complex cases involving criminal investigations, ethical dilemmas, and international disputes. Spanning ten seasons,JAG is often lauded for its accurate portrayal of military life and thought-provoking storylines. With an ensemble cast delivering compelling performances, this TV gem remains a classic in the annals of television history.More JAG
- #173 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #47 of 54 onThe 50+ Best TV Shows With 10+ Seasons
- #18 of 56 onThe Best CBS Dramas of All Time
- 2Dana Delany, Marg Helgenberger, Robert Picardo
Watch This Show If You Love: M*A*S*H, ER, The West Wing, The Vietnam War (documentary series), Homicide: Life on the Street
Why Should I Stream? Set during the tumultuous Vietnam War era, China Beach offers viewers an insightful perspective on the lives of American servicemen and women stationed at a base camp near Da Nang. With its superb ensemble cast led by Dana Delany, this critically acclaimed series has garnered numerous awards throughout its four-season tenure, making it a must-watch for history buffs and drama aficionados alike. Be prepared to be captivated by both poignant human stories and gripping wartime scenarios as China Beach deftly explores themes such as loss, camaraderie, and sacrifice.China Beach is an American dramatic television series set during the Vietnam War, focusing on the lives of the staff of an evacuation hospital at a US Army base on China Beach. The show follows the experiences of nurses, doctors, soldiers, volunteers, and entertainers as they cope with the war's horrors and their personal struggles. It focuses on the impact of war, the role of women in combat zones, and the struggle for survival and sanity in the face of chaos. The ensemble cast includes Dana Delany, Marg Helgenberger, and Robert Picardo. China Beach was critically acclaimed and Dana Delany won multiple awards for her performance as nurse Colleen McMurphy - including two Emmy Awards.More China Beach- #267 of 355 onTV Shows Canceled Before Their Time
- #29 of 53 onThe Best ABC Dramas of All Time
- #7 of 17 on11 War TV Shows That Hit As Hard As A Movie
- 3Terence Knox, Stephen Caffrey, Tony Becker
Watch This Show If You Love: Band of Brothers, The Pacific, Generation Kill, Over There, 12 O'Clock High
Why Should I Stream? Delving into the harrowing experiences faced by soldiers on the front lines in Vietnam, Tour of Duty stands as one of television's most authentic portrayals of war. Praised for its unflinching depiction of combat life amidst a backdrop of political turmoil and civil unrest, this groundbreaking series provides viewers with a nuanced understanding of life during wartime. Don't miss out on this powerful exploration of brotherhood amid adversity that spans three enthralling seasons.Tour of Duty is an American drama television series on CBS. It ran for three seasons from September 1987 to April 1990 as 58 one-hour episodes. The show was created by Steve Duncan and L. Travis Clark, and produced by Zev Braun. It was the first television series to regularly show Americans in combat in Vietnam and was one of several similarly themed series to be produced in the wake of the acclaimed Oliver Stone film, Platoon.More Tour of Duty- #30 of 44 onThe Best 1980s Action TV Series
- #10 of 15 on15 Military TV Shows That'll Have You Reporting For Duty
- #23 of 81 onThe Greatest Period TV Shows Set in the 1960s
- 4Gorden Kaye, Carmen Silvera, Rose Hill
Watch This Show If You Love: Fawlty Towers, Are You Being Served?, Dad's Army, Blackadder, The Vicar of Dibley
Why Should I Stream? Injecting levity into even the darkest situations is not easily accomplished; however, 'Allo 'Allo! masterfully blends humor with an unlikely setting: World War II-occupied France. This British sitcom has achieved cult status thanks to its pitch-perfect ensemble cast delivering hilarious performances alongside clever writing that subverts traditional wartime narratives with wit and charm. For those seeking a side-splitting, irreverent take on wartime hijinks, 'Allo 'Allo! is a must-watch.A cafe owner attempts to repatriate escapees during World War II.More 'Allo 'Allo!- #341 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- #13 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
- #208 of 282 onThe 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History
- 5Sean Bean
Watch This Show If You Love: Hornblower, Poldark, War and Peace (2016 miniseries), North and South (2004 miniseries), Rome
Why Should I Stream? Sharpe showcases the thrilling adventures of a British soldier during the Napoleonic Wars in this action-packed historical drama series. Starring Sean Bean as the titular hero, Sharpe offers viewers an exhilarating blend of battle scenes and gripping storytelling set against the backdrop of 19th-century Europe at war. Join Richard Sharpe as he rises through the ranks while facing both personal and professional challenges in this critically acclaimed series that has become a fan favorite amongst history enthusiasts.Following the adventures of Richard Sharpe, a fictional British soldier in the Napoleonic Wars. - 6Neil Dudgeon, George Anton, Boyd Gaines
Watch This Show If You Love: Foyle's War, Danger UXB, Wings, The Great War (1964 docuseries), The World at War
Why Should I Stream? Delving into the prestigious world of British Royal Air Force pilots during WWII, Piece of Cake presents a riveting exploration of camaraderie, bravery, and sacrifice within an elite squadron. This captivating miniseries boasts spectacular aerial combat sequences that seamlessly intertwine with compelling character-driven narratives offering profound insights into the human side of warfare. Be enthralled by this powerful yet poignant portrayal of men who risked everything for their country.Piece of Cake is a six-part 1988 television series, depicting the life of a Royal Air Force fighter squadron from the day of the British entry into World War II through to one of the toughest days in the Battle of Britain. The series was produced by Holmes Associates for London Weekend Television and had a budget of 5 million pounds. The series is based on the 1983 novel Piece of Cake, by Derek Robinson. In the book, the squadron is equipped with Hurricanes. The relative rarity of airworthy Hurricanes in the late 1980s precluded their use in the television series. The squadron depicted is the fictional Hornet Squadron, which is equipped with Supermarine Spitfire fighters, and deployed to France, where it waits out the Phoney War in comfort and elegance, until the German attack on Western Europe in May 1940. One by one, nearly all of the original pilots are killed and as losses mount, the character of the squadron changes from a casual nonchalance to a fight for survival. By the end of the series, only four of the original fourteen officers have survived.More Piece of Cake- #9 of 15 onThe Best Movies And TV Shows About Aerial Combat
- #11 of 12 onThe 12 Best Shows About WWII, Ranked
- #12 of 60 on60+ Movies And Shows With Cake In The Title
- 7
Soldiers, A History of Men in Battle
Watch This Show If You Love: Warriors (2008 documentary series), Battlefield (1994 documentary series), The Last Kingdom, Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire (documentary series), Barbarians Rising (miniseries)
Why Should I Stream? Providing viewers with an extensive historical overview spanning centuries, Soldiers: A History of Men in Battle is an influential documentary series that uncovers the evolution of warfare throughout human history. By examining numerous conflicts from various eras and cultures worldwide, this comprehensive account highlights how military strategy has shaped civilization across time. For anyone interested in gaining a deeper appreciation for armed conflict's cultural significance, this series offers invaluable knowledge through its expertly crafted storytelling.Soldiers: A History of Men in Battle was a 1985 BBC television documentary series about the history of warfare from antiquity to the Falklands War. Each episode looked at warfare from the perspective of different participants: infantryman, artillerist, cavalryman, tanker, airman, guerrilla, surgeon, logistician and commander. The series and a companion book were written by John Keegan and Richard Holmes, and the series was presented by Frederick Forsyth. - 8Ben Nealon, Robson Green, Jerome Flynn
Watch This Show If You Love: Our Girl, Ultimate Force, Red Cap, Band of Gold, Blue Murder
Why Should I Stream? Deeply rooted in authentic military life experiences, Soldier Soldier delves into interpersonal relationships within the British Army's King's Own Fusiliers regiment stationed overseas during peacetime engagements. Focusing equally on personal dramas and professional dilemmas faced by soldiers grappling with life beyond active combat duty, this engaging series offers viewers a unique glimpse into the military world. Immerse yourself in the captivating six-season run of Soldier Soldier and explore the bonds that form between those who serve together.Soldier Soldier is a British television drama series. The title comes from a traditional song of the same name - "Soldier, soldier will you marry me, with your musket, fife and drum?" - an instrumental version of which was used as its theme music. Produced by Central Television and broadcast on the ITV network, it ran for a total of seven series and 82 episodes from 1991 to 1997. It featured the daily lives of a group of soldiers in 'B' Company, 1st Battalion The King's Fusiliers, a fictional British Army infantry regiment loosely based on the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Set in the immediate aftermath of the Cold War, it is a dramatisation of army life in the early to mid-1990s, when the British Army was undergoing significant change. This is perhaps best demonstrated during the third series, around 1994, when a significant number of real regiments were forced into amalgamations with each other due to downsizing of the army. In the world of Soldier Soldier, the King's Fusiliers are also forced to amalgamate with the Cumbrian Regiment, another fictional regiment, becoming the King's Own Fusiliers. - 9Jack Thompson, Peter Sumner, Redmond Phillips
Watch This Show If You Love: Secret Army, Danger Man, Mission: Impossible (1966 TV series), Callan, The Sandbaggers
Why Should I Stream? Dive into the thrilling world of espionage during World War II with Spyforce, an action-packed Australian TV series set against a backdrop of high-stakes covert operations. Follow the daring missions of secret agents tasked with infiltrating enemy lines to gather intelligence and sabotage Nazi operations, showcasing remarkable courage and ingenuity in the face of adversity. With its gripping storylines and intriguing characters, Spyforce is essential viewing for fans of historical drama and spy thrillers alike.Spyforce was an Australian TV series produced from 1971 to 1973, based upon the adventures of Australian Military Intelligence operatives in the South West Pacific during World War II. It was produced by the Nine Network in conjunction with Paramount Pictures. The series centres on the action and adventures of lead actor Jack Thompson's character Erskine, and his main support character, Peter Sumner's Gunthar Haber. It was the first lead role for Jack Thompson. The two are part of an elite unit of special operatives, the Special Intelligence Unit, and their adventures are loosely based upon those of the real Services Reconnaissance Department who often operated behind Japanese-held lines during the war. Unlike most previous war films, Spyforce deliberately steered away from the notion that the United States was solely responsible for Japan's defeat, and highlights the important role Australian forces played in the defeat of the Imperial Japanese Army. Producer Roger Mirams was also careful to avoid stereotypes of the genre, and tired formulas for the battle scenes. - 10
Cold War
Kenneth BranaghWatch This Show If You Love: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1979 miniseries), Berlin Station, Deutschland 83 / Deutschland 86 / Deutschland 89 trilogy, The Americans, The Assets
Why Should I Stream? Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Jeremy Isaacs presents a comprehensive exploration of the ideological conflict that shaped global politics for nearly half a century in his masterful 24-part series, Cold War. Featuring unprecedented access to key historical figures, this riveting examination provides an unflinching portrayal of events from both Eastern and Western perspectives, resulting in a poignant reflection on humanity's capacity for division and cooperation. For anyone seeking to understand one of history's most pivotal eras better, Cold War stands as an essential resource.Cold War is a twenty-four episode television documentary series about the Cold War that aired in 1998. It features interviews and footage of the events that shaped the tense relationships between the Soviet Union and the United States. The series was produced by Pat Mitchell and Jeremy Isaacs, who had earlier in 1973 produced the World War II documentary series The World at War in a similar style. Ted Turner funded the series as a joint production between the Turner Broadcasting System and the BBC, and was first broadcast on CNN in the United States and BBC Two in the United Kingdom. Writers included Hella Pick, Jeremy Isaacs, Lawrence Freedman, Neal Ascherson, Hugh O'Shaughnessy and Germaine Greer. Kenneth Branagh was the narrator, and Carl Davis composed the theme music. Each episode would feature historical footage and interviews from both significant figures and others who had witnessed particular events. After the series was broadcast it was released as a set of twelve or eight VHS cassettes. The series was released on DVD by Warner Home Video on May 8, 2012 in North America. Watch This Show If You Love: Ramayan (1987 TV series), Suryaputra Karn, Siya Ke Ram, RadhaKrishn, Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat
Why Should I Stream? Epic storytelling takes center stage in Mahabharat, a sweeping adaptation of India's ancient Sanskrit epic narrating the legendary struggle between two families vying for supremacy over ancient India. This enthralling TV series not only entertains but also imparts moral lessons through its richly layered narrative steeped in mythology, philosophy, and spirituality. A landmark production boasting grand sets and memorable performances by talented actors ensure Mahabharat's place as an indispensable piece of Indian pop culture.- 12Holliday Grainger, Caroline Catz, Alistair McGowan
Watch This Show If You Love: Dad's Army, Men Behaving Badly, The Royle Family, Absolutely Fabulous, Goodnight Sweetheart
Why Should I Stream? Set amidst the backdrop of British soldiers navigating life both on and off-duty during peacetime engagements in Europe, All Quiet on the Preston Front offers viewers a humorous and poignant look at the challenges faced by men serving in a mechanized infantry platoon. Featuring dynamic character-driven storylines that tackle complex themes such as family, love, and loyalty, this highly relatable series offers a compelling insight into the personal lives of soldiers. Be sure to catch all three seasons of All Quiet on the Preston Front for an entertaining and heartwarming journey steeped in military life.All Quiet on the Preston Front is a BBC comedy drama about a group of friends in the fictional Lancashire town of Roker Bridge, and their links to the local Territorial Army infantry platoon. It was created by Tim Firth.
