9 Reasons We’re Grateful for ‘SEAL Team’ Season 5 — and Its Move to Paramount+
If you haven’t been staying up to date on SEAL Team, whether because there’s just too much on or you don’t subscribe to Paramount+ so you couldn’t follow after the move from CBS, you’re missing out because it’s having probably its best season yet.
The military drama aired its first four episodes, including the first of a three-parter, on CBS before moving over to the streaming service. It was during that arc that Bravo 1, Jason Hayes (David Boreanaz), found out that Mandy Ellis (Jessica Paré), who supposedly left the agency last season, was in trouble. That opened the door for something that some fans had been waiting years for once they returned home. And that’s just one of the highlights of Season 5 so far.
Scroll down as we take a look at the reasons we’re grateful for SEAL Team right now, both for what we’re seeing in Season 5 and for what we’ve gotten with the move to Paramount+.
SEAL Team, Sundays, Paramount+
They Can Use Situation-Appropriate Language
Has SEAL Team managed just fine without one of the characters dropping a “f**k” at times when it would be appropriate? Yes. But at the same time, we can’t help but be happy that when they realize things are going horribly wrong — like on the train in the first Paramount+ episode — they can.
It's Still the Same SEAL Team
The series hasn’t missed a step in the transition. Every episode still feels the same as the ones from its time on CBS, and the content hasn’t suddenly changed (such as by becoming more violent) just because it’s on a streamer now.
Jason's Trauma
Jason’s headaches have become significantly worse in Season 5, with Bravo 1 suffering memory loss and making questionable calls. And in the latest episode, “Conspicuous Gallantry,” that almost cost him his entire team, as Clay Spenser (Max Thieriot) uncovered while investigating just what happened when a building came down on them — and couldn’t have been caused by an RPG from the enemy. Rather than sweeping it under the rug, we’re seeing it go to new, dangerous levels and it’s likely leading to quite the explosive confrontation between Jason and Clay.
A Couple of the Series' Best Episodes
In the first episodes on CBS and then on Paramount+, SEAL Team delivered a couple of the best from its run so far. Episode 3, “Nine Ten,” honored 9/11 while telling the origin stories of the members of Bravo, with some stellar casting for the young versions in the flashback making it all the more poignant. And then the aforementioned “Conspicuous Gallantry” may have seen Bravo recovering from their injuries but it included the action the series is known for with flashbacks to the incident, pushed Jason’s story forward, and featured great moments between team members (especially as they had some fun while competing in their games).
Ray's PTSD
At the end of Season 4, Jason convinced Ray (Neil Brown Jr.) to get help for his PTSD following his experience when he was captured and tortured. And we’re seeing Ray use what he’s learned in therapy throughout this season, including while stuck in a bunker overseas on a mission that went sideways. He may have to be concerned about who spoke with the higher-ups — he told his teammates to voice any concerns, but it doesn’t seem like any of them did — but this storyline is just one of several SEAL Team has done to call attention to a serious topic.
Jason's Finding a Balance
We’re actually seeing Jason Hayes and Bravo 1 coexisting in Season 5 — and it’s definitely been one of the highlights. Part of that includes his new relationship with Mandy … once they take it out of hotel rooms, that is.
Clay & Stella's Steps Forward
Not only did Clay and Stella (Alona Tal) get engaged and married last season, but they’re also having a baby, and he may not think so, but we think he’s doing just fine emulating Ray away from the team. Plus, he, too, is finding a balance, also looking after Bravo — and Jason in particular, with his latest memory problems.
Davis Pulled in 2 Directions?
In Season 5, Davis (Toni Trucks) is still working with Bravo but has also been busy with a DoD fellowship (and one of the men in it with her). But she may be running into a bit of a problem with her latest paper, one that is about standing up for and protecting their warfighters but won’t be taken too kindly by her higher-ups, as Blackburn (Judd Lormand) warned her. It seems like she might have a decision to make, and as we’ve seen in the past, she does what’s right, not necessarily what’s best for her career.
Sonny as a Dad
One of the biggest surprises of SEAL Team in general might be how Sonny’s (A.J. Buckley) taken to being a father and his push to have his daughter around full-time, even if we’re not quite sure that he and Hannah (Rachel Boston) will be going the distance. Still, Sonny has grown so much in such a short period of time — remember how messy he got last season? — and we love to see it.
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C
I miss Seal Team. Bring it back to CBS!!!!
Shouldn't have to pay extra to watch. People watching CBS made it the hit show it is today.
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G
As I understand it, the sub to Paramount is only $5 p month... Seal team is worth that, surely?
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G
I am more than a little upset about the Seal Team move to Paramount+. I watched the series starting with episode one. My area has very poor service so I can no longer watch. Frustrating to be sure.
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G
Bad move taking it off CBS
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R
Wish it never moved now I’m 4 episodes behind I refuse to pay for more cable service
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O
I can't get Paramount+ so I'm just a little ticked about the change, but....
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R
I am very upset tgat they moved the show. Its a great show. No filthy talk but lots of action. We can't watch shows on my phone. Can't afford to pay anymore for tv.
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R
SEAL TEAM lost two more devoted fans. My husband & I were loyal fans but we can't/won't get Paramount +. Any plans to show Paramount + reruns on CBS later?
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O
Hate that they took it off of CBS. Can’t watch any more.
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O
Hate it moved to plus, don’t have internet so can’t get it. Loved watching it. Oh well at least still have Yellowstone!
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P
I'm elderly and on permanent disability and a fixed income. I can not afford more expenses. I love the show and am very disappointed it left CBS.
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C
So it they just cut the bad language they could put it back on CBS?
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O
They could have put it on regular paramount if that’s the case cause they evidently don’t mind
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O
So for all the people who keep complaining, it was either the move to P+ or the show was going to be canceled because it’s apparently rather expensive to produce, which I can totally see. And I understand that people on a fixed income might not be able to afford to pay more, but there are options… like wait till the season is over, sign up for the free trial and binge the episodes. I for one am so glad it wasn’t canceled because it’s one of the best shows out there and it provides a great service to the veteran community by telling their stories and by all accounts employing close to 100 vets in front of and behind the camera
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P
There are many more reasons why I'm grateful for SEAL Team and their move to Paramount+ :
The wonderful work that the cast do onscreen and offscreen to raise awareness, support, promote and encourage organisations that support Military people before, during & after serving and Veterans ongoing needs.
This show gives us a unique insight into what it's like for Military people and the lasting effects they endure physically and mentally, the effects this has on their family and friends. The dedication that is required to be serving in the Military is uncomparable to any other job or calling.
The amazing storylines still to be told and this is never-ending because every Military person has a unique story to tell.
The crew behind the scenes who are an integral and often under-appreciated part of this show who are essential for making SEAL Team the success that it is.
Here in Australia, I am grateful that we have Paramount+ and that I now get to see SEAL Team as soon as it's released in the US. We used to be a year / a season behind on free to air TV.
I trust that Paramount+ will renew SEAL Team indefinitely.
There are many more countries waiting for Paramount+ so as soon as they have it they will have even more people signing up to watch SEAL Team.
Those who complain about it being too expensive should do a re-evaluation of your viewing needs...like me, you might find you are actually able to save money by having Paramount+...where there's a will there's a way.
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O
Love the move to paramount plus. The story lines have been intense and keeping me on our toes. Haven’t been this excited for each episode in a while!!! Love it!!!
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P
Great move to Paramount+, IMO. With the changes in camera shots, each episode is like watching a movie.
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G
I’m grateful that we get more great stories due to the show moving to Paramount +. This show doesn’t shy away from the hard topics. They too right by our brave warriors & Veterans.
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C
I love how this article is about how happy they are about the move to a streaming platform. Yet the first five or six comments are about how we the viewer are not happy that they moved to a streaming platform. It's just funny how the article wants you to think it's a good move yet when you ask the viewer who has to pay extra now is not happy. It's just a cash grab and it's bull...
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C
I am so disappointed and frustrated that the show is not on CBS anymore. I have watched it from day one and of course I saw the first five episodes and now I see nothing. I have no clue what’s going on. I don’t know why this had to move from CBS. I think you’ve lost a lot of fans on this show. Hoping maybe the show gets canceled.
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O
That’s a terrible thing to say and extremely selfish… what about the veterans who are EMPLOYED by the show? Do their jobs NOT matter? The show is about them after all. They moved because CBS was going to cancel it. Your viewership on Network TV doesn’t actually count unless you’re a Nielsen household and not enough of those viewers were watching.
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P
Paramount + is owned by CBS. It's a ridiculous money grab. Veterans or not, disappointing move.
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G
Shame on the decision makers who chose to move Seal Team to a streaming service!! Even if we could afford to pay the monthly fee, we wouldn't. It's the principle. There are no other shows on Paramount that interest us. It'll be cheaper to buy the whole season next Christmas.
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C
I think it’s terrible that it moved to paramount +, one of the only shows I watch.
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O
Bring the authenticity back. It’s become too cliche and not believable anymore. Bring Blackburn back and the CIA involvement. Making Davis out to be Wonder Woman who always saves the day is insulting to the viewer. Bad example and role model for young girls wanting to join the Navy. She needs to stop jumping from from one guy to another and messing with a subordinate and breaking all the rules.
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O
This article is right… the show is better on P+. Not only that, at least the cast and crew (some of which are veterans) are still employed!!
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B
I have Paramount + but I live in Canada. We were told about the switch and even got to see episode 5 when it switched. It was awesome. Then it got yanked from Canada. So I am glad you can see it in the US, but there are a lot of very disappointed fans in Canada that got stuck on a cliffhanger.😔
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P
Fixed income means no funds for extras like this. Watched since the first show and now no more. We made SEAL team a great show and they left us behind. Not something a SEAL team is supose to do
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C
Yeh - leave no one behind..... guess they did
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C
More Trent! Hurrah!
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C
good for you Ericka, but many of us that looked forward to the show are retired and/or can't afford paying for another streaming show. Paramount plus or whatever they choose to disguise their management, must be a republican company. It sucks and we are disappointed
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G
I agree this is the best season yet! The acting is fantastic, the action scenes are so gritty and suspenseful, and other storylines are very authentic. I understand going to Paramount+ saved this great show, but I’m sorry for those who can’t afford it (binge watch it when season is over on free trial, or pay for just one month - it’s worth it).
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O
Season 5 episode 5 throwing it out there about the botched withdraw from Afghanistan 20 years for nothing Taliban driving around in our humvee using our equipment. Pretty well explained present day US government
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G
I'm in the UK. We don't get Paramount here. But...I've fou d it on an Israeli FREE website called SDAROT. Its an Israeli website for TV series, and is almost as good as Netflix. Seal Team is improving by leaps and bounds. But Clay and Jason will soon come to blows over Jason memory failure leading to the disaster featured in this last episode. Do we see Jason going into therapy or even...retiring after 20 years service? can't kick doors down forever. I think Clay would make an excellent Bravo 1. So would Ray, but he has his PTSD as a compromising factor. Clay would have been great for STA but had to abandon that ...so now Bravo 1 beckons! It would be sad to lose Jason, but he's at the end of his career... time to retire and... look after himself ... his new challenge in life. And Davis needs to consider if describing the reality of ops and seeking change is compatible with being/remaining a US Navy officer... So much to look forward to...
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O
They moved to Paramount+ because CBS was cancelling it. They had no choice.
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R
I am furious they took seal Team off CBS. My favourite show of all time, and I do not watch a lot of tv, and because I live in Canada we can no longer watch it.
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O
If you can find an Israeli website SDAROT, a FREE website, its on there, all the episodes. Hebrew and English.
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O
Since the move there is a lot of cussing including the F-word. We loved the show up until all the cussing. I understand that it is how they talk in the military but I choose not to have it in my living room!
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O
I Love this show and have watched from the beginning and am now re-watching all the old ones again on CBS BECAUSE my internet is too slow to be able to use streaming of anything! I'm on a farm in the countryside and there is no cable available. I guess I'll have to keep watching reruns to get my fix!
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B
Paramount is the best. I am so glad that Seal team moved over to Paramount because paramount has the best show's it worth the fees. Seal team is one of the very best shows. I hope it's not cancel.
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G
I was concerned when it moved to P+ but my tv service charged only $50/year. Not bad but I have a bit of discretionary $$ maybe others don’t have. I hope everyone can get a shot at continuing this fun and well-done program!
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P
I bought Paramount + just so I can still watch The seal team I will not miss that show is the only one that I love and I would purchase paramount plus again and can’t wait to see what new i’ve been watching it since season one and I will keep on watching I just wish to state where it was
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G
I’m a military vet that loves watching this show and the lessons and experiences it covers…now I can’t watch it because I, like many other vets, can’t afford to.
(And please don’t say if you can afford cable, you can afford P+…I don’t have cable…I’ve watched episodes on the app from a friends account).
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G
Season 5 is not too engaging. the 911 episode was very generic and did not put any effort in honoring the heroes. overall we have seen from one to four the real seal team. and now everyone struggling with something makes it unpleasant to watch. let them boys retire gracefully. like 007 !
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G
I loved the show and got the free trial for Paramount but I am done. Don't like the extra profanity on the streaming service. Lost a viewer.
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O
why should i pay for yet another service when cable is so expensive to begin with.. i like Seal Team but i can do without it and another scheme for CBS to make more $$$$$
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G
Really dissatisfied with this move. Was a faithful and have seen every episode very disappointed because I will not pay for another streaming service
I cut cable for a reason now all these shows or special things require another 5.99
Too bad I really looked forward to watching weekly.
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G
I think it sucks they took this show off mainstream television —- we live only 30 minutes from a big city in Oregon and believe it or not, hundreds and thousands of people are not in an area even in this day and age where they have streaming options. Millions of us have internet but off of satellite or cellular and Neither are conducive to streaming and we pay more for it as is.
Infrastructure still has a long way to go and taking away a popular show on network for so many years and just putting it on a platform that requires streaming cheats the show out of many viewers and as well, the viewers themselves.
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R
Paramount+ in Canada doesn’t have Season 5 - what’s with that?????
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G
They lost alot of fans including me. CBS can kiss my butt.
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R
Viacom owns CBS, Showtime & Paramount/+. Vote/veto with your wallet.
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P
I agree with everyone who is upset about the move to Paramount+! Not everyone can afford the new “streaming” services!
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C
Can they do what History channel did with the VIKINGS? They put it on pay for a while, then about 9 months later put it on the History channel..........
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C
they didn't make the move so they could curse . Cbs was going to cancel them its to expensive to make and the ratings arent that good. I dont think it will last long.
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O
It’s actually been number 1 on the P+ Chart now for weeks. It’s doing extremely well streaming.
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C
Needs to go back to CBS. It everyone can do paramount plus
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B
We are already touched to dead with prices rising and the comfort we had was coming home and watching our favorite show. But now that's taken away from us too unless we want to give up some else so that we can pay to watch it that once was already paid for in our way to high cable bill. Thanks a lot
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C
Not happy they jumped ship on the viewers
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O
I got paramount + for only this reason and haven't been able to watch a single episode. When we try to watch we get a msg that there aren't enough international licenses. We're in Canada. Oh well.......
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O
Upset because you must pay
I already pay 200.00 and they want 10 and mlb wants 10
I will not watch it
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G
Hate the move. Loved that show but refuse to pay for another streaming service.
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O
I am not happy at all about the move to Paramount!!! I have never missed an episode from the beginning and now I am no longer able to watch! I really did enjoy this series and find this to be completely unfair to your faithful followers!!! 😭😭😭
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P
Not grateful Seal Team moved to Paramount+
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G
Pay $10 a month to watch? Nope. This is the death of Seal Team. And such a great show. Left all of us that have been watching faithfully high and dry. Good luck.
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O
Very upset they moved to paramount plus. Can't afford another monthly bill on a fixed income but obviously no one at CBS OR Paramount Plus gives a damn.
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G
I knew when Seal Team moved to Paramount, the language would change to more vulgarity which evidently was not needed to become a successful show unlike the writer of this article thinks using the 'f' word is situation appropriate, which is totally ignorant. Also, Jason & Mandy's love scene probably would not have been so intense on CBS. I have Paramount+ but may not continue to watch. The series Yellowstone was worse than Seal team.
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R
It’s not ignorant, it’s reality. It’s not like they are dropping the f-bomb every sentence. Only in tense situations. It’s ignorant for you to stick your head in the sand when actual operators have expressed that it makes the show more authentic.
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G
I have not watched Seal Team since it has moved. CBS will not dictate to me how to utilize my time. This is akin to the vaccine mandate. I really enjoyed Seal Team. Good bye old friend.
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R
Not even close to a vaccine mandate, such hyperbole. Is your livelihood being threatened by not watching SEAL Team? I think not. You aren’t going to lose your job if you choose not to watch. This is a reminder ridiculous comparison. Though now come to think of it, if wasn’t picked up by P+, the veterans working on the show would be out of the job—which would have threaten their livelihoods.
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O
Oh yeah…it’s a great move to Paramount because they can say the F word now. That’s a sad statement about the current morals of our society and the author of this article, if actually true!
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R
No, they moved because CBS was going to cancel them. With streaming they aren’t bound by FCC regulations. You’ve obviously never met a sailor in real life. Ever hear the saying “Curse like a sailor?” Guess where that comes from? Also, how does the f-word have anything to do with morality? It’s a word, that’s it. You are giving it too much power. It’s been said a total of four times across three episodes. How are you not okay with the few swear words that are said and okay with the violence, which IS an actual morally grey area. In your mind the f-word is worse than killing people.
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R
Seal Team is so GOOD this season. Moving to Paramount Plus has given the show the opportunity to go deeper and be truer to the battles on and off the battle field. S6 and beyond I hope. I’d also like to see the episodes be a little longer now.