MARINES – Season 1 (2025)
The four-part docuseries embeds with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, the United States’ primary rapid-response force in the Pacific. It captures young soldiers facing high-stakes combat drills and the emotional toll of life at sea. The series explores their personal sacrifices, the intense rigor of their training, and the unbreakable friendships forged under immense pressure in the modern military.
Length: 3h00m
Genre: Documentary, Military, Docuseries
This Title is: Real-life stories of duty, sacrifice, and brotherhood
Cast
Staff Sgt. Jon Lizotte, Cpl. Jose FigueraRubio, Cpl. Calvin Burke, Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola, The Men and Women of the 31st MEU
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: TV-MA – Strong Language, Intense Military Training, Discusses War
FAQ
- Is MARINES – Season 1 (2025) Based on a True Story?: Yes, it is a non-scripted documentary series providing unprecedented access to a real U.S. Marine Corps unit.
- Where was MARINES – Season 1 (2025) filmed?: Filming primarily occurred in the Indo-Pacific region, aboard the naval vessels USS America (LHA-6) and USS Green Bay (LPD-20), and during exercises in places like Australia and Okinawa.
- Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: N/A. The composer was not credited in the available search information.
Filmmaker Profile
Director Chelsea Yarnell, known for character-driven docuseries like *Cheer*, focuses on the personal side of intense group dynamics. She provides unprecedented access to the unit, successfully emphasizing the emotional journeys and human aspects of duty over just military action.
Why It’s Worth Watching
This series offers rare, unscripted access to an active military unit preparing for modern global challenges. The production quality, from the cinematography of life at sea to the tight direction of the training sequences, is phenomenal. It captures a raw, authentic look at dedication and the profound, enduring bonds formed in service.
Main Character Deep Dive
The series’ strength rests on the shoulders of the individual Marines, whose emotional journeys anchor the story. We witness their internal conflict as they balance the demanding requirements of duty against their identity and connection to home. Their performances of resilience and vulnerability under pressure make their personal growth exceptional and deeply relatable.
Unforgettable Quote
“After a while, it really just becomes about your boys.”
Trivia
- The series was produced by Amblin Entertainment Documentaries, the company behind the classic war miniseries *Band of Brothers*.
- It premiered on November 10, 2025, to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps.
- The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is the only continuously forward-deployed Marine Expeditionary Unit in the U.S. military.
Trailer
Stream MARINES – Season 1 (2025) on:
Our Review
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I found this docuseries absolutely riveting, a powerful look at the young people who commit their lives to service. The access the production team achieved is remarkable, allowing us a privileged view inside the world of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. I was consistently impressed by the authenticity of the experiences shown, from the grueling physical demands of jungle warfare training to the quiet, reflective moments aboard their deployed ships. The production excels at balancing the intense military spectacle—like high-stakes combat exercises—with the deeply human stories of camaraderie and personal growth. We see how strong friendships are built when individuals are pushed to their absolute limits, creating a bond that is palpable on screen. I particularly enjoyed how the episodes capture the unique blend of toughness and vulnerability these soldiers possess. This experience is a masterclass in human resolve and a respectful portrayal of life on the razor’s edge of global affairs, leaving me thoroughly impressed by the sacrifice and dedication of these individuals.
Who Should Watch This?
Stream it if you appreciate honest, non-fiction accounts of military life, intense training, and the powerful, real-world dynamics of teamwork under the highest possible pressure.
