The Unit

:

Season 1
  • Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 7, 2006
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 154 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 105 out of 154
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 154
  3. Negative: 34 out of 154
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User Reviews

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  1. MaySky
    Aug 31, 2018
    10
    The Unit is one of them shows that grab hold of you from the opening credits to the last scene. I think it gives the viewer a captivating look at the unsung heroes that keep this Country safe. The story lines were well written the actors were amazing. I think this show still had a few more seasons left and was pulled at the wrong time. Dennis Haysbert stole this show and made it hisThe Unit is one of them shows that grab hold of you from the opening credits to the last scene. I think it gives the viewer a captivating look at the unsung heroes that keep this Country safe. The story lines were well written the actors were amazing. I think this show still had a few more seasons left and was pulled at the wrong time. Dennis Haysbert stole this show and made it his own. Robert Patrick and Max Martini charactor arcs were nothing short of great TV. I give this show a 10 because it is one of the very few shows I will always stop at while flipping through the channels.… Expand
  2. derstreber
    Sep 14, 2014
    10
    The Unit maybe one of the best tv shows I have ever seen. I loved the look, the style and everything. It was perfect. Such a shame that it was discontinued just to produce one more useless NCIS spin-off.
    Kick all NCIS stuff out of your program except ne original one that was really good and go back producing The Unit. Dennis Haysbert was awesome btw.
  3. liquefire
    Nov 14, 2011
    8
    It's a fun watch. Nothing too serious and nothing unrealistic. Not every episode is great, and not always continuous. Now that I am done with the set I want more, that should tell you something.
  4. Innovationrules
    Jul 20, 2011
    10
    The Unit represents one of the most compelling hours of television anywhere and anytime. I am flummoxed by the critics average score, other than to say critics are generally against any TV drama that purveys the military in anything approaching a favorable light.

    In fact the drama is many times so gripping that the episode becomes difficult to watch. Is it too much for at least some home    The Unit represents one of the most compelling hours of television anywhere and anytime. I am flummoxed by the critics average score, other than to say critics are generally against any TV drama that purveys the military in anything approaching a favorable light.

    In fact the drama is many times so gripping that the episode becomes difficult to watch. Is it too much for at least some home viewers to reach star status?

    Ultimately, I believe the the show suffered from two flaws that lead to its failure; one common and one not so common. The common one is that in 5 years the characters did not evolve enough to deep the deeply faithful viewership alive. The show was at its best presenting the army's best soldiers in impossible situations, but floundered in the continuing Kafkaesque moments with wives and girlfriends.

    The second flaw was the wife story line. It was frustratingly unrealistic. No one, and I mean no one, can watch even 1 season of absolutely shunned wife long suffering and comparatively uneventful story lines while being complicitly lied to, and not be frustrated. Not even Jonas would not tell the love of his life what he was doing. The evolution in the last season was a band-aid to this issue, not a solution.

    Kudos to the writers and the producers of an absolutely brilliant idea and some of the best writing on TV. But Andy Griffin shows are dead. People need to change. It's part of the fun.    … Expand
  5. phillipk
    May 11, 2009
    10
    Terrific show. Please do not take it off the air. My buddies and I watch it faithfully. Very well done. One of the best on TV.
  6. alexg
    Apr 7, 2009
    10
    I love this show. The acting and attention to detail when it comes to the weapons and tactics is awesome! I hope to see a movie maybe or a special extra long episode some day? There are too many epic moments to count.
  7. BU
    Nov 28, 2008
    8
    For those of us who grew up on the A Team, Commando and the like this show's good for a weekly action fix. I've never been in the military, but its still easy to tell that there's a lot of poetic license, and I bet most military types probably hate it. Even so, I still enjoy it. I rate Patrick, Martini & Foley, and Haysbert is the man, but I'd like to see a version For those of us who grew up on the A Team, Commando and the like this show's good for a weekly action fix. I've never been in the military, but its still easy to tell that there's a lot of poetic license, and I bet most military types probably hate it. Even so, I still enjoy it. I rate Patrick, Martini & Foley, and Haysbert is the man, but I'd like to see a version that had all the wives' scenes edited out. Too much drama for my tastes.… Expand
  8. CoryB
    Nov 24, 2008
    10
    Love it
  9. RoryP
    Nov 15, 2008
    10
    The Unit this season has outdone itself. It is great! Thank you to David Mamet and his crew!
  10. EricE
    Jan 18, 2008
    9
    The second show of my Tuesday night lineup. I love this show, it has a little bit of everything, action, romance, thrills, chills. Not a ton of action but plenty to keep me entertained. Also it makes for a good break from all the forensic science murder shows.
  11. Shaggy
    Nov 15, 2007
    9
    The show get's into your head and makes you think about world issues and how they affect everyday lives. It's addictive!
  12. MitchellH.
    Nov 13, 2007
    10
    Good story lines. Nice twists. Does well in showing dual lifes in the soldiers and the wives. Well written and makes the watcher feel both energized and sympathetic.
  13. FishstickF.
    Nov 8, 2007
    9
    This is a great show that has us on the edge of our seat every week!
  14. ChristopherF.
    Oct 3, 2007
    10
    Better with each episode...a good education for the all too common and naive citizen who chooses to believe this world doesn't or needn't exist. As the father of one of these soldiers, some of the over-dramatization is evident. However, it is 80% on the money and overdue as a genre. What Hollywood is afraid to produce, TV has provided--yet another indication that TV is the hot Better with each episode...a good education for the all too common and naive citizen who chooses to believe this world doesn't or needn't exist. As the father of one of these soldiers, some of the over-dramatization is evident. However, it is 80% on the money and overdue as a genre. What Hollywood is afraid to produce, TV has provided--yet another indication that TV is the hot medium right now that has attracted the more daring artists and writers.… Expand
  15. TrishZ.
    Sep 21, 2007
    8
    The covert operations are great!!! Unfortunately, too much time is spent on the tiresome wives.
  16. MC.
    Jun 18, 2007
    9
    Fun military drama. not too heavy, not too light.
  17. MattC.
    Jun 9, 2007
    10
    This is one of my favorite shows on the air right now. If you haven't seen the episode from season 2 called "Dark of the Moon," I suggest that you check it out because it is the most brilliant thing I've ever seen on television outside of HBO.
  18. R.Rendratno
    Apr 13, 2007
    10
    One of the best TV series! Love it...and just like other reviewers, I watch this series with my wife...a rare thing. Strong, consistent character from play to play. The show tried to be honest / realistic, sometimes raising a serious moral question. You can debate much from military view, but, hey...this is just a shows.. created with a profit and rating issues in mind.
  19. RHellams
    Mar 19, 2007
    10
    Excellent show. The reviewers seem to be unable to accept a fact based show that is reasonably true to life - without all their politically-correct BS, and character development of the female cast members. Why can't the show just be accurate, truthful, and entertaining. There is not much female character development in Delta.
  20. JARussell
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    One of my favorite shows
  21. NA
    Feb 11, 2007
    10
    It's a fun break from the CSI's and reality crap.
  22. DavidE
    Dec 12, 2006
    10
    Show has good morals! Well written scrips! Lots of MacGyver type of action! Keep me coming back every week. Actually this is the only show that I watch with my wife..... Awesom keep it on!
  23. JoF
    Nov 15, 2006
    10
    A fantastic show...always original and always interesting. Military drama at its finest, and a great twist with the homefront. The second season is even better than the first. Bravo.
  24. JennG
    Oct 27, 2006
    9
    My husband and I love the show. It is a throw back to the good old days. Think The A-Team meets McGuyver. Good job all around.
  25. ClintN
    Aug 3, 2006
    9
    I give it a 9 only because of some "cheesyness" in both the Unit members in the field and the wives at home. Hope the show stays on for a long time to come. I read Erik Haney's book and loved it! Again this show is great! "Have a good 'un".
  26. JamieS
    Jun 20, 2006
    10
    THis show is great... If you were actually in the military you'd know that most shows are far from real... atleast they arent showing the gruesome parts of war... Its true though... things on the homefront cant get soapy.. WELCOME to the life of the military. Its real... the threat is real.... characters may not act as dramatic as it may really be, but the point of the show isnt to THis show is great... If you were actually in the military you'd know that most shows are far from real... atleast they arent showing the gruesome parts of war... Its true though... things on the homefront cant get soapy.. WELCOME to the life of the military. Its real... the threat is real.... characters may not act as dramatic as it may really be, but the point of the show isnt to scare the US to death of combat or soliders. Its action/drama and thats what they give us. You want fake war and stupid immitation combat... watch those gay war shows and stupid movies with innacurate depictions of what like is really like for half of the United States!… Expand
  27. CydneyW
    May 10, 2006
    10
    This is a great show. I love it!
  28. conniew
    Apr 29, 2006
    10
    Wow! I am loving this show! I love the mix of the action and the home base. Excellant acting, great stories. Love the military jargon by the operators and the wives - makes it even more realistic. This show and 24 are the only two shows that are a must see every week.
  29. SYLVIAT
    Apr 29, 2006
    10
    Strong actors and great show! You go guys!
  30. DanB
    Apr 26, 2006
    9
    Operational missions side is very accurate. The home front gets somewhat soapy, but has gotten better. The affair part of the show is for tittleation only.
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Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Best TV Season of 2006
33
#33 Most Discussed TV Season of 2006
16
#16 Most Shared TV Season of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 25
  3. Negative: 4 out of 25
  1. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Robert Abele
    70
    There are glimmers of something refreshingly different.
    Read full review
  2. Salon
    Reviewed by: Heather Havrilesky
    80
    One of the major strengths of "The Unit" is its ability to tackle the blurry ethical lines and confusing behavioral codes of the military during a time of war.
    Read full review
  3. San Jose Mercury News/Contra Costa Times
    Reviewed by: Charlie McCollum
    80
    It just oozes potential with sharp dialogue and a strong cast.
    Read full review
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