JAG

Premise: “JAG” is an American military legal drama that originally aired from 1995 to 2005. It initially premiered on NBC but was later picked up by CBS. Created by Donald P. Bellisario, the show centers around the United States Navy’s Judge Advocate General (JAG) office, which handles military justice matters. The series follows the professional and personal lives of Harmon Rabb Jr. (David James Elliott) and Sarah “Mac” MacKenzie (Catherine Bell) as they investigate, prosecute, and defend cases ranging from murder and espionage to war crimes.

Main Central Characters:

• Harmon Rabb Jr. (David James Elliott): A former Navy fighter pilot turned JAG lawyer, driven by a strong moral compass.
• Sarah “Mac” MacKenzie (Catherine Bell): A Marine Corps lawyer who partners with Rabb; she’s tough, intelligent, and harbors her own complex past.
• Admiral A.J. Chegwidden (John M. Jackson): The stern but fair head of the JAG office.
• Bud Roberts (Patrick Labyorteaux): A junior lawyer who provides comic relief but also grows significantly over the series.

Themes: The series delves into themes of justice, duty, and patriotism, often questioning the ethical complexities inherent in military actions and the laws that govern them. Issues such as military conduct, international law, and the moral ambiguities of warfare are recurrent topics. Personal themes like loyalty, family, and romantic relationships also feature prominently.

Critical Consensus Rating: 3.5/5 Critics generally praised “JAG” for its compelling characters and nuanced handling of complex military and legal issues. However, the series was sometimes criticized for formulaic storytelling and a somewhat idealized portrayal of the military, which didn’t always sit well with every viewer.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: The show carries a TV-14 rating for its military themes, violence, and some mature content.

Broadcast Information: Originally aired on NBC for its first season (1995-1996) and then moved to CBS from 1997 to 2005.

TV Series Recommendations:

1. “NCIS” – A spin-off of “JAG,” focusing on Naval criminal investigations.
2. “Law & Order” – For those interested in legal dramas with episodic storytelling.
3. “The West Wing” – For its exploration of government and ethical complexities.
4. “Boston Legal” – For its mix of legal drama and personal relationships.
5. “Homeland“

Streaming Services:

Currently available to stream on Paramount+