Everything you need to know about Netflix’s new docuseries ‘Marines’
After the success of Boots, Netflix has another marine-related show ready for you to binge. More of a docuseries, though, and it is called Marines, a new documentary series that takes viewers inside the world of the United States Marine Corps.
But do not confuse it with a dramatised war story. It will show you the marine life in its rawest form. It’s a human look at what it means to live and work in one of the most demanding environments on Earth.
The series follows the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), the US military’s “force in readiness”. These are the people who get the call when something goes wrong anywhere in the Pacific, whether it’s a natural disaster or a global crisis. The job is unpredictable, the training is relentless, and the setting is that of an aircraft carrier floating in the middle of the ocean, which leaves little room for anything but teamwork.
Over four episodes, Marines balances high-stakes action with surprisingly personal moments. The project comes from Amblin Documentaries (yes, Steven Spielberg’s non-fiction arm) and Lucky 8 TV, with direction by Chelsea Yarnell. It is the same team that knows how to mix cinematic storytelling with authenticity, capturing both the pressure and purpose that define military life. If you watched Boots, think of Marines as its next-level evolution.
What is the plot?
At its core, Marines is about readiness, but not just in a military sense, but in the way people grow when pushed to their limits. The cameras are embedded with the 31st MEU as they carry out training exercises, respond to real-world missions, and navigate the rhythm of life on deck. But it’s not all about survival, as it shows the bond between a community. The show doesn’t just show what they do; it shows how they handle it all while having the pride of belonging to something larger than themselves.
Who’s in the cast?
There’s no cast list here. All you’ll see are just real Marines. The series focuses on the men and women of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, giving faces to a force we usually see only in headlines. Behind the camera, it’s a heavyweight lineup of talent, though, with executive producers Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey, Sebastian Junger, Kimberly Woodard, Greg Henry, Isaac Holub, and George Kralovansky.
Is there a trailer available?
Yes, and it gives a strong sense of what to expect. The trailer cuts between fast training footage and quieter moments of reflection. One scene might show a night drill under floodlights, the next a marine making a call home.
When does Marines release on Netflix?
Marines premieres on November 10th, the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. All four episodes will be available to stream globally on the same day.