There is no shortage of shows about World War II. Indeed, the world of television is rife with depictions of what many in the world call “The Great War” due to the dramatic global events and the devastation involved, as one side composed of savage dictators fought against the democratic nations of the world. But sometimes the oversimplification of the realities of war dilutes some of the shows about World War II. Luckily, this isn’t a problem with the 2001 HBO miniseriesBand of Brothers.
If you’re looking for a series to watch to get a better understanding of the realities of war, then this series is for you. Often lauded as one of thebest shows about World War II, the series is a must-watch for fans of the genre. And likely due to its overwhelming popularity and success, the groundbreaking show isnow available for streaming on Netflix and Max.
Updated: Jun 05, 2025: This article has been updated by Sean Shuman with additional content and useful features.
There’s no better time to watchBand of Brothers, given the release of Apple TV+‘sMasters of the Air. Billed as a companion piece toBand of Brothers, just like the 2010 miniseriesThe Pacific,Masters of the Airwill venture away from the Western Front and take to the skies. Specifically, the series follows the operations of the Bloody Hundredth, a B-17 Flying Fortress unit in the United States Air Force. The series debuted on January 26, with episodes being released weekly until March 15.
If you’re considering givingBand of Brothersa revisit or watching it for the first time, here’severything you need to know aboutBand of Brothersand why it’s one of the best shows ever made about war.
What is Band of Brothers?
Band of Brothers
Band of Brothers, produced by movie-making titans Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, isbased on the non-fiction bookof the same name written by historian Stephen E. Ambrose. The series follows the real-life exploits of E Company (called Easy Company) from their rigorous training days at Camp Toccoa to their deployment in some of the most significant battles of World War II.
Band of Brothershugely benefited from its rich source material. Stephen E. Ambrose’s meticulous research and firsthand accounts from surviving Easy Company squadron members all provided a solid foundation for the show’s narrative. This authenticity resonates throughout the series, offering an unmatched level of historical accuracy that is often lacking in other World War II dramas.
The series introduces a diverse group of soldiers, each with unique personalities, strengths, and flaws. As the show’s narrative unfolds, viewers witness the evolution of these characters, forming strong emotional connections with them. From the leadership of Major Richard Winters to the camaraderie among the different soldiers, the character dynamics contribute to the show’s overall emotional impact.
The show received widespread critical acclaim and won numerous awards for its exceptional quality, taking home seven Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Miniseries, Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, and Outstanding Casting for a Miniseries. These awards reflect the series’ overall commitment to excellence. Given all this, it’s easy to see why the show is so beloved by both audiences and industry professionals alike.
What Makes Band of BrothersGreat?
Given all the possible options, why isBand of Brothersbetter than any other show about war? Ultimately, what setsBand of Brothersapart is its commitment to authenticity. The production team behind the show went to great lengths to ensure historical accuracy. From replicating the uniforms and equipment to consulting with veterans from Easy Company, the show made sure not to cut any corners.
The character development in the show is another thing that elevates it above any other series. Theshow’s talented castcertainly helped bring the characters to life. The ensemble cast skillfully portrays the camaraderie and bond that were forged by the horrors of war, with their individual performances being truly outstanding. The gargantuan ensemble cast included both established and up-and-coming actors, including notable names like:
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Another great thing aboutBand of Brothersis that it doesn’t treat the soldiers like action heroes. While it does depict moments of true heroism, the show never misleads the audience, making it clear that its characters aren’t action heroes — they’re real people. They aren’t invincible, nor are they fearless. This makes what they went through even more daunting and impressive, as it highlights what is possible thanks to the indomitable human spirit.
Moreover,Band of Brothersdoesn’t shy away fromthe harsh realities of war. The series portrays the brutality of combat, the psychological toll it exacts on the soldiers, and the burden of leadership in the military. By exploring the human side of warfare, the show transcends typical war dramas and becomes a poignant exploration of the human spirit and everything that it can overcome in the face of adversity.
In comparison to other World War II shows,Band of Brothersstands tall due to its ability to balance action with the human aspect of war. While other shows may excel in one aspect, they often can’t be as comprehensive and immersive asBand of Brotherswas given the opportunity to be, due in part to the large financial investment by HBO and a total of ten expansive episodes.
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Aside from everything we’ve already mentioned, it’s worth noting that the show is also an incredible visual feat. The cinematography ofBand of Brothersis nothing short of breathtaking. The series employs a cinematic style that captures the frenetic chaos of battle, creating a visceral experience for the audience. The masterful use of handheld cameras helps put the audience directly in the middle of the combat. Couple this with the incredible attention to detail, and it’s easy to see why the show is lauded for its realism, even to this day, though the show is 23 years old now.
All in all,Band of Brothersis not just a television series. It’s a powerful and poignant exploration of the human experience set during one of the darkest periods of human history. Its commitment to historical accuracy, compelling characters, and masterful storytelling make it a standout in a genre that has succumbed to mediocrity. While other war series may have their merits, no other show quite captures the brutal essence of war likeBand of Brothers.
Stream Band of Brothers on Netflix
Once you’re all caught up withBand of Brothers, you’re able to’t afford to miss out onMasters of the Air.Be sure to check out the trailer forMasters of the Airbelow:
