Combat! (1962)
The landmark ABC war drama that brought the brutal reality of World War II infantry combat into American living rooms for five unforgettable seasons.
Combat! - Series Information
- Original Title: Combat!
- First Air Year: 1962
- Last Air Year: 1967
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: War, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 152
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: October 2, 1962 (United States - TV-PG)
- Networks: ABC
- Production Countries: United States of America
Combat! - Plot
Combat! is an American television program that originally aired on ABC from 1962 until 1967. The show covered the grim lives of a squad of American soldiers fighting the Germans in France during World War II. The program starred Rick Jason as platoon leader Second Lieutenant Gil Hanley and Vic Morrow as Sergeant "Chip" Saunders.
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Combat! - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Rick Jason
- Vic Morrow
- Jack Hogan
- Pierre Jalbert
- Conlan Carter
- Dick Peabody
- Tom Lowell
- Steven Rogers
- Shecky Greene
- Horst Ebersberg
Writers
- Edward J. Lakso
- Gene Levitt
- Paul Playdon
- Gene L. Coon
- William Bast
Combat! - FAQs
Where can you watch Combat! today?
Combat! is available to stream on several platforms in the United States. You can check JustWatch for a full, up-to-date list of streaming services, rental options, and purchase links available in your region, as availability may vary over time.
Is Combat! based on real World War II events?
Combat! is a fictional drama, though it drew heavily on the authentic atmosphere and documented realities of the Western Front in WWII France. The show consulted military advisors and used genuine equipment to ground its storytelling in historical accuracy, earning praise for its realism.
Why is Combat! considered a classic war series?
Combat! is widely regarded as one of television's finest war dramas for its unflinching portrayal of combat stress, moral ambiguity, and soldier camaraderie. Unlike many contemporaries, it avoided glorifying warfare, instead humanizing both Allied and German characters with nuance rarely seen in 1960s television.
Who are the main actors in Combat!?
The series stars Rick Jason as Lieutenant Gil Hanley and Vic Morrow as Sergeant Chip Saunders. The ensemble cast also includes Jack Hogan, Pierre Jalbert, Conlan Carter, Dick Peabody, Tom Lowell, Steven Rogers, Shecky Greene, and Horst Ebersberg.
How many seasons and episodes does Combat! have?
Combat! ran for five seasons and 152 episodes on ABC, airing from October 2, 1962 to 1967. Each season contained approximately 25 to 32 episodes, with Season 1 through Season 4 each delivering around 31 to 32 episodes and Season 5 wrapping up with 25.
What is Combat! about?
Combat! follows a squad of American soldiers fighting the German army across occupied France during World War II. The series examines the psychological toll and moral complexities of frontline combat, centering on Lieutenant Gil Hanley and Sergeant Chip Saunders as they lead their men through harrowing missions.
What is the content rating for Combat!?
Combat! carries a TV-PG content rating. While the series depicts wartime violence and intense dramatic situations, its presentation was calibrated for general audiences of the 1960s, making it accessible to older children and families while still conveying the harsh realities of World War II combat.
Did Combat! win any awards or critical recognition?
Combat! received Emmy Award nominations during its run and was praised by critics for its authentic depiction of WWII infantry life. Vic Morrow's performance as Sergeant Saunders earned particular acclaim, and the series is consistently cited in retrospectives as one of the greatest war dramas in American television history.
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