FX’s “Fargo” and NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” are among the latest TV series to be recognized for their portrayal of military veterans by the Got Your 6 campaign.
Got Your 6, which looks to integrate positive portrayals of veterans into popular culture, also honored episodes of Bravo’s “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce,” History’s “Live to Tell,” Netflix’s “Marvel’s Daredevil,” USA’s “Shooter” and CNBC’s “West Texas Investors Club,” as well as the feature film “Max” and the short film “Day One.”
It’s the latest round of Hollywood projects deemed “6 Certified” by Got Your 6, which encourages storytellers to offer a balanced depiction of veterans beyond just “broken heroes.”
“The Night Shift”
Sarah Kerver / Sony Pictures Television
Inaugural recipients of the honor include NBC’s “The Night Shift,” a medical drama set in San Antonio that regularly depicts active military and veteran characters. Got Your 6 and the stars and producers of “The Night Shift” discussed TV’s portrayal of veterans earlier this month at an ATX Television Festival panel. The show’s producers and cast also received their “6 Certified” certificate at the event (above).
“Every veteran returning home is a civic asset, ready to lead a resurgence of community, and these latest projects to be ‘6 Certified’ truly embody this narrative,” said Got Your 6 executive director Bill Rausch.
Added Got Your 6 review committee member Bruce Cohen: “By moving away from inaccurate, stereotypical depictions of veterans, creators can help foster better understanding between the veteran and civilian communities.”
TV episodes and films are deemed eligible if they research or consult with veterans, cast a veteran or hire a veteran writer, portray a veteran character or tell a veteran story.
Here is what led to the inclusion of the latest “6 Certified” honorees:
“Fargo” (Season 2, Episode 2) – “This episode of the American crime series presents two multidimensional, multigenerational veteran characters through the two officers working to investigate a series of murders and related crimes.”
“Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce” (Season 2, Episode 2) – “The veterans of Got Your 6 were used as a resource and were invited into the writers’ room of this romantic comedy series, which led to the integration of veteran content in this episode to add additional depth to various characters on the show.”
“Live to Tell” (Season 1, Episode 1) – “Created by Peter Berg (‘Lone Survivor’) and his non-scripted shingle Film 45, this military docuseries gives viewers a personal, intimate and revealing look into recent U.S. Special Operations Forces missions, as told by those who experienced the front lines of the ongoing War on Terror.”
“Marvel’s Daredevil” (Season 2, Episode 7) – “This episode of the Netflix original series responsibly and accurately portrays veterans via the character of Frank Castle, The Punisher, who insists that his legal representation not perpetuate veteran stereotypes of PTSD in order to defend his actions.”
“Saturday Night Live: Adam Driver” (Season 41, Episode 10) – “This episode of the iconic comedy show begins with host Adam Driver, who touches on his military service before becoming an actor. This brief and comedic celebration of the veteran experience is a realistic depiction of the wider veteran narrative.”
“Shooter” (Season 1, Episode 1) – “This upcoming American drama series is based on the best-selling novel ‘Point of Impact’ by Stephen Hunter and the 2007 Paramount film starring Mark Wahlberg. The series, starring Ryan Phillippe, follows the courageous journey of Bob Lee Swagger, a highly-decorated ex-Marine sniper who is coaxed back into action after a period of self-imposed exile when he receives intelligence of an attempt to assassinate the President.”
“West Texas Investors Club” (Season 1, Episode 7) – “In this episode of the reality business series, investors and businessmen Rooster McConaughey and Butch Gilliam help a budding entrepreneur realize that hiring skilled veterans and integrating them into their model will help grow his business, bucking negative stereotypes and celebrating a narrative that views veterans as leaders and civic assets.”
“Day One” – “This Oscar-nominated short film was created by soldier-turned filmmaker Henry Hughes who wrote the film based on his own experiences working alongside a female Afghan translator. The piece was written and directed by a veteran, and accurately portrays the complexities of military service.”
“Max” – “This feature film is focused on themes of service and was co-written by a military veteran, who develops a realistic and meaningful depiction of veterans through the lead veteran character.”
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