Inside the Lightbox is a sponsored feature where we trawl their catalogue for shows you might want to watch. This week, we outline six things you need to know about Six.
New to Lightbox this month, History Channel original action series Six follows the daily lives of the members of the Navy SEAL Team 6 in Afghanistan. Opening in 2014 during the pursuit of a Taliban leader, real life events and people are woven into the series to create a harrowing recollection of war and its impact on the lives it touches.
Here are six quick, less obvious things you should know about Six before you watch it.
1) Joe Mangianello was supposed to be the main character
Although he already had a lot of experience going commando (Magic Mike XXL), Manganiello was forced to pull out of Six after two episodes due to health complications. Enter Walton Goggins (Justified, The Hateful Eight) stage left.
2) The preparation sounded hellish
As reported in The Daily Herald, the actors had to prepare for their roles by undergoing basic military training, including something called “surf torture”. During this nice spa relaxation, you basically drown yourself in the waves, haul a guy up a hill and do it all again until you pass out.
3) But it’s not all about dudes
It may be written by William Broyles Jr. (the guy who wrote Apollo 13), but Six boasts women in some key roles behind the camera. In fact, the first three episodes are directed by women and the top producer billing goes to Lesli Linka Glatter of Mad Men and Homeland.
4) It’s true to life…ish
Obviously, the big SEAL Team Six mission was the tracking down Osama Bin Laden, but you’ll see many other true events recreated in Six. Bustle have speculated about some of the real-life news stories that the show may have drawn from, including the rescue of Dr. Dilip Joseph who was captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan.
5) But the body armour is definitely real
As reported by Popular Mechanics, the hardcore weight and general strain of the authentic combat gear worn by the actors would restrict even the most basic of movements. The struggle: it’s real.
6) SEALS does not mean the animal
An important distinction. Seals are cute and have friendly eyes. SEALS stands for military operations of the Sea, Air and Land. You probably shouldn’t try to pat either of them on the head.
Click below to watch Six exclusively on Lightbox
