How many seasons and episodes does Combat! have?
The series ran for five seasons with a total of 152 hour‑long episodes. Episodes are roughly 50‑51 minutes long, though later versions were compressed for syndication.
When did Combat! first air and when did it end?
Combat! premiered on October 2, 1962, and its final episode aired on March 14, 1967. It occupied a prime‑time slot on ABC during its run.
What is the runtime of each episode?
Original broadcasts ran about 50–51 minutes per episode. Later syndicated cuts were slightly shorter, around 46–47 minutes.
Who are the main characters in Combat!?
Rick Jason portrays Second Lieutenant Gil Hanley, the disciplined platoon leader. Vic Morrow plays Sergeant “Chip” Saunders, the tough, street‑wise non‑commissioned officer.
What is the setting of the series?
The show follows a U.S. infantry squad through the European front of World War II, beginning with a D‑Day flashback and moving into occupied France as the Allies advance toward Paris.
Was the show filmed in color or black-and-white?
The first four seasons were produced in black‑and‑white, while the fifth and final season was filmed in color, the only color episodes of the series.
Who directed most of the first season episodes?
Robert Altman directed ten of the first season’s thirty‑two episodes, shaping the series’ realistic tone and character focus.
What makes Combat! different from other war shows of its time?
Combat! emphasizes authentic military detail, realistic combat, and the day‑to‑day life of ordinary soldiers rather than large‑scale battles or heroic tropes.
Were there any military advisors involved in production?
Yes, the production employed military advisors, including Major Homer Jones of the 82nd Airborne, to review scripts and ensure accurate depiction of tactics and uniforms.
Did the show ever feature guest stars, and who were they?
The series attracted many notable actors, such as James Whitmore, Sal Mineo, and William Smithers, who appeared in single‑episode roles as soldiers or civilians.
How historically accurate is Combat!?
The creators consulted veterans and used authentic uniforms, equipment, and battle maps, resulting in a high degree of historical fidelity for the era’s small‑unit warfare.
Is there a DVD or streaming release available for the series?
All five seasons are available on DVD as “Combat! – The Complete Series” and in several multi‑disc sets. Some seasons are also streamed on select networks, but availability varies by region.
Does the series follow a continuous storyline?
Episodes are self‑contained and focus on a specific mission or event, so there is no overarching narrative arc across seasons.
Are there any notable awards or nominations for Combat!?
The show received several Emmy nominations during its run, particularly for writing and directing, reflecting its critical acclaim.
Why did the series shift to color only in the final season?
The move to color was part of a broader industry trend and ABC’s desire to modernize the series, but production costs and time constraints limited the change to the last season.
What themes are explored throughout the show?
Combat! examines war’s brutality, camaraderie, leadership, moral conflict, and the psychological toll on soldiers, often through intimate, character‑driven storytelling.
How does the show portray the psychological impact of war?
Episodes reveal soldiers’ fears, doubts, and moments of humanity, showing how combat affects morale and decision‑making in real, often somber, ways.
Are the soldiers portrayed with realistic gear and uniforms?
Yes, the series used accurate U.S. Army uniforms, weapons, and gear, thanks in part to on‑set military advisers and careful production design.
Was the show well‑received by audiences at the time?
Combat! enjoyed solid ratings during its run, establishing itself as a long‑running war drama and earning praise for its realism among viewers and critics alike.
How did Combat! influence later war dramas?
By prioritizing realistic detail and character depth, Combat! set a standard that later series such as Band of Brothers and The Pacific would follow, emphasizing authenticity over spectacle.
Can viewers watch Combat! on modern streaming platforms?
Availability varies; some services carry the series, and it can be purchased on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video. Checking local catalogs is advisable.
Does the show include any dialogue in German?
Occasionally, German characters speak in German, but the primary language of the series is English, with subtitles for non‑English dialogue when aired in foreign markets.