The Last Ship (2014–2018) User Reviews (461)

Interesting and entertaining...for the first two seasons

[grantss · 7/10 · 15 March 2016]

(Review updated after Season 3).

A deadly virus has destroyed much of life on earth. A US Navy destroyer, USS Nathan James, is sent on a secret mission to try to develop a vaccine. On board is Doctor Rachel Scott, a top microbiologist / immunologist. It is her job to create the vaccine. In order to complete the mission, the ship has to sail to many different parts of the world, with many hindrances to her mission's progress along the way...

First two seasons were entertaining. A rollicking naval adventure with a bit of plague, post-apocalypse scenarios and survival-of-mankind thrown in. Fairly accurate in its portrayal of the military.

Not perfect though. Could be a bit gung ho sometimes, and the plot a bit clumsy or contrived. However, it was never dull and there are many worse ways to spend your time.

Season 2 was a good follow-up to Season 1, and even slightly better than S1. Tighter plot and some good naval action too.

Unfortunately, two seasons was pretty much the natural life of the series, yet the producers made Seasons 3 and 4, and intend to make Season 5. Once the cure had been distributed, that was pretty much it, end of story. What follows is not interesting or engaging and often feels clumsy and contrived. I gave up after seven episodes of Season 3.

80's/90's throwback

[SpanishDann · 6/10 · 10 September 2018]

I've watched this show since the beginning, though I'm not sure why. It's mediocre at best, but I guess it's better than most other programs on TV. It reminds me alot of those old shows from the 80's and 90's like a Magnum PI or the A-team, with a little Rambo thrown in there. That can be good or bad depending upon your perspective. Episodes are shallow, stories are predictable, and the theme is always America = good guy, the rest of the world = bad guys. Latin America, Russia, China are the most prominent targets, which again is reminiscent of Rambo or Schwarzenegger 90's flicks.

I'm glad this is the final season, b/c the show has declined steadily since season 1, which was definitely the best.

Had potential

[bc_global18 · 6/10 · 16 November 2023]

Show was hokey, which to an extent can be expected in these non premium channel tv series, but it was watchable. Though predictable it had production value which was somewhat surprising but in season 3 they introduce this Sasha character (Bridget something IRL) and she's quite possibly the worst actress of all time. She's so unconvincing in her role that it becomes work getting through the episodes. I get that writers in this era feel pressured to stick to certain formulas and force character types down our collective throats but this chick was horrible and very hard to watch. When I looked her up and it appeared she was not killed off and in the last 3 seasons, I had to stop watching. She's that bad.

Action Packed

[Rob1331 · 9/10 · 11 November 2023]

The Last Ship follows a destroyer named the USS Nathan James, led by Capt. Tom Chandler (Eric Dane), as they try to save humanity. They search for a cure to a virus that has already wiped out more than half the population. Against orders they stay at sea to develop the vaccine. They also have to fight off enemies who will do anything to get that vaccine or try to stop them from finishing it. I really enjoyed this show a lot more than I thought I would. It has the perfect blend of action, drama, comedy, mystery, twists, etc. Eric Dane and Travis Van Winkle lead a fantastic cast that all are at the top of their game. Bottom line is it's a pretty good action thriller that will keep you entertained throughout the entire series. It's definitely worth watching. If you're looking for a fun show that has plenty of action which will keep you at the edge of your seat then give this a try. You won't be disappointed.

Very Entertaining

[Supermanfan-13 · 9/10 · 11 December 2023]

I really enjoyed The Last Ship a lot more than I originally thought I would. I originally started watching this just to kill some time and because I read good things about it and the next thing I knew I was addicted to it and binged it as quickly as I could. I thought after the first season they would run out of ideas and the show would drop in quality. It didn't, if anything it only got better as the show went on. This show has the perfect blend of action, drama, comedy, mystery, twists, etc. Eric Dane and Travis Van Winkle lead a fantastic cast that all are at the top of their game. Bottom line is it's a pretty good action thriller that will keep you entertained throughout the entire series. It's definitely worth watching.

why so many haters?

[katiesmom2705 · 27 July 2014]

I actually loved it. I was not expecting accurate military regulations etc. I grew up in the military and am still around it so yes I see the errors. But the show is good I think it grips you and the actors are good! I felt Eric Dane has a commanding presence. His support cast is OK, some of the actors I could totally do without but the rate the show is going they may perish soon enough anyhow. I must say though after reading a lot of the reviews I wonder if the haters just enjoy complaining...if they know so much about the prefect military drama and how to engage the audience why don't they try writing a screen play? I'd be more than happy to read it and provide personalized feedback. Am I truly the only one feeling that way?

80% of the population is dead and US is still at war with Russia, lol

[bodocepep · 6/10 · 19 March 2019]

I guess we're doomed, because no matter what the plague we are still waging war with Russia to finish each other off.

The Russians are portrayed in the cliche way as usual. The 4 Russian military helicopters can't seem to shutdown two guys on jet-skis. Is this a joke? In fact the Jet-skiers managed to bring down the Russian Helicopters. The Russian military can't shoot, just like in the Chuck Norris or Rambo days.

Mindless Good Time

[petars-mailbox · 10/10 · 18 July 2014]

Love this show for several reasons, but mainly for the fact that it's fast paced mindless fun. I love the fact that it's not politically correct and that it's shamelessly patriotic. The acting is definitely not Shakespeare and the science portrayed is dodgy at best and I'm OK with that. If I wanted actual realism I would watch a documentary about the navy. The Last Ship is the dramatic equivalent of a Big Mac and Fries and it doesn't claim to be anything else. Personally for myself I am extremely sick of police procedural's or any shows about doctors , lawyers,vampires, zombies. So this show is a definite breath of fresh air. As always your mileage may very.

not too bad ...

[tmf084 · 7/10 · 25 August 2014]

I was expecting a run of the mill drama with a portrayal of the Navy similar to what we saw on JAG or NCIS and that's basically what it is. My main reason for watching it in the first place was Mitra and Baldwin and overall I was positively surprised. It's not edgy, extraordinary or comes up with it's own new ideas but it's a very well executed and produced TV show with a cohesive plot and character depiction and some nuances of development. Baldwin, Dane and Mitra carry this show and they do it well. Some of the scenes can be quite cheesy with all the patriotism and military tradition going on, but overall they found a good balance between the cheesy stuff, action, drama and progress in the story. Also the quality is very steady, so if you watch the pilot you get the gist of the show.

Bottom line: if you've limited time and you only watch the best of the best on TV then this show isn't for you. If you looking for some lighter drama and you don't get easily annoyed by a few stereotypes then it's definitely worth checking out.

a must watch TV series for all those of you lookinf tot action and adaventure and sci fi

[cpranavanand-685-594460 · 10/10 · 31 October 2023]

An amazing story line and beyond which keeps one asking for more and more. The stunts and the graphics shown here are epic. Its the new standards for the cinematic world. The television series shows the inside the naval war ship and whats it capable of.

A great sounds effects of those helicopters and the missiles and other machinery to play play with..... Each person has done their role of acting in a very professional way which is a benchmark from the point of acting and script play and beyond. Hope such interesting series like tho come more with a new story line and cinematography. Do watch and enjoy every frame of this amazing television series...

getting lousier

[tinaytc · 6/10 · 3 May 2018]

The beginning was really amazing, new ideas and exciting adventures, and then went boring like every other starting-popular TV shows--The greed for extending the show ends in cliche and predictable format. Pity

Wow!

[sheenaneil · 9/10 · 22 October 2023]

I found this while searching for a series with more than 1-2 season because I hate when you're just getting into a show and there's nothing left to watch.

I wanted a binge-worthy series but didn't have high hopes, as they are rare.

This show has me addicted and hitting "next" faster than the automatic play through. Every episode leaves me stunned and needing to know what happens next.

The action, the character development and their individual stories are top-notch.

The twists and turns come out of nowhere. You know you've found a show that's captivating when you don't even check your phone for hours because you're so emotionally invested in the story.

Too Many Seasons Spoil Show

[sbc38 · 6/10 · 17 November 2018]

I started watching this show by watching multiple episodes to see what was next to happen. It was a great subject to have a show about, but as it went on past 2 seasons, the story the makers come up with dwindles out, and we are left with a shell of a show, that did not need to expand past the first plot line. I will probably watch til I catch up with the times, but am not enjoying it, nearly as much, as when it started. The main story ends, and it tries to create more and more drama that just fizzles. Should have quit while ahead.

Oh dear...

[glendarob · 1/10 · 15 October 2018]

I have watched this show up to season five episode 4.

I really enjoyed season one but its just so bad now. There was a plague.. Millions dead all around the world. Anarchy etc etc. Now in season three to now, full working government. supplies to refit the ship in three months, so many specialists , of course none of them died. All the enemies cant hit the chandler machine, hes so god like lol. Just so bad.....

Excellent Summer Show

[ItalyBrat_108 · 10/10 · 25 August 2014]

This show is so underrated. It is the best summer show of the year. I gave so many shows a chance, but this is the only one that had a solid plot, acting, and all around excellent writing.

The plot is reasonable, and the cast works together great. The story is new, it is a good take on an apocalyptic type of show. If you leave aside the usual USA is the big hero that saves us all (it is, after all, a US ship, on a US show, on a US network), it really leaves you wanting more... I have been waiting for the finale since the 9th episode came out and I hope it gets a second season and even a full fall season!

Best tv show EVER

[novak-jure123 · 10/10 · 6 November 2023]

I've watched this tv series a couple of years ago and i was amazed at how good it was. I gave it a 10/10. Then I forgot about it and I just watched it again because I forgot what happened completely and I have to say it was even better this time. It's so well done, the navy, action, story, drama, it's PERFECT! I really got emotionally attached to most of the actors across all five seasons and it's hard to let go now. I even dropped a tear at the end. I absolutely recommend this tv show to everyone who love this kind of genre. Thank you for making this masterpiece, I will definitely watch again.

Promising

[Zubacz · 7/10 · 23 June 2014]

Review based on the pilot episode.

I enjoyed watching this. The premise is interesting and the execution is quite good. The story didn't feel forced and the characters seemed realistic. The acting and camera-work was alright, nothing special but also good enough not to spoil anything.

The biggest complaint I have is about the few scenes that seemed too coincidental. Helicopters coming exactly at the right time (later explained though), nuclear explosion just as the ship was passing and the random cruise ship drifting by exactly when needed. While coincidences happen, too many of them destroy the realism of a show. I hope the producers realise this.

I will surely watch the next episode. With some polishing, this show can definitely be something to look forward to.

Edit after episode 3: Most of the coincidences were explained and the action scenes were toned down to be more realistic. This show is worth watching.

Interesting show, watchable so far but early days.

[sinclair-macleod · 7/10 · 21 July 2014]

I read some terrible reviews for this show but went ahead and watched It anyway. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. It's relatively Clever in a predictable kind of way it is also quite emotional for a Military drama. The concept is clean uncomplicated and somewhat original. I find this refreshing during a time when everything from the 70's and 80's seems to be being rebooted or rehashed. I wouldn't rave about The Last Ship but I will say it's more than watchable. If you consider the level of acting in the original A Team or say Knight Rider then this isn't bad and I only mention those shows because The last Ship seams targeted at today's version of the same market. This is after teatime viewing really and just a pleasant way of wasting an hour. I will warn you that it is what we have come to expect from an American show, it is a little gun ho but what the hell. They spend the money on there shows where other countries don't. So to summarise the story concept is good, the acting is mediocre and it's light entertainment. Doubt it will win any awards but it's an inoffensive and honest show.

Realism

[sunildhaka · 10/10 · 1 August 2014]

Having served in the Navy (not USN), I can totally relate to the show. The parlance and details depicted are as close as one can get to the real thing. Being a Commanding Officer is not for the faint hearted. Making decisions that require a higher sense is depicted very well. The makers of the show have demonstrated a wonderful eye for detail. The bosun's pipe can be heard at the right time. One thing that does need to be addressed is matching the ship's wake when she is underway. At times the wake generated is not in keeping with the ordered speed. The plot itself is unwinding quite well and leaves one guessing with whats going to happen next. A fantastic effort indeed.

Simplistic and silly but fairly entertaining

[cherold · 7/10 · 14 September 2015]

The Last Ship was, from the start, a bit of a mixed bag. The premise is interesting but the characters are rather generic. Some episodes have shown a thoughtful approach to life in an apocalyptic world, others have been rather dumb action affairs, others have been smart, exciting action affairs.

A few things, though, are very consistent. First off, the show has a very simplistic good guy/bad guy setup. The good guys are noble and self-sacrificing and brave and better than the rest of us. The bad guys are straight-out evil. They do terrible things, often without any convincing rationale for doing them. The series certainly can't be accused of subtlety; one episode had the bad guys burning bodies in ovens.

The show is also very American. This is a very old-school military action series where you see the flag a lot and Americans are portrayed as the most noble people in the world, battling against bad guys who are Muslims or, for a blast from the past, evil Russians.

For all it's flaws, The Last Ship can be pretty darn entertaining. There have been some very impressive action-oriented episodes, like a season two opener in which our heroes take down the evil people with machine- like precision. And there are moments when the show is even kind of smart, particular in its approach to the vaccine the series centers around; it's pretty effective as a medical research drama.

I still find the characters generic and the rah-rah U.S.A. bits silly, but what can I say? I'm entertained.

Turned Out Great!

[hafizhans · 8/10 · 25 August 2014]

I have to admit, watching first few episodes, i felt the storyline is quite ridiculous. but i kept on watching, cause its not everyday u get a series that based on Navy, ships and so on. the characters are quite good to kept me kept watching. Adam Baldwin is mainly the reason cause i missed seeing him in action since Chuck. so i watch it right till the end of season 1 and couldn't get enough of it. very looking forward for season 2! my advice to people who just start watching, watch it till the end of season 1, u'll be writing a glowing review like me too!

FYI, i think this is my first review ever. pardon for my not so good English.

I thought it was pretty good

[stevelancashire14 · 7/10 · 23 June 2014]

Hey good story. Good acting if don't mind a bit of Gung-ho get the job done attitude.

It should be a mini series, because I can't see them dragging it out just to develop the characters. I mean, the world ends and you fix it or you don't. I figure you can do that in six to seven episodes. The cast is good. The production is good as well. Lets see what happens.

The pilot works if you don't get too technical about it. Yea helicopter scene is far fetched but they had to set it up some way, and let's move it along.

There's a lot of lousy stuff out there, this one's OK. Primarily due to the production value and a decent cast. Lets hope the writers keep up.

Overall it's a wait and see. Keep it short and boost the telling of the story and it could be a fine sci-fi original.

"Dude bro" army hero men on a boat making stupid decisions

[wwb12 · 3/10 · 20 August 2014]

I gave this 3 out of 10, purely because the effects and ship footage were surprisingly good. The only reason I tuned in to the pilot was because of the promising footage in the trailer and the premise.

The Good:

• CGI effects were strong for a TV show.

• The set and ship footage looked very good.

• Adam Baldwin is a good actor, despite playing a part that is two dimensional.

The Bad:

• Completely and utterly unrealistic characters with reactions to situations that verge on funny. Whether it's the Captain throwing a tantrum and threatening to throw the scientist's samples off the ship, the Captain holding a fuse to kick start the engine or the first officer finding out that his son is dead - and casually announcing it on the bridge like his team just lost a football match.

• So many wasted opportunities for strong character development and dialogue.

• So many stereotypes in the first five minutes; Asian guy wont put the book down because he's studying, stereotypically hyper-posh English smarty pants scientists, jock token black guy that decides to shoot himself in the head at the drop of a hat.

• Corny "Dude Bro Hero Army Solder" moments were in abundance. Let's take time to put on our pristine white uniforms and have a service for our fallen serviceman, despite the fact that billions are dying, we're on an urgent mission, and a nuke just flew over our heads towards England.

• The captain is a full on moron, acted by someone with the vocal and emotional range of a potato.

• The notion that nowhere in the developed can effectively quarantine important staff, heads of state, military locations and assets is just ludicrous. Where is the rest of the navy? Where are the fuel and supply ships? Where are the island nations and remote US bases? The mind boggles.

I'm almost tempted to watch another episode, just to see where this goes. There are so many moments when you just sit there thinking to yourself "it would be so much better if this happened, or the character reacted this way, or the writers should have done this instead....". Such a wasted opportunity. Such a mess.

Full of Surprises

[jadhavashishdivakar · 8/10 · 23 November 2020]

First three seasons are awesome, but the last two seasons are little slow, maybe because they want to end the series on emotional note. It's 10/10 for first three seasons. Each time I thought that, yeah this will be the end but each time there were surprises. Storyline is very good, performance is excellent. Hats off to the maker.

A Surprisingly Addictive Hoot and Holler!

[Helismoke · 9/10 · 6 September 2020]

I started this show to kill some time. A Pandemic here is almost unbelievable until it actually happens, who would have thought? But the continuous surprising events that come from every corner kept me coming back for more. And the fact that almost every crewman does something heroic in the series is admirable! And as I thought the series was ending, a new dreaded world crisis and another season! Pandemic to famine to dictator with the Captain ( And crew) being tested at every episode.

I served as an Army Pilot in Vietnam and later in civilian life and when the old Warrant Officer appeared with the Huey, what a surprise for me! Lots of mistakes about his ran ( And later the female flying under NVG !!) but who cares? Very riveting and I could have used one more season!!