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The Last Ship

The Last Ship

Whatever you do, don't breathe.

2014–2018Ended5 seasons56 episodes~60 min/epTV-14Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all shows

Their mission is simple: Find a cure. Stop the virus. Save the world. When a global pandemic wipes out eighty percent of the planet's population, the crew of a lone naval destroyer must find a way to pull humanity from the brink of extinction.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Last Ship?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Last Ship streaming on Netflix and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about The Last Ship?

The Last Ship earns 4 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Preferred by Under-30s.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is The Last Ship worth watching?

The Last Ship's Midcredits score is the 69th percentile of all shows, from 72K ratings across 2 sources. 82% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

69th percentile

Better received than 69% of shows

61st percentile among Action67th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)57th
Approval (how many liked it)77th

Acclaim

Crowd Pleaser: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

72 /100

57th percentile of all shows

51st percentile among Action55th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

Approval

How many liked it

82% liked it

77th percentile of all shows

68th percentile among Action75th percentile among 2010s
82% rated it 7–1018% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

98th percentile

71K ratings across platforms

92nd percentile among Action98th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 15% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A shallow, patriotic, mindlessly fun action show that works best when not taken seriously.

Fans praised

  • Fast-paced, entertaining action with high production value
  • Strong lead performances by Eric Dane and Adam Baldwin
  • First two seasons have a tight, engaging plot focused on the virus

Detractors panned

  • Unrealistic characters, wooden acting, and cliched dialogue
  • Plot holes and contrived coincidences straining credibility
  • Later seasons lose focus and become tedious or absurd

What stands out

Effects and spectacleDivisive65

Strong action sequences and naval combat, but some effects look cheap

TensionDivisive65

High stakes and thrilling action keep viewers engaged despite flaws

PacingDivisive60

Fast-paced and addictive in early seasons, but later seasons drag and feel padded

ActingDivisive55

Mixed; Eric Dane and Adam Baldwin praised as convincing leads, but many find the cast wooden or stereotypical

Plot and storyDivisive50

Engaging premise but riddled with holes and contrivances; later seasons drift

CharactersDivisive45

Generic, one-dimensional stereotypes; Captain Chandler noted as a compelling leader but others forgettable

Dialogue35

Cheesy, clunky, and often laughable; some fans accept it as part of the fun

Originality30

Formulaic; described as derivative of other military/action shows

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 10 points higher than women.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 31 points higher than over-30s.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Episodes

5 seasons

Season 5 · 2018 · 10 episodes · 7.9 average across 10 rated episodes

  • S5E1

    Casus Belli

    Sep 9, 201841 minTMDB rating 8.4Season best
  • S5E2

    Fog of War

    Sep 16, 201841 minTMDB rating 7.9
  • S5E3

    El Puente

    Sep 23, 201841 minTMDB rating 8.2
  • S5E4

    Tropic of Cancer

    Sep 30, 201841 minTMDB rating 8.1
  • S5E5

    Warriors

    Oct 7, 201841 minTMDB rating 7.5
  • S5E6

    Air Drop

    Oct 14, 201841 minTMDB rating 7.8

Watch experience

What is The Last Ship like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, serious and intense — a relentless watch that leaves you fired up.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
TenseHopeful
Heaviest: middle
Register
Adventurous · 15% of showsEpic · 3% of shows: Vast in scale: big landscapes, big stakes, a long span.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.SerializedOne continuous story
ToneThe series treats its post-apocalyptic naval mission with earnest patriotism and high-stakes drama, played straight without irony.
The rideThe series sustains a high-tension atmosphere with periodic moments of hope, with the emotional load peaking during the middle seasons as the crew faces their most dire challenges.
StructureThe narrative is told chronologically across seasons, following the crew's journey from outbreak to resolution.
Episode formatEach episode continues the overarching story of the pandemic and the crew's journey, with no standalone episodes.
Season formatThe story is one continuous arc across all five seasons, with no reset or reboot between seasons.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
Rousing · 9% of showsFun
Why it leaves you this wayThe series leaves viewers with a sense of patriotic adventure and relief at humanity's triumph over disaster.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestMission
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% (this title) · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

6% of shows fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe series follows a naval crew on a global mission to find a cure for a deadly pandemic and save humanity.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfLoyaltyBonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31% (this title): Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7% (this title)
  • Self 27%: Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Loyalty · 7% of showsSurvival · 12% of showsPurpose
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe series explores the crew's unwavering loyalty to each other and their mission in the face of societal collapse, while also delving into what gives them a reason to keep going.
StanceThe series observes the crew's struggle with an unflinching eye, emphasizing the human cost of survival and the bonds that hold them together.

The world

ContemporaryIn transitInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score
SettingThe open ocean and various coastlines as the crew of a naval destroyer navigates a pandemic-ravaged world.
MusicThe score enhances the grim, tense atmosphere without overwhelming the dialogue.

Content guide

Is The Last Ship okay for kids?

TV-14

The Last Ship is rated TV-14. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (73/100), sexual content at mild (30/100), language at moderate (36/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (36/100) and frightening material at moderate (53/100). Overall it is heavier than 60% of TV-14 shows.

Ratings in 17 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada14+
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany16
  • France10
  • Ireland15
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • Denmark15
  • IndiaU
  • MexicoC
  • PhilippinesPG
  • Poland16
  • RO15
  • Russia16+
  • SingaporePG
  • Spain16
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 47% of all showsHeavier than 60% of TV-14 shows
Violence & Gore
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a TV-14 show
heavier than 84%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 30%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 40%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 45%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 56%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is violence. Everything else sits at or below what TV-14 shows usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does The Last Ship have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Last Ship?

Cast

5 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Eric Dane
as CO CDR Tom Chandler
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.
Adam Baldwin
as XO Mike Slattery
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Charles Parnell
as Russell Jeter
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Travis Van Winkle
as Lt. Danny Green
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.
Marissa Neitling
as Lt. Kara Foster
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Jocko Sims
as Lt. Carlton Burk
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Kevin Michael Martin
as Miller
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Christina Elmore
as Lt. Alisha Granderson
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Michael Curran-Dorsano
as Gator
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Ben Cho
as Carl Nishioka
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

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What are shows like The Last Ship?

TMDB's suggestions for shows like The Last Ship include Z Nation (2014), The Stand (1994) and Falling Skies (2011).

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57 other shows share the rarest tag below, kind of show: disaster survival. Each tag opens Browse with the shows that share it.