Forgotten WWII Drama Earns Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Scores as Season 3 Approaches

Fans of Band of Brothers and The Pacific looking for their next wartime drama may want to discover a British series that has earned perfect critics’ scores for both of its seasons — and still has more story to tell.

SAS: Rogue Heroes has built a strong reputation with its combination of high-stakes military missions, rebellious characters and dark humour. Across just 12 episodes in two seasons, the drama has earned a 100% Tomatometer score for each season on Rotten Tomatoes, while audience ratings stand at 89% for Season 1 and 84% for Season 2.

The series has also continued attracting viewers on streaming, and a third season is already in production, offering another chapter in the story of the British Special Air Service during the Second World War.

A Different Take on the Second World War

Created by Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight, SAS: Rogue Heroes explores the origins of Britain’s Special Air Service through the experiences of soldiers who challenged conventional military thinking.

At the centre of the story are David Stirling, Jock Lewes and Paddy Mayne. Frustrated by the traditional methods of the British Army, they set out to develop a different way of fighting German and Italian forces during the war.

Their approach is daring, their personalities often collide, and their early operations bring plenty of setbacks. Yet their willingness to defy established military rules helps lay the foundations for a unit that would become one of Britain’s most famous special forces organisations.

Rather than adopting the solemn tone associated with many classic war dramas, the series blends intense combat sequences with irreverent humour and a deliberately rebellious spirit.

That combination gives it a distinctive identity. The soldiers are brave but flawed, and their exploits unfold alongside the personal conflicts and psychological pressures of wartime life.

Both Seasons Have Earned Perfect Critics’ Scores

The series’ critical reception has been particularly strong. Rotten Tomatoes lists Season 1 with a 100% Tomatometer score from 18 reviews and an 89% audience score. Season 2 also holds a 100% critics’ score, based on six reviews, alongside an 84% audience rating.

These scores reflect the drama’s appeal among critics, although they do not mean every review has been universally positive. Its energetic style, ensemble performances and blend of action with humour have helped distinguish it from more traditional portrayals of the Second World War.

Jack O’Connell and Connor Swindells are among the central cast members bringing the soldiers’ unconventional personalities to the screen. Their performances help anchor a story that balances daring operations with the consequences of living and fighting under extreme pressure.

Why the Series Is Finding New Viewers

SAS: Rogue Heroes premiered on BBC One in 2022 before reaching international audiences through streaming platforms.

Its relatively compact format is another attraction for viewers who want a complete wartime story without committing to a long-running series. The first two seasons contain six episodes each, making 12 episodes in total.

The drama’s continued visibility on MGM+ has also helped introduce it to viewers who may have missed its original broadcast. Its combination of historical inspiration, fast-moving action and unconventional characters offers an alternative for fans seeking something beyond the familiar war-drama formula.

For those drawn to the camaraderie and combat of Band of Brothers or The Pacific, Knight’s series provides a different perspective on the people and tactics that shaped the conflict.

Season 3 Will Take the Soldiers Into Occupied France

The next instalment is already moving forward. Production on Season 3 began in September 2025, with filming taking place in the UK and France. The six-episode series will move the story to the summer of 1944, as the Allies prepare to liberate Western Europe.

Paddy Mayne, played by Jack O’Connell, will lead the returning soldiers on operations behind enemy lines, where they must disrupt German forces and support the wider Allied advance. The new chapter will also feature the French resistance and additional recruits as the war enters a crucial phase.

O’Connell is returning alongside Sofia Boutella as French-Algerian intelligence operative Eve Mansour and Dominic West as British Army officer Dudley Clarke.

Other returning cast members include Jack Barton, Theo Barklem-Biggs, Jacob Ifan, Stuart Campbell and Corin Silva. Lorne MacFadyen joins as Reverend Fraser McLusky, while Nick Hargrove, Andrew Dawson and Jake Jarratt are among the new additions.

Knight, who created, wrote and executive-produced the series, has indicated that the new episodes will follow the SAS as the conflict intensifies. The production has also brought him together with a returning creative team, including director Stephen Woolfenden and producer Stephen Smallwood.

Although the third season is confirmed, an official premiere date has not yet been announced.

Where to Watch SAS: Rogue Heroes

Both existing seasons are available on BBC iPlayer in the UK, while MGM+ carries the series in the United States. Availability through other streaming services varies by country.

For viewers who enjoy historical military dramas but want a less conventional approach, SAS: Rogue Heroes offers a mix of daring missions, volatile personalities and dark humour. With two seasons that each hold a perfect critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes and a third instalment on the way, the series remains one to consider for the next wartime-drama binge.