Baa Baa Black Sheep

The dramatized World War II adventures of US Major Gregory "Pappy" Boyington and his Marine Attack Squadron 214, AKA The Black Sheep Squadron.

Baa Baa Black Sheep (1976-1978) is an American network war adventure series created by Stephen J. Cannell for NBC. Robert Conrad stars as Marine Major Greg "Pappy" Boyington, a defiant fighter pilot who takes command of Marine Attack Squadron 214, a ragtag group of misfits nicknamed the Black Sheep. Simon Oakland plays Thomas Moore, the squadron's weary commander, while Dana Elcar, Dirk Blocker, and John Larroquette round out the principal cast of fliers. Across two seasons and thirty-six episodes, the engine of the show is simple: the squadron must fly dangerous missions over the Pacific theater, scrapping with Japanese fighters and bombers while the pilots fight their own superiors and each other. Each hour mixes aerial dogfights with barracks banter, personal rivalries, and the strained loyalty that binds an unruly band of outcasts. Set in World War II's Pacific campaign, the series is dramatized from a real Marine aviator's story and carries a brisk, earnest, adventurous tone. Its action sequences and wartime camaraderie will appeal to viewers who enjoy Band of Brothers, Twelve O'Clock High, and classic 1970s network adventure.

• Battlestar Galactica (1978)shared wartime aviation adventure with a rebellious squadron leader and episodic dogfight action
• Band of Brothersshared military action drama built around a tight band of unconventional fighters in World War II
• Twelve O'Clock Highshared World War II aerial combat adventure with a maverick pilot and squadron camaraderie
• Hogan's Heroesshared period war adventure with a rebellious commander leading a ragtag unit against odds

Created by

Stephen J. Cannell

Release Date

1976-09-21

Episode runtime

60 min

Rating

7.7 / 10 (49)

What is Baa Baa Black Sheep about?

A dramatized World War II adventure following Marine Major Gregory 'Pappy' Boyington and his rebellious Black Sheep Squadron in the Pacific.

What is Baa Baa Black Sheep like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Baa Baa Black Sheep as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as simple.

Is Baa Baa Black Sheep violent?

Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Baa Baa Black Sheep as moderate.

Which shows are like Baa Baa Black Sheep?

Shows with a similar feel include Battlestar Galactica (1978), Band of Brothers, Twelve O'Clock High, and Hogan's Heroes.

How long is Baa Baa Black Sheep?

Baa Baa Black Sheep: 2 seasons, 36 episodes.

Is Baa Baa Black Sheep still running?

No, Baa Baa Black Sheep has ended.