How to Watch Forged by War: The Navy SEALs on HISTORY
Forged by War: The Navy SEALs premieres Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 8 PM ET (7 PM Central) on HISTORY, which is DIRECTV channel 269. The two-hour special is HISTORY's Veterans Day event.
The documentary traces the SEALs from their World War II roots to the missions that shaped modern warfare. It uses firsthand accounts, archival footage and cinematic recreations to show how changing threats turned the SEALs into the specialized force they are today.
Forged by War: The Navy SEALs at a glance
| Premiere | Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (Veterans Day) |
|---|---|
| Time | 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT |
| Network | HISTORY |
| DIRECTV channel | 269 (CHOICE package and up) |
| Length | Two hours |
| Host | Russ Smith, 15th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy |
| Producer | Omaha Productions (Peyton Manning and Jamie Horowitz, executive producers) |
| Streaming | HISTORY app and History.com the next day |
What does the special cover?
Beyond the early history, the special revisits several of the SEALs' highest-profile 21st-century missions. Those include the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips after Somali pirates took him hostage, the raid in Pakistan that killed Osama bin Laden, and the rescue of American aid worker Jessica Buchanan in Somalia.
Russ Smith, a Navy veteran who served as the 15th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy and now works on USAA's Military Affairs team, introduces the special. HISTORY uses the SEALs' story to honor the wider legacy of everyone who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The special is presented by USAA.
Forged by War is a reworked, two-hour version of the two-season series Navy SEALs: America's Secret Warriors, which Peacock Productions originally produced. If you've seen that series, expect some familiar material in a new format.
How to watch Forged by War on DIRECTV
HISTORY is channel 269 in the CHOICE, ULTIMATE and PREMIER packages. The entry-level ENTERTAINMENT package doesn't include it, so you'd need CHOICE or higher to watch live.
- Live: tune to channel 269 on Wednesday, November 11, at 8 PM ET.
- Recording: search "Forged by War" in the DIRECTV guide or app and set a recording for the full two hours.
- Next-day streaming: sign in to the HISTORY app or History.com with your DIRECTV login starting November 12.
See what channel HISTORY is on DIRECTV for the network's sister channels, and the DIRECTV package channel comparison for which tiers carry it. DIRECTV's military-themed programming is worth a look too.
Frequently asked questions
When does Forged by War: The Navy SEALs air?
It premieres Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 8 PM ET (7 PM Central) on HISTORY.
What channel is HISTORY on DIRECTV?
HISTORY is DIRECTV channel 269, included in the CHOICE package and higher.
How long is Forged by War: The Navy SEALs?
It's a two-hour special.
Is Forged by War a new series?
No. It's a two-hour special reworked from the two-season series Navy SEALs: America's Secret Warriors.
Which missions does the special cover?
It includes the Captain Richard Phillips rescue, the Osama bin Laden raid and the Jessica Buchanan rescue, along with the SEALs' World War II origins.
Want HISTORY and the rest of the CHOICE lineup? Check DIRECTV packages at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 21, 2026. Air dates and times are set by HISTORY and may change. DIRECTV availability, channels, packages and prices vary by address and are subject to change. Forged by War: The Navy SEALs, HISTORY, USAA, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.