The acclaimed police drama Southland, which holds a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and has been enthusiastically endorsed by viewers as essential viewing, is now accessible for streaming on Netflix. This significant addition brings a beloved series back to screens after more than a decade since its original broadcast.
Series Overview and Production History
Created by the talented Ann Biderman, Southland first premiered on the American network NBC in 2009. Following its initial run, the series transitioned to TNT, where it continued to captivate audiences from 2010 through 2013. Over its five-season tenure, the show produced a total of 43 episodes, each delving into the intense and realistic world of law enforcement in Los Angeles.
Cast and Characters
The series features an ensemble cast of notable actors who bring depth and authenticity to their roles. Leading the lineup are Michael Cudlitz, Shawn Hatosy, and Regina King. They are supported by a strong contingent of performers including Ben McKenzie, C. Thomas Howell, Kevin Alejandro, Michael McGrady, Tom Everett Scott, and Arija Bareikis. This collective talent contributes to the show's gritty portrayal of police work.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception
Southland has garnered widespread critical praise and holds an impressive 90% rating on the Average Tomatometer, alongside a 97% score on the Popcornmeter. The Wall Street Journal notably described the series as 'not to be missed', a sentiment echoed by many fans and critics alike.
Netflix's official synopsis encapsulates the show's essence: 'Shot with gritty realism on the streets of LA, this hard-hitting procedural follows the daily grind of a group of veteran detectives and beat cops.' This description highlights the series' commitment to authentic storytelling and its focus on the challenges faced by law enforcement professionals.
Fan Reactions on Social Media
Enthusiastic viewers have taken to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their admiration for Southland. Their comments underscore the series' impact and enduring appeal:
- 'If anyone is looking for something to watch… there is a fantastic new series starting on Netflix tomorrow which is definitely worth a watch Southland! Southland is one of the best and most underrated police series to ever be put on television!'
- 'Southland is the best cop show I’ve ever seen … pls bring it back.'
- 'If you are looking for something to binge and you never watched #Southland during its original run, it’s available on Netflix now. I’d argue it’s the most underrated cop show of all time…'
- 'Not new, but Southland just dropped on Netflix. What a hidden gem. Can’t believe I didn’t watch it when it was airing. Super gritty LA cop show.'
- 'Thank you @Netflix for finally adding Southland!'
- 'One of the best cop shows ever made has just gone on Netflix. 5 seasons. 10/10.'
- 'Public Service Announcement: Southland starts on Netflix on Sunday and if you ain't seen it it's f**king class. As you were.'
- 'Southland never should have been cancelled. Great show, great cast, and it definitely still had legs. Just finished binging it on Netflix.'
- 'Southland on Netflix. Amazing cop show.'
Context and Comparison
This streaming release coincides with promotional activity for another detective drama. A Channel 5 series titled Ellis, starring Sharon D. Clarke as Detective Chief Inspector Ellis and Andrew Gower as DS Chet Harper, has unveiled its second series trailer. Set to premiere on March 10 and 11, Ellis follows DCI Ellis as she assists with failing investigations across northern England, exploring themes of community fractures and suspicious deaths.
While Ellis offers a new narrative in the crime genre, Southland stands out for its established legacy and critical accolades. Fans of police procedurals now have the opportunity to stream Southland on Netflix, revisiting or discovering a series celebrated for its realism, strong performances, and compelling storytelling.
