Southland (2009)
A hard-hitting LAPD drama that pulls no punches, following officers and detectives through the unrelenting streets of Los Angeles.
Southland - Series Information
- Original Title: Southland
- First Air Year: 2009
- Last Air Year: 2013
- Created by: Ann Biderman
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (42 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 43
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: April 9, 2009 (United States - TV-14), April 9, 2009 (Germany - 12), April 9, 2009 (Spain - NR)
- Networks: NBC, TNT
- Alternative Titles: Саутленд (RU), SouthLand (PT), Southland: Cidade do crime (BR)
Southland - Plot
A raw and authentic look into the Los Angeles crime scene, going far inside the lives of cops, criminals, victims and their families. The show centers on four main characters: Officer John Cooper, a seasoned cop who will have to prove himself again after recovering from surgery; Officer Ben Sherman, who still has much to learn after recently completing his training rotation; Detective Lydia Adams, whose unending caseload hits closer to home; and Sammy Bryant, a former detective who decided to go back to being a uniform cop after the traumatic death of his partner.
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Southland - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Ann Biderman
Main Cast
- Ben McKenzie
- Michael Cudlitz
- Regina King
- Shawn Hatosy
- Arija Bareikis
- Kevin Alejandro
- Dorian Missick
- Emily Bergl
- C. Thomas Howell
- Michael McGrady
Writers
- Ann Biderman
- Robin Green
- Mitchell Burgess
- John Wells
- Diana Son
Southland - FAQs
Where can you stream Southland online?
Southland is available to stream on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region.
Why was Southland cancelled after five seasons?
TNT cancelled Southland in 2013 after five seasons, citing declining ratings. The show had already survived one near-cancellation when NBC dropped it after Season 1, only for TNT to revive it. Despite critical acclaim, viewership numbers ultimately led to its conclusion.
Is Southland based on a true story?
Southland is not based on a single true story, but creator Ann Biderman drew heavily on real LAPD experiences and ride-alongs with officers to ensure authenticity. The show's gritty realism reflects genuine police work in Los Angeles rather than any one specific case.
Who are the main actors in Southland?
The main cast includes Ben McKenzie as rookie Officer Ben Sherman, Michael Cudlitz as veteran Officer John Cooper, Regina King as Detective Lydia Adams, and Shawn Hatosy as Officer Sammy Bryant. Supporting cast includes C. Thomas Howell, Kevin Alejandro, and Arija Bareikis.
How many seasons and episodes does Southland have?
Southland ran for 5 seasons with 43 episodes in total, plus 2 special episodes. Season 1 had 7 episodes, Season 2 had 6, and Seasons 3 through 5 each contained 10 episodes. The series aired from 2009 to 2013.
What is Southland about?
Southland offers a raw, unflinching look at life inside the LAPD, following officers and detectives navigating crime, personal struggles, and moral complexity on the streets of Los Angeles. Critics praised its documentary-style realism and strong ensemble performances as standout qualities.
When did Southland first air?
Southland premiered on April 9, 2009, on NBC in the United States. After NBC cancelled the series following its first season, TNT picked it up and aired Seasons 2 through 5 from 2011 until the show's conclusion in 2013.
Did Southland win any awards or critical recognition?
Southland earned strong critical acclaim throughout its run. Regina King received particular recognition for her portrayal of Detective Lydia Adams. The series was frequently praised by critics as one of television's most realistic and underappreciated police dramas, earning a dedicated cult following.
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