The Shield (2002)
Shawn Ryan's landmark FX crime drama that redefined television morality through the rise and fall of one of TV's most compelling antiheroes.
The Shield - Series Information
- Original Title: The Shield
- First Air Year: 2002
- Last Air Year: 2008
- Created by: Shawn Ryan
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Action, Adventure
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 7
- Number of Episodes: 88
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: March 12, 2002 (United States - TV-MA), March 12, 2002 (Canada - 14+), March 12, 2002 (United Kingdom - 15), March 12, 2002 (Germany - 18), March 12, 2002 (France - 12), March 12, 2002 (India - A), March 12, 2002 (New Zealand - 16), March 12, 2002 (Australia - MA 15+), March 12, 2002 (Brazil - 16), March 12, 2002 (Mexico - AA)
- Networks: FX
- Alternative Titles: Al margen de la ley (ES), Η Ασπίδα (GR), El Escudo (MX)
- Production Companies: Fox Television Studios, Sony Pictures Television, Columbia TriStar Television, MiddKid Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Shield - Plot
The story of an inner-city Los Angeles police precinct where some of the cops aren't above breaking the rules or working against their associates to both keep the streets safe and their self-interests intact.
The Shield - Trailer
See the gritty world of Farmington come to life in the official trailer:
The law is just a suggestion.
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The Shield - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Shawn Ryan
Main Cast
- Michael Chiklis
- Catherine Dent
- Walton Goggins
- Michael Jace
- Jay Karnes
- Benito Martinez
- CCH Pounder
- Cathy Cahlin Ryan
- David Rees Snell
- Kenny Johnson
Writers
- Shawn Ryan
- Kurt Sutter
- Glen Mazzara
- Scott Rosenbaum
- Charles H. Eglee
The Shield - FAQs
Where can you stream The Shield online?
The Shield is available to stream on Hulu with a subscription. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Free ad-supported streaming is available on Tubi TV, making it accessible without a premium subscription.
Is The Shield based on a true story?
The Shield is not directly based on a single true story, but creator Shawn Ryan drew heavily from real-world LAPD scandals, most notably the Rampart Division corruption scandal of the late 1990s, in which officers were found guilty of widespread misconduct, planting evidence, and excessive force.
Who are the main actors in The Shield?
The Shield stars Michael Chiklis as Vic Mackey, alongside Walton Goggins as Shane Vendrell, CCH Pounder as Claudette Wyms, Jay Karnes as Dutch Wagenbach, Benito Martinez as David Aceveda, Catherine Dent as Danny Sofer, Michael Jace as Julien Lowe, and Kenny Johnson as Curtis Lemansky.
Does The Shield have a satisfying series finale?
The Shield's series finale, 'Family Meeting,' is widely regarded as one of the greatest finales in television history. It delivers devastating consequences for nearly every character, particularly Vic Mackey and Shane Vendrell, resolving seven seasons of moral corruption with a bleak, unflinching, and emotionally resonant conclusion.
How many seasons and episodes does The Shield have?
The Shield ran for 7 seasons and 88 episodes from 2002 to 2008 on FX. Seasons ranged from 10 to 15 episodes each. Season 3 was the longest with 15 episodes, while Season 6 was the shortest with 10 episodes, building toward the acclaimed seventh and final season.
What is The Shield TV series about?
The Shield follows the morally compromised officers of the Farmington District in inner-city Los Angeles. At its center is Vic Mackey, a charismatic but ruthless detective who leads a rogue Strike Team, blurring the line between law enforcement and criminality while navigating gang violence, drug cartels, and internal police politics.
Did The Shield win any major awards?
Yes. The Shield earned widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards. Michael Chiklis won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2002, and the show won the Golden Globe for Best Drama Series that same year, marking a landmark moment for basic cable television.
What is the content rating for The Shield?
The Shield is rated TV-MA, indicating it is intended for mature audiences only. The series contains strong language, graphic violence, depictions of police brutality, drug use, and morally complex themes. Viewer discretion is strongly advised, and the show is not suitable for children or younger teenagers.
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