Critically Acclaimed Crime Drama 'Southland' Arrives on Netflix
The gritty crime drama Southland has landed on Netflix this week, with enthusiasts and critics alike hailing it as a must-watch series that deserves its own category of greatness. Originally airing from 2009 to 2013, the show offers a raw and authentic portrayal of the Los Angeles Police Department, praised for its exceptional realism and gripping storytelling.
Unmatched Realism and Critical Acclaim
Southland has been called one of the most realistic cop shows ever made, with its final two seasons achieving a rare 100% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes. The series, created by Emmy Award-winning writer Ann Biderman and executive produced by Christopher Chulack and John Wells, stars Michael Cudlitz as veteran Officer John Cooper and Ben McKenzie as rookie Ben Sherman. Key cast members include Regina King as Detective Lydia Adams and Shawn Hatosy as Officer Sammy Bryant.
The synopsis highlights Cooper's no-nonsense training of Sherman, who questions his suitability for police work. Other characters include Detective Russell Clarke, a struggling family man, and patrol officer Chickie Brown, a single mother aspiring to join the SWAT team. While the first season holds a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the show's quality escalates, with seasons four and five perfecting its formula.
Fan and Critic Reactions
Fans have expressed immense passion for Southland in online comments, with one stating, It was one of the best cop shows on TV, and another noting, Southland is by far the most real and dramatic cop show I have ever seen. Critics have been equally enthusiastic; The Wall Street Journal declared it deserves a category of greatness all its own, while The San Francisco Chronicle praised its superior quality in a crowded genre.
Additional accolades include Slant Magazine's observation of its ability to shift from relaxed banter to shocking violence seamlessly, and The Boston Herald describing it as a bloody good, gory hour. The AV Club commended the show's emotional depth and little touches that elevate it above average police dramas.
Streaming Availability and Legacy
All five seasons of Southland are now available to stream on Netflix. Despite its cancellation after five seasons, the series has cemented its status as a cult classic, with viewers lamenting its premature end. Its arrival on Netflix offers new audiences the chance to experience this critically acclaimed drama, celebrated for its gritty authenticity and compelling character arcs.
