Southland (2009)

Synopsis

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.

Where to watch

Stream

• Netflix
• Netflix Standard with Ads
• Howdy Amazon Channel

Rent

• Amazon Video

Buy

• Amazon Video
• Apple TV Store
• Google Play Movies
• Fandango At Home

Streaming availability via JustWatch

Cast

• Ben McKenzie as Ben Sherman
• Michael Cudlitz as Officer John Cooper
• Regina King as Detective Lydia Adams
• Shawn Hatosy as Officer Sammy Bryant
• Arija Bareikis as Officer Chickie Brown
• Kevin Alejandro as Detective Nate Moretta
• Dorian Missick as Detective Ruben Robinson
• Emily Bergl as Tammi Bryant
• C. Thomas Howell as Officer Dewey Dudek
• Michael McGrady as Detective Daniel Salinger

If you liked Southland, try

• Law & Order
• Chicago P.D.
• S.W.A.T.
• The Closer
• NYPD Blue
• The Shield
• Bosch
• Third Watch

BingeNext's take

If you're into gritty police dramas that don't shy away from the tough realities of law enforcement, Southland is a solid pick. This series takes you deep into the lives of cops and the people they encounter in Los Angeles, focusing on four main characters who each bring a unique perspective to the job. You'll get to see Officer John Cooper trying to prove himself after surgery, rookie Ben Sherman finding his footing, Detective Lydia Adams juggling a heavy caseload that hits close to home, and Sammy Bryant, who’s made a tough choice to return to patrol after a personal loss. The show feels raw and authentic, making it a good choice for anyone who appreciates character-driven stories with a strong sense of place. With five seasons and 43 episodes, it’s a binge-worthy dive into the complexities of crime and justice in a big city.