AceShowbiz - Southland is experiencing a resurgence on Netflix, arriving just at the right moment for crime drama fans. Starring Shawn Hatosy as LAPD detective Sammy Bryant, the series originally debuted on NBC in 2009 for one season before moving to TNT, where it aired for four additional seasons from 2010 to 2013.

Much like FX’s acclaimed The Shield, which aired from 2002 to 2008, Southland delivers a gritty, unfiltered portrayal of the challenges faced by Los Angeles police officers. The show explores the personal and professional struggles of its characters, with Hatosy’s Detective Sammy Bryant often caught between his demanding job and his complicated private life.

Now, thirteen years after its conclusion, Southland has climbed to the sixth spot on Netflix’s Top 10 TV shows in the United States as of January 20, 2026. It ranks above notable titles like 11.22.63 and Marcello Hernández: American Boy, while trailing behind series such as Stranger Things and The Upshaws.

This newfound popularity for Southland coincides with the ongoing success of Hatosy’s current project, The Pitt, which continues to dominate HBO Max’s Top 10 with its second season, marking over 150 days near the top. Hatosy earned the 2025 Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Dr. Jack Abbot on The Pitt.

Like The Pitt, Southland was produced by John Wells and offers an authentic, hard-hitting depiction of law enforcement in Los Angeles. The series features a strong ensemble cast including Michael Cudlitz, Ben McKenzie, Regina King, C. Thomas Howell, Kevin Alejandro, Michael McGrady, Tom Everett Scott, and Arija Bareikis. Recurring appearances by L. Scott Caldwell, Emily Bergl, Roxana Brusso, and others add depth to the complex world of the LAPD.

Throughout its run, Southland received critical acclaim, holding an average score of 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics frequently compared it to other landmark police dramas like The Wire and The Shield for its realism and compelling storytelling.

The return of Southland on Netflix offers both longtime fans and new viewers an opportunity to experience a raw, emotional look at the lives of LA’s police officers, solidifying its place among the best in gritty crime television.