I loved every episode of Southland. Every episode I say. This outstanding series first appeared on NBC April 9, 2009 and was canceled October 8, 2009. TNT then picked up the show and am I glad they did! Despite this being one of the top series on television at the time, it also remained one of the most underrated/watched. And with TNT's 2010 renewal of the show for Season 3 (it was always an 'on the bubble' series, sadly) - it included a substantial budget cut and corresponding cast reductions. However, the 3rd season changes did not stop the high quality storytelling and top notch performances from the cast including Regina King, my personal fav.

Not since The Shield has there been such great storytelling (for police crime dramas). From the edgy theme music in the opening credits to the slight in your face camera angles and gritty/raw intensity from scene to scene, makes you wish each episode was 2hrs long! When a writer can extend and put to the screen what life is like on and off the job for police officers, the regular citizens and criminals of all shades in South LA - plus go on to make you actually care for those characters, yes even the bad ones (something lacking in a lot of today's shows), it is to be commended and talked about so that it can be known to a wider audience to enjoy. 'Cause you don't know what your missing!

I highly recommend you to check out Southland and tell your friends about it. If you've enjoyed TV series like NYPD BLUE, Hill Street Blues (which some say is perhaps the best cop drama in television history) or The Wire - then this series is one of the best homages to come along to the above Police/Crime Drama series. 10/10.