8.3
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
Southland (2009)
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Leans Progressive
Viewer Rating
Rating: 8.3
Overview
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.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Bias Dimensions
Political: Center
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Trans: Positive
Christianity: Positive
Overview
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.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Detailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Leans Progressive
Primary
Southland receives a neutral rating due to its commitment to depicting the complex, often brutal, and morally ambiguous reality of urban policing from multiple perspectives, without explicitly endorsing a specific political solution or critique.
The series features a visibly diverse cast that reflects the demographics of its Los Angeles setting, with various racial and ethnic backgrounds represented in significant roles. Its narrative explores complex societal issues, including race, class, and sexuality, through the lens of urban policing, presenting these themes as part of a realistic depiction of the city and its challenges.
Secondary
Southland features Officer John Cooper, a central character whose arc explores his identity as a gay man in law enforcement. The show portrays his coming out, personal struggles, and relationships with dignity and complexity. While addressing external prejudices, the narrative maintains an empathetic stance, affirming the worth of his queer life and experiences.
Southland features Trina, a transgender sex worker, as a victim of a hate crime. The show portrays her with dignity and empathy, framing the violence and prejudice as external forces. The narrative focuses on the police's efforts to seek justice for her, affirming the worth of her life despite tragic circumstances.
Christianity is often portrayed through individual characters finding solace, community, or moral guidance in their faith amidst the harsh realities of police work. The narrative treats these personal beliefs with respect, depicting them as a source of strength or comfort without critiquing the religion itself.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
Southland is an original police procedural drama series. All characters were created specifically for this show, meaning there are no pre-existing canonical or historical characters whose genders could have been altered.
Southland is an original television series, not an adaptation of existing source material or a historical depiction. All characters were created for the show, meaning there is no prior canonical or historical race to be altered.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
User Ratings
8.5
7.9
Critic Ratings
9.0
7.7
More Like This
Progressive
8.1
If Beale Street Could Talk
(2018)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
Leans Progressive
7.2
Mr. Holmes
(2015)
Political: Center
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
7.7
The Hurricane
(1999)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
Leans Progressive
7.5
A Mother's Prayer
(1995)
Political: Center
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
8.2
Logan
(2017)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Female Combat: Yes
Leans Progressive
6.5
The Cursed
(2021)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Progressive
7.1
The Manchurian Candidate
(2004)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
Progressive
7.0
Armageddon Time
(2022)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
Progressive
7.9
American History X
(1998)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
Progressive
7.8
Exhibiting Forgiveness
(2024)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
Progressive
7.3
Kiss of the Spider Woman
(2025)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
7.0
Syriana
(2005)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
Progressive
6.7
Highest 2 Lowest
(2025)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
Leans Progressive
8.3
Greed
(1924)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Low
Leans Progressive
7.5
The Last Duel
(2021)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
Progressive
8.1
Sorry, Baby
(2025)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
7.0
The Crucible
(1996)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Low
Progressive
6.6
Babylon
(2022)
Political: Center
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
8.4
Million Dollar Baby
(2004)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Progressive
7.7
Widows
(2018)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Neutral