Any cop series like Southland?

SixTwoSix

SixTwoSix

SixTwoSix

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I feel that Southland is generally overlooked and underrated by the majority but think it's an excellent show. It feels as "real" as i've ever really experienced while watching a cop show and i'm looking for anything similar from the last few years. The characters feel genuine, almost as though the writers could have been ex-cops and are drawing from people they know.

I watched NYPD Blue and Homicide back in the day, enjoyed both thoroughly. I love The Shield, Justified and The Wire, also highly rate the french show Braquo.

Is there anything out there at all similar to Southland both in terms of perceived realism, characterisation and although I hate to use this word..."grittiness"

I've tried Blue Bloods, managed one season and it's frankly quite bad, I don't understand the high ratings. I'm not a fan of CSI or any shows that neatly wrap everything up at the end of each episode.

So, good folks of OCUK, is there anything right under my nose I might be missing?
 
Never really understood why The Chicago Code only ran for one season, it was much better than the likes of Blue Bloods.

Dark Blue with Dylan McDermott is another one worth a watch. Again short lived though, only 2 seasons http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1319636/

Oh and if you haven't already, watch The Corner mini-series. Sort of a prequel to The Wire but with the actors in different roles ie Lester Freemon as a junky instead of a cop.
 
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Indeed, a shame really. I got through the first season of Blue Bloods before I realised how poor it really is, far more preachy and religious than I was comfortable with too.
 
horseunderwater said:
I see there is a third season of Braquo for 2013 Hopefully it will be as good as the previous 2.
I have been watching Spiral its a French cop drama you might like it
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Very much looking forward to season 3 of Braquo, really looking forward to seeing what the ex IA guy has in store for the team.

Will also check out Spiral, is it also known as Engrenages?

TheVoice said:
I haven't watched Southland yet, but try The Chicago Code. It only ran for one season but I enjoyed it.
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IMDB'd Chicago Code, looks alright as it goes. Without any spoilers as it only ran for one season, does it leave anything open or is the story wrapped up?

You absolutely must watch Southland, it's easily as good as both Shield & Wire IMHO.

NZB said:
Dark Blue with Dylan McDermott is another one worth a watch. Again short lived though, only 2 seasons http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1319636/

Oh and if you haven't already, watch The Corner mini-series. Sort of a prequel to The Wire but with the actors in different roles ie Lester Freemon as a junky instead of a cop.
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Love DM in American Horror so definitely willing to give Dark Blue a go, thanks.

I think i've seen The Corner, aired back in 2001 IIRC?
 
SixTwoSix said:
IMDB'd Chicago Code, looks alright as it goes. Without any spoilers as it only ran for one season, does it leave anything open or is the story wrapped up?
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The main storyline is wrapped up. It's a shame they cancelled it after just the one season, as it is a pretty decent series.
 
Its 50/50 for a 6th series of Southland :(

It's a show I have enjoyed watching right from episode 1 of series 1. I don't understand why the ratings are so poor.... Is it too much of a "engage the brain" show for the mass public to cope with? :confused:
 
As all the really good ones seem to have been noted that leaves me to suggest...

Luther - which is also really good :)

As for the uncertainty of a sixth series of Southland I have almost given up now in trying to understand the cancellation / popularity of some of the better made TV series. The most recent one for me was "Boss" which we both loved and yet it wasn't picked up for a third season.
 
Ok, i've tried Dark Blue and Chicago Code, both are far too "story of the week" and glossy for my liking, I think Southland has spoiled me, couldn't get on with either series.

I keep starting to watch Spiral (Engrenages) but it's not hooking me, switched off after 15 minutes both times, I think i'll make myself sit and watch the whole first episode.

It's so sadly lacking for good cop TV shows.
 
Just finished watching episode 8 of season 5 of Southland thanks to seeing this thread a few weeks back. Really enjoyed it and would also love to know of any more shows like it. Shame there doesn't appear to be many about now. Hope they do another season.

Is NYPD Blue still worth a watch? I remember catching the odd episode and it seemed ok, but never really watched it back to back.
 
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