Southland
8.5
Southland fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense and violent
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension8
- Violence8
- Adrenaline7
Heart
Moving
- Pathos7
- Melancholy6
- Catharsis5
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Cringe Humor2
World
Everyday modern life, crime, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and sound design
- Cinematography9
- Editing8
- Sound Centrality8
Energy
HighTense and violent
Fast from start to finish.
Southland is tense, violent, and thrilling.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowMoving
Emotionally, it's moving.
All heart traits
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, crime, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, crime, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Crime10Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
The performances, characters, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, editing, and sound design
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition4Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality3The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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Episode ratings
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About
Protect. Serve. Survive.
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Shows
Movies
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Southland
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Southland worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 85/100 (IMDb 8.5, Rotten Tomatoes 90%, and Metacritic 77). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Southland rated?
It's rated TV-14 in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, disturbing imagery, and drug use.
How many seasons does Southland have?
5 seasons
It has 5 seasons with 43 episodes of about 42 minutes each.
Do critics and audiences agree on Southland?
Yes. Critics average 84 and audiences 89 out of 100, so both groups see Southland much the same way.
When did Southland air?
It ran from 2009 to 2013 and has ended.
What language is Southland in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Southland?
+107GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Southland in 121 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Southland use?
TV Tropes lists 55 storytelling tropes for Southland, including From Nobody to Nightmare, Disproportionate Retribution, Fire-Forged Friends.