Canceled NBC crime drama finds new home at Netflix—and ranks on the Top 10

We all know this horrible feeling. A show sparks your curiosity, maybe even your obsession. You binge every episode, live for the twists, and grow attached to the characters as if they were real people in your life. And then suddenly, it’s gone. TV networks and streaming services can pull the plug at any moment, leaving storylines unfinished and fans stranded in cliffhanger limbo.

Fans of one particular crime drama series went through this heartbreak many years ago. After five seasons, the show was officially given the boot in May 2013. Since it's been so many years since its cancellation, it's unlikely that we'll see it return with new episodes.

However, Netflix has given the canceled crime series a second life on its platform, making it available to a whole new generation of viewers. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take long for it to climb into the streamer's top 10 TV shows list either.

Southland is now available to stream on Netflix

It's true! On Jan. 16, Netflix added all five seasons of this underrated crime drama series to its platform. As of Jan. 20, it's currently sitting at the No. 6 spot on the top 10 TV shows list. In other words, a show that was once canceled and forgotten is now commanding major attention. Tons of Netflix subscribers are streaming Southland right now.

Does its popularity come as a surprise? Not really. After all, Southland has always been more than just a typical crime drama. Its gripping stories, morally complex characters, and raw, realistic portrayal of life on the streets of Los Angeles made it a favorite among critics and fans alike. The fact that it’s now thriving on Netflix proves that great storytelling never truly disappears.

However, we always like to remind our readers that licensed shows will not remain on Netflix forever. While Southland has not yet been given a departure date by the streaming giant, we just want to remind viewers to dive in sooner rather than later. Once it’s gone, there's no telling if it'll ever make its return.

Ann Biderman (Ray Donovan) created Southland. It originally debuted on NBC but was quickly canceled after one season before being revived and continuing for four more seasons on TNT. In total, the show comprises five seasons and 43 episodes.

The crime drama centers around a group of Los Angeles Police Department officers and detectives as they patrol the city’s most dangerous streets, chasing suspects, responding to chaotic calls, and trying to survive a job that rarely gives them a moment to breathe. However, Southland doesn’t just focus on the crimes. It dives headfirst into the emotional wreckage, moral gray areas, and personal battles that come with wearing the badge.

When it comes to the cast, Southland truly shines. You'll instantly recognize actors such as The Walking Dead's Michael Cudlitz, alongside Ben McKenzie, Regina King, Shawn Hatosy, Kevin Alejandro, Tom Everett Scott, and many others.

Netflix is the only place you can stream Southland. If you'd rather purchase individual episodes or entire seasons, you can do so through digital platforms such as Amazon Video, Fandango at Home, or Apple TV. It's unknown where this crime drama will stream after it leaves Netflix. That said, now is the perfect time to binge all five seasons while they’re easily available, especially with the series currently gaining renewed attention and climbing Netflix’s top 10 list!

Southland is streaming now only on Netflix.