Though NBC has axed Southland before its second season could premiere, the producers aren’t giving up on it. They just need to find the drama a new home.
If you weren’t watching last season, Southland revolves around a bunch of cops on the LAPD. Armed with their experience and firearms, they take on all manners of problems on the streets of Los Angeles. The series stars an ensemble of both new faces and TV veterans like Benjamin McKenzie, Kevin Alejandro, Arija Bareikis, Michael Cudlitz, Shawn Hatosy, Regina King, Michael McGrady, Tom Everett Scott, Emily Bergl, Patrick Fischler, Lex Medlin, C. Thomas Howell, Emily Swallow, Carla Jeffery, Lori Alan, and Roxana Brusso.
Southland made a decent debut last season but viewership cooled as the season progressed. NBC renewed it for a second season even though the programmers knew they didn’t have an appropriate place for it on the schedule. After looking at some of the second season episodes, the network execs decided they were too dark for network TV and pulled the plug. Executive Producer John Wells pledged to shop the series to other outlets.
According to the LA Times, Southland was pitched to A&E but they passed on it. The cable channel runs its own dark dramas but is partially owned by NBC so there could be political reasons. It’s a similar situation for USA though Southland’s much darker than their usual programming like Psych and Monk.
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A move to FX would have the opposite problem. While the cable channel runs its own gritty programming, FX shows go much further than Southland. AMC could be an alternative but they tend to run more artistic original programming like Mad Men. Pay channels like HBO and Showtime favor shows with offbeat premises and likely wouldn’t touch a network’s castoffs.
Most agree that TNT is Southland’s best chance at a second life. Warner Bros. TV produces the cop drama and TNT is owned by Turner. Both fall under the Time Warner corporate umbrella.
THR is reporting that TNT and Warner have held discussions and that they are “advancing.” In a statement, TNT said, “We continually look at all programming opportunities that fit our portfolio of brands.”
Though any channel is reluctant to take another’s leftovers, the acquisition could make sense for TNT. They regularly air original cop-based programming like Saving Grace (which was recently cancelled). The channel’s most recent offering, Dark Blue, hasn’t been a big success and its fate hangs in the balance. TNT could opt to replace Dark Blue with Southland which already has some viewer recognition and has attracted some decent press.
TNT could also likely get a good deal on the series. Six episodes have already been shot and paid for so Warners would likely offer the cable channel a discount on the 13 episode season.
If they took the deal, TNT would be a hero to Southland fans but it remains to be seen if that would translate into real numbers. Fans have worked to get shows renewed in the past but only a percentage have shown up to watch the fruits of their labor.
What do you think? Would you follow Southland to TNT?
I really liked Southland but I’d rather have TNT renew Dark Blue.
This was a terrific program with excellent story lines, and a fantastic cast. I would absolutely watch Southland. TNT
100%!!!!!!!! Southland was by far the best cop show since the Shield; typical NBC move to make room for more awful TV.
Of course Ill go to TNT for Southland! It is the best show ever made and it was cancelled? No wonder the shows that are left are stupid, NBC doesnt know what the heck their doing! Im so mad right now, I just found out that it was cancelled and it is in the tv schedule for tonight and I was waiting all week to see it!!!!!!!!
I WILL MOST DEF. FOLLOW SOUTHLAND TO WHERE EVER IT GOES. NBC IS SO DUMB FOR CANCELLING IT. THEY HAVE NOTHING GOOD ON THEIR STATION AT ALL.!! AND SOUTHLAND WOULD OF BEEN AN UP. THEY WOULD OF HAD MORE VIEWERS PROBABLY FOR THAT SHOW THEN THEY ARE HAVING AT ALL FOR ALL THEIR SHOWS. THATS Y I HATE NBC. I HOPE TNT TAKES SOUTHLAND AND PLAYS THEM. I NEED MY SHOW BACK ON!!! BEEN GOING CRAZY AND WANT TO KNOW WHATS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT. PLEASE TNT TAKE IT!! N SHOW NBC WHAT THEY R MISSING. AND ITS STUPID FOR… Read more »
This was a terrific program with excellent story lines, and a fantastic cast. I would absolutely watch Southland. TNT…Please bring it back. NBC stands for Nothing But Crap!!!
I WILL WATCH SOUTHLAND THE MOMENT IT RETURNS. FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS AND SOUTHLAND I MISS VERY,VERY MUCH! I LOVED SWINGTOWN AND ITS GONE! EARL,FUN SHOW! LIFE ON MARS….PLEASE BRING BACK FNLIGHTS AND SOUTHLAND!!!!THEY ALSO CANNED BIG SHOTS, DIRTY SEXY MONEY,AND THE SHOW TAKING PLACE IN S.AFRICA!! VERY SAD! AT LEAST MODERN FAMILY & BROTHERS AND SISTERS & NIP/TUCK ARE STILL AROUND!
Once again, this was the only show that I watched on NBC and once again they cancel the only show worth watching. I am now totally done with NBC.
I will Follow Southland on TNT. That is a promise, from me to you.
I had a task reminder set to DVR (or watch) Southland this Friday, Oct. 23. I’m heartbroken it’s been cancelled. It’s an amazing show for network television. How can NBC not see that?
I will follow SouthLAnd to TnT in a heart beat!! Please keep it alive!!!
My husband and I love the show and will follow it where it goes. I don’t know why they just get ride of Mercy because Southland is soooo much better.
TNT should not only pick this up, but the recently cancelled My Name Is Earl. that is a hilarious show!
I LOVED Southland!!! It is such a shame that great shows are cancelled so that all of those pointless reality shows can stay. I refuse to watch any of them. I set my TIVO to record the show, so no matter where it goes, i will watch it.
i dont care if they hide it on the hsn i will find it and watch it