TNT's "Southland" Hits the Streets of L.A. as Production Begins on Season Five

Acclaimed Drama to Launch New Season in February

Production began last week on the fifth season of the TNT police drama Southland. The critically acclaimed series from Warner Bros. Television and John Wells Productions stars Michael Cudlitz, Shawn Hatosy, Regina King and Ben McKenzie. Joining the ranks as a series regular this season will be former guest star C. Thomas Howell. In addition, Dorian Missick, Emily Bergl and L. Scott Caldwell will return as recurring guest stars, and Chad Michael Murray is set to guest-star in a two-episode arc.

Season Five of Southland is slated to premiere Wednesday, February 13, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT), exclusively on TNT.

Since premiering in 2009, Southland has redefined the police drama with its raw, authentic look at the lives and work of Los Angeles detectives and beat cops. Shot on location in the streets and neighborhoods of Los Angeles, Southland captures a realistic, natural environment where similar situations can and often do occur in real life.

In Southland, Cudlitz plays Officer John Cooper, a recovering addict who, this season, starts to wonder what he has really accomplished after more than 20 years on the force. Hatosy plays Officer Sammy Bryant, a detective-turned-beat-cop facing a whole new set of problems with his estranged wife. King plays Detective Lydia Adams, who meets probably the biggest challenge of her life - becoming a mother. And McKenzie is Officer Ben Sherman, whose growing maturity as a cop brings a darker attitude and increased tension between him and his partner, Sammy.

Now a series regular, four-season veteran Howell plays Officer "Dewey" Dudek, a recovering alcoholic who revels in his unpredictable behavior and off-color remarks. Missick reprises his recurring role from last season as Detective Ruben Robinson, who provides some experienced parental insight for his partner, Lydia. Bergl will return as Tammi Bryant, who has brought nothing but trouble upon her soon-to-be ex-husband, Sammy. Caldwell will return in her recurring role as Lydia's caring but sometimes intrusive mother. And Murray is set to appear in a two-episode arc as Dave Mendoza, a likable cop who is a bit of a loose cannon and whose off-duty behavior may not always be the best influence on Ben.

The fourth season of Southland averaged more than 2.9 million viewers. The show grew its delivery of adults 18-49 by +3% over the previous season to 1.3 million. The show also averaged 1.4 million adults 25-54, a +2% boost over season three.

Southland was created by Emmy(R) winner Ann Biderman (NYPD Blue, Public Enemies) and is executive-produced by Emmy(R) winners Christopher Chulack (ER, Third Watch) and John Wells (ER, The West Wing, Shameless). Chulack is also a primary director of the series, while Jonathan Lisco (The District) serves as executive producer and Andrew Stearn (Shameless, The West Wing) is co-executive producer. The acclaimed series is produced by John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.