Mayans M.C.

Ann Biderman, highly respected as a writer on the NYPD Blue TV series as well as movies (Copycat, Primal Fear), created Southland originally for NBC television. When the series moved on to TNT cable network it opened up the plots and scripts with a freedom not seen on network television. It became decidedly more earthy and real without the constraints of network censors. SouthLAnd (styled promotionally to represent LA California) follows the lives of LAPD officers who try to keep the streets of one of the largest cities in the U.S. clear of crime and corruption, but that's a daunting task! The series closely follows several officers in particular, bringing in their personal lives along with the dangers they face every day on the job. Being a cop is never a 9 to 5 job and it's never boring! Starring Benjamin McKenzie (The OC, 88 Minutes) playing Ben Sherman who we follow from rookie to seasoned veteran, Shawn Hatosy (Dexter, My Name Is Earl) is Sammy Bryant and is Ben's partner, a man who has plenty of problems at home. The show is definitely worth watching for the honest look at dramatic police life.

Tokyo Vice is a TV series based on the memoirs of an American journalist, Jake Adelstein, who worked as a crime reporter for a Japanese newspaper. The series explores Adelstein's experiences in Tokyo's criminal underworld and his pursuit of a notorious Japanese crime boss.

Benedict Cumberbatch gives a haunting performance in this intense 1980s NYC limited series about a puppeteer unraveling after his young son mysteriously disappears.

Dr. Cal Lightman (Tim Roth) is head of the Lightman Group, a team of deception experts who study faces and body movements to determine who is lying and who isn't when a crime occurs. The show is inspired by a real life psychologist who's discoveries include reading faces, voices, and body "language" and forming conclusions from what is given away by the human psyche. This form of investigation is helpful in finding out the truth when criminal activity involves good liars. Dr. Cal Lightman is played by actor Tim Roth (Pulp Fiction) who is both star and executive producer. His way of finding out the truth is both blunt and to the point; he loves to get in a suspects face and be antagonistic. Side stories involving his personal side and relationship with his young daughter are interesting and often humorous, especially when he applies his work day knowledge toward family relationships. Lie To Me is a top rated show on the Fox Network each Monday evening.

Tobias Menzies is riveting as Edwin Stanton leading the desperate hunt for John Wilkes Booth in this gripping Apple TV+ limited series about the days that shaped post-Civil War America. Streaming on Apple TV+.

Albuquerque, New Mexico is the evidently a popular place for those who have had need to join the witness protection program (WITSEC) provided for those who have helped the U.S. Government convict criminals. Those who are brought to justice vow revenge and will often go to great lengths to "get even" . Although this is just an entertaining dramatic television show, it is based on actual occurrences. Mary Shannon (played by Mary McCormack from Law & Order: Criminal Intent and West Wing) is a member of the U.S. Marshals and along with her partner Marshal Marshall Mann (Fredrick Weller also from Law & Order: Criminal Intent) work with newly installed witnesses. Many of the newly secreted participants don't want to leave their former lifestyle but the alternative may be fatal. Each episode we find the Marshals must deal with a wide assortment of problems both on the job and in their private lives. Mary has an interesting family that includes a wacky mother Jinx Shannon (Lesley Ann Warren of Desperate Housewives, Will & Grace) and outlandish younger sister Brandi, played by Nichole Hiltz (Bones, Smallville) both of whom live with Mary as they sort out their own complicated lives.