![\"TELEVISION](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/PM_14400467-df99.jpg\")
\n\t\tThis \u2018incredible\u2019 crime drama from the 2000s could be your next binge watch (Picture: Publicity Programmes)<\/p>\n
\t\t
\n\t\tThis \u2018incredible\u2019 crime drama from the 2000s could be your next binge watch (Picture: Publicity Programmes)<\/p>\n
For a show that boasts Glenn Close<\/a>, Forest Whitaker<\/a> and The White Lotus<\/a> star Walton Goggins<\/a> amongst its cast, it feels strange for fans to call it \u2018criminally underrated\u2019.<\/p>\n Thanks in part to the success of other crime<\/a> shows which were produced in a similar era, including The Sopranos<\/a> and The Wire<\/a>, The Shield has managed to evade large portions of viewers since its release in 2002.<\/p>\n Running for seven series until 2008, the FX drama follows Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis), a corrupt and brutal detective in the Los Angeles<\/a> Police Department, as he leads a small anti-gang unit tasked with curbing the rampant drug trade in the fictional Farmington district of the city.<\/p>\n But, following its recent addition to Amazon Prime Video<\/a>, fans seem determined to give the show the praise it deserves.<\/p>\n Writing on a Reddit fan page, several viewers called it \u2018one of the greatest shows ever made\u2019.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \t\t Queasy_Ad7501 said: \u2018The Shield is the best cop show I\u2019ve seen. Been watching this for 3 months and I finished the finale yesterday.<\/p>\n \u2018That was just so impactful and bleak. This is a criminally underrated show and Vic is a very compelling anti hero.\u2019<\/p>\n Continuing, they described the finale as the \u2018best\u2019 they have ever seen, while Exceptiontorule similarly agreed that it is \u2018criminally underrated\u2019.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tLooking for another hidden gem?\t\t\t<\/p>\n We asked\u00a0Metro<\/strong>\u00a0readers to share their favourite underrated TV thrillers, to find out which lesser-known series should be added to your watch list.<\/p>\n To find out more, click below:<\/p>\n Strange-Bluebird871 also wrote that The Shield is \u2018one of the few shows who\u2019s through line from pilot to finale is incredibly well connected and intricate\u2019. <\/p>\n They also highlighted the \u2018incredible guest performances from the likes of Glenn Close and Forest Whitaker\u2019.<\/p>\n Other Reddit users did mention that The Wire is a \u2018superior\u2019 show, but Ricco121 argued back: \u2018I liked the Wire, but personally the Shield hits a little harder just for the fact with the chances they took on a regular Chanel. If this show got the HBO<\/a> treatment I\u2019m not sure the comparisons would be happening as much.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t \t\t Created by The Night Agent\u2019s Shawn Ryan, the series was initially advertised as Rampart in reference to the real-life Rampart Division police scandal that unfolded in the 90s in LA.<\/p>\n The police unit regularly bends the rules in the series by committing crimes, including drug dealing, extortion, police brutality and murder. <\/p>\n During its run The Shield was nominated for six\u00a0Emmy Awards<\/a>\u00a0and five\u00a0Golden Globes<\/a>.<\/p>\n It was hailed by critics, with Time including it in their top 100 greatest TV shows of all time, while Entertainment Weekly named it the 8th\u00a0best show of the 2000s.<\/p>\n The Shield is streaming on Amazon Prime Video<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Got a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk<\/a> entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff<\/a> page \u2013 we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"Television](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IP_2544258-1963.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe Shield stars Walton Goggins and Fantastic Four star Michael Chiklis (Picture: Channel 5)<\/p>\n![\"Television](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IP_1924004-e8cc.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe series follows a corrupt anti-gang unit in the Los Angeles Police Department (Picture: Channel 5)<\/p>\n![\"Editorial](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/SEI_233641189-4e6d.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe series ran from 2002 until 2007 (Picture: 20thC.Fox\/Everett\/REX\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n
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