The Shield (2002)
Kernel Score: 89% · 834 ratings
Genres: Crime, Drama, Action & Adventure
First aired: 2002-03-12
Seasons: 7 · 88 episodes
Where to watch The Shield
- Stream: Prime Video, Hulu
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
The story of an inner-city Los Angeles police precinct where some of the cops aren't above breaking the rules or working against their associates to both keep the streets safe and their self-interests intact.
The Shield parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Shield is a gritty TV-MA police drama with brutal violence, corruption, and drug crime.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Keywords include brutal violence, gang activity, and police corruption depicted intensely and grimly.
- Language: Strong — TV-MA crime drama setting implies frequent harsh language.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Drug dealing and drug cartel activity are recurring plot elements.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-MA rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Shows like The Shield
If you liked The Shield, these are the shows we'd watch next.
- Line of Duty (2012) — 91%
- The Closer (2005) — 86%
- Snowfall (2017) — 91%
- Power (2014) — 84%
- Narcos (2015) — 89%
- The Knockout (2023) — 90%
- The Wire (2002) — 92%
- Romanzo Criminale: The Series (2008) — 91%
Cast
- Michael Chiklis as Vic Mackey
- Catherine Dent as Danielle 'Danny' Sofer
- Paula Garcés as Tina Hanlon
- Walton Goggins as Shane Vendrell
- Michael Jace as Julien Lowe
- Jay Karnes as Holland 'Dutch' Wagenbach
- Benito Martinez as David Aceveda
- David Marciano as Steve Billings
- CCH Pounder as Claudette Wyms
- Cathy Cahlin Ryan as Corrine Mackey
The Shield FAQ
Is The Shield good?
The Shield has an 89% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 834 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Shield?
In the US you can stream The Shield on Prime Video and Hulu and buy it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango At Home.
Is The Shield OK for kids?
The Shield is rated TV-MA. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Shield is a gritty TV-MA police drama with brutal violence, corruption, and drug crime.
What shows are like The Shield?
If you liked The Shield, try Line of Duty, The Closer, Snowfall and Power.