Crime drama fans, get ready: two of the most talked-about police procedurals of the past two decades are about to hit Netflix, and the buzz is already palpable. Starting January 9, 2026, Prodigal Son, the psychological crime thriller that amassed a cult following despite mixed critical reception, will be available for streaming. Just a week later, on January 16, 2026, viewers can dive into Southland, a series many critics have called one of the best cop dramas of the century. The arrival of these two shows marks a significant moment for fans eager for a binge-worthy fix and for Netflix, which continues to bolster its crime drama library with both cult favorites and critical darlings.
First up is Prodigal Son, a series that made waves when it debuted, thanks to its unique premise and a star-studded cast. The show follows Malcolm Bright, a brilliant yet troubled criminal profiler working for the NYPD, who also happens to be the son of an infamous serial killer. As he solves crimes, Malcolm must navigate the psychological fallout of his family’s dark legacy—a narrative that’s as gripping as it is unsettling. Michael Sheen stars as the chilling Dr. Martin Whitly, Malcolm’s father, while Tom Payne delivers a nuanced performance as Malcolm himself. The ensemble is rounded out by Lou Diamond Phillips as Gil Arroyo, Halston Sage as Ainsley Whitly, Aurora Perrineau as Dani Powell, Frank Harts as JT Tarmlel, Keiko Agena as Dr. Edrisa Tanaka, and Bellamy Young as Jessica Whitly. Even Meagan Good makes a notable appearance in a recurring role.
Created by Chris Fedak and Sam Sklaver, Prodigal Son was initially broadcast on network television but was abruptly canceled in 2021, just days before its Season 2 finale aired. According to Collider, the show "found a massive audience" despite being "panned by critics," and the move to Netflix is expected to "expand its viewership" considerably. The show’s blend of psychological tension, family drama, and procedural intrigue made it a favorite among fans of series like Dexter, though it carved out its own identity in the crowded crime genre.
While Prodigal Son is set to attract new viewers and satisfy old fans, it’s not the only high-profile crime show making a splash on Netflix this January. On January 16, Southland—a series that’s been hailed as "near-perfect" by critics—will also become available for streaming. Originally airing from 2009 to 2013, Southland offers a gritty, realistic look at the lives of Los Angeles police officers, blending action-packed street drama with nuanced character studies.
The show stars Michael Cudlitz as veteran cop John Cooper, who’s tasked with mentoring rookie Ben Sherman, played by Benjamin McKenzie. Regina King shines as Detective Lydia Adams, who juggles the demands of her job with being her mother’s primary caregiver. The cast is rounded out by Tom Everett, Michael McGrady, and a host of other talented actors. The series was created by Ann Biderman and features writing from Dee Johnson, Mitchell Burgess, Robin Green, Diana Son, and Angela Amato Velez, with direction from Christopher Chulack, Nelson McCormick, Félix Enríquez Alcalá, and Allison Anders.
Southland had a tumultuous journey on television. It debuted on NBC, but after just one season, the network canceled the show. Fortunately for fans, TNT picked it up, allowing it to run for four more critically acclaimed seasons. According to MovieWeb, "Even though the shift to TNT saw the series taking a hefty budget cut, it did not impact the quality of the show, which continued to be a huge success with both audiences and critics." The show holds a 90% Tomatometer score and an impressive 98% audience rating. Its final two seasons even achieved perfect 100% ratings, a rare feat in television.
Critical praise for Southland was effusive throughout its run. The San Francisco Chronicle declared, "There isn't a better cop show on TV right now than Southland." Paste Magazine echoed this sentiment, calling it "Easily the best cop drama on TV," while New York Magazine described the series as "dazzling." Fans, too, have long lamented the show’s cancellation, with one viewer stating, "Southland is by far the most real and dramatic cop show I have ever seen. That fact that it only lasted 5 seasons makes no sense to me at all." Now, with its arrival on Netflix, a new generation of viewers will have the chance to discover why this series has remained a touchstone for the genre.
Both Prodigal Son and Southland represent different facets of the crime drama spectrum. Prodigal Son leans into psychological suspense and family trauma, while Southland grounds itself in street-level realism and the day-to-day grind of police work. Their addition to Netflix’s lineup comes at a time when the platform is already riding high on the success of other major titles. As of January 4, 2026, the fifth and final season of Stranger Things is the most popular show on the service, according to Collider. Harlan Coben’s Run Away and Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man, the third entry in the Knives Out trilogy, are also drawing large audiences. Meanwhile, the animated sensation KPop Demon Hunters continues to hold strong in the top 10.
For Netflix, the arrival of Prodigal Son and Southland is more than just a content update—it’s a strategic move to reclaim and reintroduce shows that may have been overlooked or underappreciated during their original runs. With the streaming wars heating up, platforms are increasingly turning to proven hits and cult classics to keep subscribers engaged. There’s little doubt that both series will benefit from the exposure and accessibility that Netflix provides, potentially drawing in viewers who missed them the first time around or who are looking for the next great crime drama to binge.
So, whether you’re a die-hard fan eager to revisit old favorites or a newcomer curious about the hype, January is shaping up to be a banner month for crime dramas on Netflix. Set your reminders, clear your schedule, and prepare for some serious binge-watching—these shows are ready for their second act, and the stage couldn’t be bigger.