Southland was created by Emmy-winning writer Ann Biderman, who began her television writing career on the first season of the police drama NYPD Blue.

Executive producers John Wells and Christopher Chulack had previously collaborated on the acclaimed medical drama ER and the emergency services drama Third Watch, and many crew members carried over from those shows.

NBC canceled Southland after just one season in October 2009, only two weeks before the scheduled premiere of its already-produced second season.

TNT rescued the series by purchasing the rights to the original seven NBC episodes plus six already-completed second season episodes, allowing it to air the delayed second season starting March 2, 2010.

When TNT revived the show, it came with a substantial budget cut, which led to a corresponding reduction in the cast size.

The producers cast both actual and former gang members to play gang members on the show, aiming for greater authenticity.

Southland received three Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Stunt Coordination, winning in both 2011 and 2012, and it was also awarded a Peabody Award in 2012.

Warner Home Video released the first and second seasons on DVD in uncensored versions with the profanity left intact, shortly before the show's TNT premiere.