I just started watching The Shield recently (Not to be confused with the Marvel show that has a similar name). The show is actually somewhat revolutionary, a gritty, morally ambiguous police show with lots of violence.
It is based off the Rampart district of LA and revolves around a special team of thug cops (Strike Team) who are incredibly brutal and corrupt. But they get results so at times the brass looks the other way.
Fans of The Wire will like the show
@CRUDS @GoT @Dee @titantrusince82
There is some similarity with Season 3 of The Wire. The Strike Team allow one drug gang free reign, and even protect them, as long as they keep the violence down.
Without The Shield you would likely not have The Wire, Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy, Walking Dead and several others.
No major spoilers here: