19-2

The only reason this series is not far better known is that it is a Canadian production and the setting is Canadian - Montreal from 2011 to 2015- instead of American. But if you want three dimensional characters instead of cardboard heroes and villains, realism about the tragic and sad lives of those who encounter the police, story lines that make every episode memorable, and first rate acting all around, then this is the police drama you want to watch. No one is written off in this drama- even those officers who commit despicable acts- their actions are not sugar coated but you feel you have a deeper understanding of why they did what they did. The interplay between the two central characters is never dull- never cliched. I have watched both the French and the English versions of this show- While I was enthralled by both , I found the French version grittier, deeper, and ultimately more satisfying. And I say this as an anglophone.

This series is up there with THE WIRE and ENGRENAGES (the Spiral), yet it is nothing like them, it is unique.

It feels very fly on the wall, and it shows the good, bad and ugly.

I really like cop shows that really character study the people, including childhood, homelife and shows motivations.

This show is very much about cops and the job itself, loyalty, and trying to be competent under pressure. It is not much about criminals and does not glorify crime, corruption or excessive force in any way.

One of my favorite aspects of this show is that all of the cops are very believable and unique characters with their own way.

There is nothing like this show--it is excellent, warts and all.

I'm usually more of a fan of anti-heroes. I would watch breaking bad and Dexter over CSI and Bones any day. This show about Montreal's police really does something for me though. Frankly, I think I usually avoid police shows because to me, the characters in them are either cliché or stagnant. In 19-2, rest assured you'll see no righteous, confident hero nor eccentric genius who infuriates-everyone-but-is-tolerated-because-he-is-always-right (mentalist, Monk, House...). The characters will all make you hate them a little at some point, while still having you rooting for them. They evolve, as do their relationship in a natural, believable way. New plot lines are thrown in at the right pace: no time for being bored, but enough to make it coherent and fluid. The dialogues are right on the spot - absolutely natural, powerful or funny when needs to be. Although, this is probably one of those shows people from France might need subtitles to understand. Finally, they know exactly when to go slow mo', when to mute or delay the scene to make it efficient. If you know French, 19-2 is really worth your time.

If your looking for a cop show that is well crafted, well acted and well written. Then you found your perfect dream, this show is absolutely wonderful. The story progression & cinematography is superb. A far cry from those lame shows like SVU or Chicago PD, this is the type of show they want to be.

I can't believe I'm only stumbling onto it now, but more than happy to have been able to go back and watch all the seasons. The show's that good, something needed in the crime TV genre. I haven't felt this much realism or intriguing grit since NYPD Blue, and still I would come back to this one every time.

I'm seriously stoked to see what season 4 has in store, whatever it is, I'm sure it will be great! Once again if you're looking for something entertaining but yet, serious and well-crafted then this is it!

Definitely one of the most gut-wrenching cop series out there. Every character is flawed, yet likable. The situations are almost always tense and the stress of being a police officer is very well expressed.

There was a one-year hiatus between season one and season two, due to a change in producers, but the quality of the series has not faltered one bit. The second season first episode (no spoilers here) will go down in history as being one the most frightening and shocking out there.

You can't help but like and relate to the lead characters, Benoît Chartier, played by Claude Legault, and Nick Beroff, played by Réal Bossé. Those of us familiar with Bossé have never seen him in such a dramatic role. One wonders where he channels all that angst from.

If you are fluent in French and looking for something that would be world famous if HBO produced it, look no further, 19-2 is it.