The Shield is an American television drama series starring Michael Chiklis which aired on FX Networks in the United States and other networks internationally. Known for its controversial portrayal of corrupt police officers, it was originally advertised as Rampart in reference to the true life Rampart Division police scandal, which the show's Strike Team was loosely based upon. The first season gained the most Emmy nominations for a basic cable drama. The series was created by Shawn Ryan and The Barn Productions for Fox Television Studios and Sony Pictures Television.
Notable film actors who took extended roles on the show included Glenn Close in the fourth season, Forest Whitaker in seasons 5 and 6, Laura Harring in season 5, Franka Potente in season 6 and Laurie Holden in season 7. The Shield began airing its seventh and final season on September 2, 2008, and concluded on November 25, 2008. The final season won a 2008 AFI Award for best television series.