Ben McKenzie talks the one similarity between 'The OC' and 'Southland'

Some might think that Ben McKenzie left The OC behind when he swapped his wife beater and fists of fury for a police uniform and a gun. But believe it or not, McKenzie’s small-screen career choices have one little thing in common: prison.

Last night, McKenzie told Conan the story of a surprising fan encounter. While shooting season 1 of the cop drama Southland, McKenzie was on location when a real-life (presumably ex) gang member told him that he liked his work. Apparently, on Thursday nights at 9 p.m. in the joint, the cell blocks all sang the same tune: “California, California, here we cooommeee.”

The lesson here: Even convicts couldn’t resist the charm of the Cohen family. Watch below:

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  By Samantha Highfill