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The Wire

  • TV Series
  • 2002–2008
  • TV-MA
  • 1h
IMDb RATING
9.3/10
407K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
59
5
The Wire (2002)
Trailer
Play trailer0:31
10 Videos
99+ Photos
Cop DramaDrug CrimeEpicPolice ProceduralCrimeDramaThriller

The Baltimore drug scene, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement.The Baltimore drug scene, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement.The Baltimore drug scene, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement.

  • Creator
    • David Simon
  • Stars
    • Dominic West
    • Lance Reddick
    • Sonja Sohn
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    9.3/10
    407K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    59
    5
    • Creator
      • David Simon
    • Stars
      • Dominic West
      • Lance Reddick
      • Sonja Sohn
    • 809User reviews
    • 78Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Top rated TV #6
    • Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys
      • 16 wins & 59 nominations total

    Episodes60

    Browse episodes
    TopTop-rated

    Videos10

    Pablo Schreiber on the Role That Changed His Life
    Interview 1:01
    Pablo Schreiber on the Role That Changed His Life
    The Legacy of Michael Kenneth Williams
    Clip 4:07
    The Legacy of Michael Kenneth Williams
    The Legacy of Michael Kenneth Williams
    Clip 4:07
    The Legacy of Michael Kenneth Williams
    Wendell Pierce Goes Worldwide in "Jack Ryan" But Can't Escape "The Wire"
    Clip 2:35
    Wendell Pierce Goes Worldwide in "Jack Ryan" But Can't Escape "The Wire"
    The Wire: The Complete Season 2
    Trailer 0:31
    The Wire: The Complete Season 2
    The Wire: Season 1
    Trailer 0:31
    The Wire: Season 1
    The Wire: The Complete Fourth Season
    Trailer 0:47
    The Wire: The Complete Fourth Season

    Photos725

    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    + 721
    View Poster

    Top cast99+

    Edit
    Dominic West
    Dominic West
    • Detective James 'Jimmy' McNulty…
    • 2002–2008
    Lance Reddick
    Lance Reddick
    • Lieutenant Cedric Daniels…
    • 2002–2008
    Sonja Sohn
    Sonja Sohn
    • Detective Shakima 'Kima' Greggs
    • 2002–2008
    Wendell Pierce
    Wendell Pierce
    • Detective William 'Bunk' Moreland
    • 2002–2008
    John Doman
    John Doman
    • Deputy Commissioner for Operations William A. Rawls…
    • 2002–2008
    Deirdre Lovejoy
    Deirdre Lovejoy
    • A.S.A. Rhonda Pearlman
    • 2002–2008
    Seth Gilliam
    Seth Gilliam
    • Sergeant Ellis Carver…
    • 2002–2008
    Domenick Lombardozzi
    Domenick Lombardozzi
    • Detective Thomas 'Herc' Hauk…
    • 2002–2008
    Clarke Peters
    Clarke Peters
    • Detective Lester Freamon
    • 2002–2008
    Andre Royo
    Andre Royo
    • Reginald 'Bubbles' Cousins
    • 2002–2008
    Michael Kenneth Williams
    Michael Kenneth Williams
    • Omar Little
    • 2002–2008
    Jim True-Frost
    Jim True-Frost
    • Detective Roland 'Prez' Pryzbylewski…
    • 2002–2008
    Frankie Faison
    Frankie Faison
    • Acting Commissioner Ervin H. Burrell…
    • 2002–2008
    Corey Parker Robinson
    Corey Parker Robinson
    • Detective Leander Sydnor
    • 2002–2008
    Delaney Williams
    Delaney Williams
    • Sergeant Jay Landsman
    • 2002–2008
    J.D. Williams
    J.D. Williams
    • Preston 'Bodie' Broadus
    • 2002–2006
    Wood Harris
    Wood Harris
    • Avon Barksdale
    • 2002–2008
    Idris Elba
    Idris Elba
    • Russell 'Stringer' Bell
    • 2002–2004
    • Creator
      • David Simon
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews809

    9.3406.6K
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    Summary

    Reviewers say 'The Wire' is acclaimed for its deep social commentary, realistic urban portrayal, and complex characters. The show is praised for its nuanced depiction of societal institutions and commitment to authenticity. Its detailed writing and absence of clear-cut heroes and villains are highlighted. The series is noted for its slow pacing and lack of conventional tropes, which some find challenging but rewarding. The ensemble cast's performances are lauded for their depth and realism.
    AI-generated from the text of user reviews

    Featured reviews

    10ozgunozaksoy

    It's not a show, feels like real life

    Definetly the most realistic show I have ever watch. You can feel for all of the characters, there is no certain good nor evil like the real life. Acting is also amazing, a piece of fine art. The Wire is a must watch show, trust me you won't regret it.
    10gogoschka-1

    This isn't just a show about crime - this tries to show every aspect of life in a crumbling society

    Along with TV-shows like 'Oz', 'Deadwood', 'The Sopranos' and 'Six Feet Under', David Simon's 'The Wire' was part of a revolution - qualitywise - in television. Although it is very entertaining, this isn't just entertainment; this is art, pure and simple - and the concept of this show was groundbreaking. On the surface, one might think this is a show about crime, but really, 'The Wire' is about the life and soul of a whole city. Every aspect of the city of Baltimore gets its share of screen time, and the way this is done - the writing, the direction, the amazing performances by the terrific cast; the music, the camera work, the realism... I could go on and on - is just outstanding. On par with 'Generation Kill' (no wonder, since the same creative team was behind both), this is as good as television gets.

    Favorite films: http://www.IMDb.com/list/mkjOKvqlSBs/

    Lesser-known Masterpieces: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls070242495/

    Favorite Low-Budget and B-Movies: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls054808375/

    Favorite TV-Shows reviewed: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls075552387/
    10ezraaaa

    Best TV Series Ever Made?

    Here's my rating with some little review for every season:

    Season 1: 8.5/10 (Impressive start, although the plot feels so slow)

    Season 2: 9/10 (Masterpiece of storytelling)

    Season 3: 10/10 (Omar Little the champions of people)

    Season 4: 11/10 (is this a real life? Is this just fantasy?)

    Season 5: 9.5/10 (such a perfect conclusion)
    10OmarHartwellWhite

    If You Haven't Seen this show, but are considering it, please read my review.

    This Review is aimed at anyone who has never seen the wire, but may have heard about it from about 3000 people recommending you should watch it. I watched the wire about 3 years ago well after the series concluded, and watched it in the same binge watching way I watched The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, and Game of thrones. I won't compare The Wire to these shows because they are not really comparable other than the fact they are some of the greatest shows ever, but are completely different. The wire isn't about drug dealing, the police, politics, or the education system, it is about the entire city of Baltimore. I'll admit The Wire isn't for everyone, it may be too violent or complex with the vast amount of characters and side stories for some, but I guarantee if you are a film and TV series lover and appreciate writing, acting, and an abundance of interesting characters, the wire is pretty much perfect in these regards. Each Season changes slightly in which facet of the city it will mainly cover, and becomes more complex as the series progresses. This show has without a doubt some of the most interesting characters, and best writing I have ever seen on a series. Even small side characters have intriguing stories that progress throughout the entire series, and I have never seen more attention to detail. This show isn't built up with such high expectations for people who haven't seen it for no reason, watch it , and there is about a 99.99% chance you will become one of those previously mentioned 3000 people recommending it to everyone you know who hasn't seen it.
    10rwdelos5517

    The Wire is why awards are irrelevant.

    This series not winning an Emmy, is why awards are nonsense. Andre Royo alone deserves one for every season this show was on.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Frankie Faison & Reg E. Cathey appeared in 2004 comedy film "The Cookout". While filming, Andre Royo was once approached by a Baltimore resident, who handed him a package of heroin and said he looked like he needed a fix. Royo calls this his "street Oscar."
    • Goofs
      Throughout the last two seasons, Carcetti repeatedly refers to a possible gubernatorial challenge in 2008, after serving two years as Baltimore mayor. But Maryland holds gubernatorial elections in off years - 2006, 2010, etc. The new governor would have been elected the same year that Carcetti was elected mayor - 2006 - and up for re-election in four years, not two.
    • Quotes

      Freamon: A life, Jimmy, you know what that is? It's the shit that happens while you're waiting for moments that never come.

    • Crazy credits
      In every episode, after the opening credits a quote appears on the screen that will be spoken by a character in that episode.
    • Connections
      Featured in The 57th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (2005)
    • Soundtracks
      Way Down in the Hole
      Written by Tom Waits

      Performed by The Blind Boys of Alabama

      (season 1)

    Top picks

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    FAQ31

    • How many seasons does The Wire have?Powered by Alexa
    • The "Brown Paper Bag" story that Major Bunny Colvin tells in season 3, which describes the predicament both the citizens and the police of Baltimore and America found themselves in when public consumption of alcohol was outlawed, and which was solved by hiding alcoholic drinks in paper bags and was called "a great moment of civic compromise" by Colvin -- is that a true story and did that really happen in Baltimore?
    • Why do people in the drug zones keep shouting out stuff like "WMD" and "Pandemic"?
    • Why did Bunk cut off his colleague's necktie?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • June 2, 2002 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Official Facebook
      • Official Site
    • Languages
      • English
      • Greek
      • Mandarin
      • Spanish
    • Also known as
      • Đường Dây Tội Phạm
    • Filming locations
      • Baltimore, Maryland, USA
    • Production companies
      • Blown Deadline Productions
      • Home Box Office (HBO)
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 4:3

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