The Wire (2002)
David Simon's landmark HBO crime drama dissects Baltimore's institutions with novelistic depth, moral complexity, and unsparing honesty.
The Wire - Series Information
- Original Title: The Wire
- First Air Year: 2002
- Last Air Year: 2008
- Created by: David Simon
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 60
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin, English, Greek, Spanish
- First Air Date: June 2, 2002 (United States - TV-MA), June 2, 2002 (Canada - 18+), June 2, 2002 (United Kingdom - 18), June 2, 2002 (Germany - 16), June 2, 2002 (France - 16), June 2, 2002 (New Zealand - 16), June 2, 2002 (Australia - MA 15+), June 2, 2002 (Brazil - 16), June 2, 2002 (Mexico - B), June 2, 2002 (Italy - VM14), June 2, 2002 (Spain - 18), June 2, 2002 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: HBO
- Alternative Titles: 火线重案组 (CN), وایر (IR)
- Production Companies: Blown Deadline Productions, HBO
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Wire - Plot
Told from the points of view of both the Baltimore homicide and narcotics detectives and their targets, the series captures a universe in which the national war on drugs has become a permanent, self-sustaining bureaucracy, and distinctions between good and evil are routinely obliterated.
The Wire - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a sense of the world David Simon built in Baltimore:
Listen carefully.
Where to Watch The Wire
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The Wire - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- David Simon
Main Cast
- Dominic West
- Lance Reddick
- Sonja Sohn
- Wendell Pierce
- Deirdre Lovejoy
- John Doman
- Clarke Peters
- Domenick Lombardozzi
- Seth Gilliam
- Andre Royo
Writers
- David Simon
- Chris Collins
- Ed Burns
- George Pelecanos
- Richard Price
Executive Producers
- Nina K. Noble
- David Simon
- Robert F. Colesberry
The Wire - FAQs
Is The Wire considered the greatest TV drama ever?
The Wire is widely regarded by critics, academics, and television historians as one of the greatest dramas ever made. Its novelistic structure, institutional scope, and unflinching portrayal of systemic failure in Baltimore have earned it a permanent place in the television canon.
Who is Omar Little and why is he iconic?
Omar Little, played by Michael Kenneth Williams, is a freelance stick-up artist who robs drug dealers. His strict personal code, theatrical presence, and moral complexity made him one of television's most beloved and quoted characters. Creator David Simon has called him his favorite character in the series.
Where can you stream The Wire?
The Wire is available to stream on Max (formerly HBO Max), including via the HBO Max Amazon Channel. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region.
Is The Wire based on a true story?
The Wire draws heavily from real events. Creator David Simon spent a year embedded with the Baltimore Police Department for his book The Corner, and co-writer Ed Burns is a former Baltimore detective. Many characters and storylines are inspired by real individuals and actual investigations in the city.
How many seasons and episodes does The Wire have?
The Wire ran for five seasons and 60 episodes on HBO, airing from 2002 to 2008. Each season focuses on a different institution: the drug trade, the port unions, city politics, the public school system, and the print news media.
Who are the main actors in The Wire?
The Wire features an ensemble cast led by Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, Wendell Pierce, Clarke Peters, Andre Royo, John Doman, Deirdre Lovejoy, Domenick Lombardozzi, and Seth Gilliam, among many others across its five seasons.
Did The Wire win any major awards?
Despite its critical acclaim, The Wire was famously overlooked by the Emmy Awards during its run. It did earn a Peabody Award and numerous critics' prizes. Its reputation grew substantially after its finale, and it is now consistently ranked among the best television series ever produced.
What is the content rating for The Wire?
The Wire is rated TV-MA in the United States, indicating it is intended for mature audiences only. The series contains strong language, graphic depictions of drug use and violence, and adult themes related to crime, corruption, and systemic inequality in urban America.
More About The Wire
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