The Wire

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 2, 2002
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 669 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 629 out of 669
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 669
  3. Negative: 30 out of 669
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User Reviews

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  1. ForReals13
    Feb 16, 2022
    10
    The Target B-. The Detail B+. The Buys B.
    Old Cases B+. The Pager B+. The Wire B+.
    One Arrest B+. Lessons B+. Game Day A-. The Cost A.
    The Hunt A-. Cleaning Up A. Sentencing A.
  2. Onlyclassicvg1
    Jan 4, 2022
    8
    Al relatar una empresa familiar multigeneracional que trata de drogas ilegales y los esfuerzos de la policía de Baltimore para frenar su comercio, esta serie establece paralelismos entre estas organizaciones y los hombres y mujeres de ambos lados de la batalla. Las palabr
  3. sachineldho
    Jul 24, 2021
    10
    This right here is fine storytelling. One of the best shows I ever watched.
  4. TheVegan
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    I have watched so many wonderful tv shows in my life. I would have a hard time separating many of these great shows and choosing the best. With one exception: The Wire is simply the best show ever created. Once you get into the show you will not want to stop watching it. It is totally engrossing and it is almost impossible not to love this work of perfection!
  5. AnthosNic
    Jan 28, 2019
    10
    Best show ever made. No show can capture the reality of the characters as this show managed to do and no show ever will.
  6. Andremax
    Aug 22, 2018
    8
    Good beginning, great script and metaphors to explain the game, although Wire's first season being a little bit more slow and boring than another seasons and had been hit its apex seasons after.
  7. stevenf49
    May 25, 2018
    10
    Still relevant today SADLY, This show is one of the best TV shows of them all, if not the best ever. Shows this corrupt broken, greedy insane system for what it is. Omar...one of the greatest charcacters to appear on TV... and Bunk!! and Lester and Stringer, Bodie, D'Angelo,Avon, Snoop,Bubbles, etc. . What excellent acting. The Golden Age Of Television could have been claimed on theStill relevant today SADLY, This show is one of the best TV shows of them all, if not the best ever. Shows this corrupt broken, greedy insane system for what it is. Omar...one of the greatest charcacters to appear on TV... and Bunk!! and Lester and Stringer, Bodie, D'Angelo,Avon, Snoop,Bubbles, etc. . What excellent acting. The Golden Age Of Television could have been claimed on the laurels of this series alone. Thank the muses that David Simon had very good politics and that the other idiots who didn't like the politics didn't get their way. SUPERB!… Expand
  8. WhiteCaneGamer
    Sep 22, 2017
    10
    This TV Show has earned it's place on my honors list. With it's in depth portrayal of the criminal underworld, from the shady street corner gangs to the murky depths of politics, it touches on a variety of topics. Each of the five seasons showcases a segment of the criminal underworld, while demonstrating how they all, in one way or another, share the same immoral underpinnings. You can'tThis TV Show has earned it's place on my honors list. With it's in depth portrayal of the criminal underworld, from the shady street corner gangs to the murky depths of politics, it touches on a variety of topics. Each of the five seasons showcases a segment of the criminal underworld, while demonstrating how they all, in one way or another, share the same immoral underpinnings. You can't help but get attached to some of the characters if not all of them, drawing you deeper into the story. I can't lay enough praise at the feet of this show, if you haven't done so, go watch it.… Expand
  9. Kansler
    Jul 29, 2017
    9
    An intimate and bleak, but surprisingly funny portrayal of police work and criminal life in the streets. The central characters are introduced, and humanity is found on both sides of the cop-and-robbers divide. The acting is superb all around, with some wonderful performances. The social commentary is subtle and ample room is given for situations and characters to speak for themselves, inAn intimate and bleak, but surprisingly funny portrayal of police work and criminal life in the streets. The central characters are introduced, and humanity is found on both sides of the cop-and-robbers divide. The acting is superb all around, with some wonderful performances. The social commentary is subtle and ample room is given for situations and characters to speak for themselves, in all their complexity.… Expand
  10. Sitcom_Canuck
    Sep 26, 2016
    8
    Came into the wire quite late, 2014/2015 maybe. Was taken by the series right away. Something about ugly people on TV, makes you kinda feel the story has some reality to it. The last season really could have been left out but it did complete the cycle for the show.
  11. Fookas
    Sep 18, 2016
    9
    Μια drama-αστυνομική σειρά, τα γεγονότα διαδραματίζονται στην Βαλτιμόρη (μια πόλη με κάτοικους κατά κύριο λόγο νέγρων) οπού τα ναρκωτικά και η αστυνομική βία κυριαρχούν.

    Η αστυνομία προσπαθεί να βάλει φυλακή τους επικεφαλής των corners και να σταματήσει το drug-game που έχει καταστρέψει την πόλη Το Wire(και όχι το "The Wire") αποτελεί μια ρεαλιστική σειρά, το ύφος των χαρακτήρων, οι    Μια drama-αστυνομική σειρά, τα γεγονότα διαδραματίζονται στην Βαλτιμόρη (μια πόλη με κάτοικους κατά κύριο λόγο νέγρων) οπού τα ναρκωτικά και η αστυνομική βία κυριαρχούν.

    Η αστυνομία προσπαθεί να βάλει φυλακή τους επικεφαλής των corners και να σταματήσει το drug-game που έχει καταστρέψει την πόλη
    Το Wire(και όχι το "The Wire") αποτελεί μια ρεαλιστική σειρά, το ύφος των χαρακτήρων, οι διάλογοι ακόμα και οι διαδικασίες για την σύλληψη και παρακολούθηση των υπόπτων έχουν μια λογική ακολουθία.
    Όσο αναφορά το drug-game δείχνει πως λειτουργούν ή τουλάχιστον πως λειτουργούσαν τα βαποράκια, τα corners, τα πρεζάκια, η διακίνηση και γενικότερα η καθημερινότητα τους.
    Από την άλλη, οι detectives παρουσιάζονται λίγο διαφορετική από τι τους έχουμε συνηθίσει σε άλλες σειρές(δεν υπάρχουν παράλογες αναλαμπές, όλα αποβαίνουν από καθαρή "αστυνομική δουλειά")έχουν ένα πιο ανθρωπινό ύφος τέλος πάντων.

    Εν τέλη, η σειρά αυτή είναι από τις "must"σειρές του είδους του δείχνοντας τα γεγονότα αντικειμενικά και όχι από την σκοπιά μεμονωμένων χαρακτήρων.
    Καμιά φορά θα εκπλαγείς από τα μηνύματα που περνάει και θα σε προβληματίσει με έναν περίεργο τρόπο.

    Την συνιστώ ανεπιφύλακτα.

    Υ.Γ. Τα επεισόδια είναι πολλά και στην πλειοψηφία τους ενδιαφέροντα ωστόσο το Intro της σειράς είναι μεγάλο, manage yo time.    … Expand
  12. reza888
    Dec 30, 2015
    10
    so shocking ... and seems to be real world ... good people will vanished well and bad immoral live much more well .... i just still could not handle the "Omar death" ....
  13. StanRezaee
    Nov 7, 2015
    10
    The only TV show that has the right to be refereed to as the greatest show of all time, its so good every other crime show on TV looks like crap by comparison. A gritty show that takes you inside the workings of a major city from both cops and criminal perspective while featuring many memorable characters. Any TV critic who fails to mention The Wire on their top 3 list has lost allThe only TV show that has the right to be refereed to as the greatest show of all time, its so good every other crime show on TV looks like crap by comparison. A gritty show that takes you inside the workings of a major city from both cops and criminal perspective while featuring many memorable characters. Any TV critic who fails to mention The Wire on their top 3 list has lost all credibility and is an unreliable source.… Expand
  14. cjm868
    Nov 3, 2015
    10
    In my opinion, it's the greatest TV Show ever made. An epic tapestry of the city of Baltimore. Novelistic in its approach to storytelling it pushed the boundaries for what TV could be. Not only was there great writing and directing but the show also dealt with greater social issues. A must watch for everyone.
  15. Zortalak
    Oct 2, 2015
    10
    I cannot describe how wonderful this show is.

    Characters are so real. Script is fantastic. It is a kind of tv show that forces you to choose a side between street gangs.

    I would like to write lots of things here but I do not want to spoil even 1 second of the series.
  16. zachisonreddit
    Jun 23, 2015
    10
    This is, without a doubt, the best television show I have personally ever seen (and I watch quite a bit of TV!). The characters are deep, the script is well written. The are no scenes that are meaningless, everything is presented in a way to help you form a bond with the characters, care about them, and perhaps even get emotional when they do. Every episode says something about crime,This is, without a doubt, the best television show I have personally ever seen (and I watch quite a bit of TV!). The characters are deep, the script is well written. The are no scenes that are meaningless, everything is presented in a way to help you form a bond with the characters, care about them, and perhaps even get emotional when they do. Every episode says something about crime, race, Baltimore, police, etc. etc. etc. - to me that was always the most interesting part, what the author (an ex-Balitmore Sun beat reporter) is trying to say about our society. All these lessons are given new meaning in the wake of recent race-issues in the US.… Expand
  17. neitzy
    May 28, 2015
    10
    The Wire is the best series I've come across. Breaking Bad gets close, but The Wire still wins out.
    I can not believe how underrated it was back when it first came out!
  18. MalcolmJones
    Mar 10, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The wire is one of the most powerful things you will ever watch on television. It's violently candid depiction of the low-income neighborhoods in Baltimore, from their mobsters running organized crime, to their corrupt systems of politics, media and education, are extremely gritty and equally brilliant. The writing keeps you guessing throughout all four seasons and the cast is exemplary, growing more cohesive through every episode. A good amount of the cast are either ex-drug dealers or ex-cops from Baltimore which gives the series an undeniably authentic element that truly sets the wire in a league apart from other television programs. I would love if every one could watch this show just as food for thought; but if you're looking for your next crime series to get absolutely, head over heels, hooked on, look no further.… Expand
  19. herget
    Feb 23, 2015
    10
    My favorite TV show ever, hands down. Whether you love them or hate them, nearly every character and story is unforgettable. This show should be viewed by everyone. I cannot find a single fault in this show, other than it ending too soon.
  20. Celestial1
    Dec 19, 2014
    10
    Best T.V Show i've ever seen.Shows both parts of the game; Criminals and Police, gives you an understanding of why things work, that not all bad people are really " bad", it's just the situation / scenario that people are put in that causes them to end up how they are in life etc.It's amazing that the writing allowed it to be very dark and gritty at times, and then the next moment it'sBest T.V Show i've ever seen.Shows both parts of the game; Criminals and Police, gives you an understanding of why things work, that not all bad people are really " bad", it's just the situation / scenario that people are put in that causes them to end up how they are in life etc.It's amazing that the writing allowed it to be very dark and gritty at times, and then the next moment it's hilarious.The show feels like your watching someone's life, that's how good the acting is.

    10/10, Very well balanced.    … Expand
  21. pmart4
    Oct 8, 2014
    10
    Took me years to finally watch this and I'm gutted that I waited so long. A deep and complexed storyline that touches all aspects of street life. It takes you through the education system, all areas of the police force, all classes of citizens (rich and poor), politics and more.

    The whole show feels like you are a privileged visitor with a (safe) window of viewing time of what life is    Took me years to finally watch this and I'm gutted that I waited so long. A deep and complexed storyline that touches all aspects of street life. It takes you through the education system, all areas of the police force, all classes of citizens (rich and poor), politics and more.

    The whole show feels like you are a privileged visitor with a (safe) window of viewing time of what life is like for these diverse people.

    All I can say is that it was so good that five seasons didn't feel like enough time. The ending was 'very' well handled and thanks to some fantastic writing the series evolved seamlessly from season to season.

    By far the most well written and gripping series of all time in my opinion - 10/10

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    PS: Omar comin' y'all !!!
    PSS: Clay Davies? Shiiiiiiid!    … Expand
  22. Lokathor
    Sep 9, 2014
    10
    This is the best show. I'm not sure how much I really need to write about it, I feel that watching the show makes it totally apparent on its own. A few of the major points are that (1) it's an HBO show, so there's no commercial breaks and the pacing can be more free flowing, also people can swear if their character should swear, and they can show drugs and gun violence and police brutalityThis is the best show. I'm not sure how much I really need to write about it, I feel that watching the show makes it totally apparent on its own. A few of the major points are that (1) it's an HBO show, so there's no commercial breaks and the pacing can be more free flowing, also people can swear if their character should swear, and they can show drugs and gun violence and police brutality and all that as necessary to the scene. (2) it's stylistically more like a documentary than like a drama. There's no music other than whatever music is playing in the scene. There's no shaky cam or tricky camera work of any kind really, no special effects. It's all just whatever you'd see if you were standing near the events in question. By keeping the medium plain and unobtrusive the viewer is able to better connect with the elaborately woven story.

    Season 1 in particular deals with the Barksdale drug operation and a wire tap investigation against them. Later seasons move on to other parts of Baltimore, but past characters fade in and out as appropriate.    … Expand
  23. Cazanator
    Jul 16, 2014
    10
    The Wire to put it bluntly is the greatest TV show of all time and is arguably the best thing ever shown on a TV screen. The main concept of The Wire is its a POV of the city of Baltimore through the eyes of the Police force and the drug dealers. The sheer accuracy of its portrayal of Baltimore is of Shakespeare quality. It involves all aspects of Baltimore, the police force, theThe Wire to put it bluntly is the greatest TV show of all time and is arguably the best thing ever shown on a TV screen. The main concept of The Wire is its a POV of the city of Baltimore through the eyes of the Police force and the drug dealers. The sheer accuracy of its portrayal of Baltimore is of Shakespeare quality. It involves all aspects of Baltimore, the police force, the politicians, the gangsters and people in general.

    Each season has a different synopsis but the story remains the same. The way the politics affects the police force and then the gangsters is at the heart of The Wire, but more importantly its social commentary of the politicians, police and the gangsters is perhaps the most important thing of The Wire.

    I am not naive I will tell you that, I have watched all the great TV shows of our generation (The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Sherlock, Dexter, Oz, Deadwood etc) and none of them comes close. The Wire is a realistic, well made, accurate, gripping and heart-breaking show all rolled in a 5 season roller coaster. Make sure watching The Wire is on your bucket list if it isn't already.    … Expand
  24. jdbsees
    Jul 12, 2014
    10
    By a long way, the best police related television show made. If you want to know who a terrible critic is, look at the people who gave this a poor, or even average rating. Brilliant characters backed by amazing and unique acting.
  25. kurasanwich
    Jun 1, 2014
    8
    Season 1 and 2 stand the test of time. The rest of the seasons fall short. 12 years out the first 2 seasons rival anything since. If you never saw this then give it a go and you will probably end up finishing it anyway. Not as good as BB but still a mothertrucker.
  26. TNF1343
    Mar 14, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. TV's biggest crime? The Wire not getting the recognition it deserves. This HBO series requires patience but if you're the type of person who can manage multiple threads without getting lost, The Wire would have instantaneously hooked you. This procedural drama does dip into the conventional a bit too much, but I absolutely love the themes present present throughout, at least, the first Season.

    Perhaps the most immediately notable aspect of The Wire is the amazing sense of realism it achieves. The very first scene of the very first episode ("The Target") had me thinking that this is a cheap show, lacking the style or grace of something like Breaking Bad, a show that manages to be realistic and not plain. The more I watched of The Wire, the more I found the realistic style contributed to the show's quality. It feels like you're actually on the streets or hunting drug-pushers in a basement full of low-quality technology. There's no fancy lighting or panning camera angles. I felt apart of the experience, in a way, rather than watching from the sidelines. This is something that no show I've watched has ever accomplished.

    The actors brilliantly add to the experience. They use language that is full of profanity, but it's how a lot of people speak even today. Barksdale's crew speak exactly how I'd imagine, and the cops aren't that much different. This superficial link is just one of the many parallels The Wire likes to draw between criminals and members of law enforcement.

    In "The Hunt" lead McNulty (Dominic West), addresses these issues head on: "Everybody stays friends. Everybody gets paid. And everybody's got a f*cking future." McNulty is our moral compass while everybody else remains, at the very least, morally grey. Not everyone in law enforcement is dirty, but you see most of them make questionable calls from time to time. The point is: can we really trust the politicians, attorneys, and police that serve to protect us?

    One of the biggest points has to do with masculinity and pride. If you take a shot at Barksdale, you should expect them to hit you even harder. Omar, the fantastic character that rips the crime syndicate on more than one occasion, pays the price with the loss of his boyfriend. We also realize that the police aren't all that different. Bodie only hit a cop once. However, the task force retaliates by seeking his head. Not only do they continuously beat him, but Hauk and Carver want more blood spilt after. And, of course, the 'dope on the table' retaliation to Greggs' injuries. And not to mention the whole beat down of Bird after his verbal assaults. In fact, one could make the argument that the Baltimore Police are even worse than Barksdale's crew.

    People aren't joking around when they say The Wire is tough to follow. There are lots of continuous themes and plotting to think about, and the large cast is multi-layered, and superbly acted. In fact, it's hard to single anyone out as the best. The characterization is extremely different than, say, Lost where you feel a personal connection to all the survivors. Instead, you'd probably pick and choose only a few as your favourites.

    Aside from McNulty, the show often focuses on D'Angelo Barksdale (Larry Gilliard, Jr.). I've felt for him throughout the Season, and I can't help but ultimately respect his decision to protect his family. After it dawned on him the lives he has destroyed with his actions early, his emotional journey was spectacular. It's no coincidence that he befriend Wallace, who wasn't far enough along life to make the same mistakes as he did until the call he made to put the hit on Omar's boyfriend (ah, how meticulous this show's storytelling is).

    I definitely like McNulty but some of the threads surrounding him were the series' most generic aspects. For one thing, he's another detective with relationship issues. And, of course he has a boss with bug up his ass. On the other hand, despite getting his kids in danger, McNulty is a moral breath of fresh air from all the others who only seem to care about money and power.

    If I weren't running out of space, I would talk more about the equally amazingly deep Greggs (Sonja Sohn), Daniels (Lance Reddick), Bubbles (Andre Royo), and Omar (Michael K. Williams).

    Perhaps I'm watching the wrong show, but I was hoping for more of a bang in the Season finale. All the build up for shutting down Avon Barksdale was paid off in an anticlimactic way. It's hard to say that "Sentencing", wasn't great however, since the pieces are being set up nicely for the next Season. I'd just prefer it if the pieces that were knocked down went out in a more spectacular fashion.

    Nevertheless, the first Season of The Wire plays out in a brilliant, thorough way. If the next 4 Seasons are even half as good, I wouldn't be disappointed.    … Expand
  27. carloswalnuts
    Mar 10, 2014
    9
    Primera temporada es simplemente genial, la ciudad de Baltimore, el grupo Barcksdale, Jimmy McNulty y compañia, ese episodio 12 frio y crudo, la ambientacion, el guion, la direccion, y ese toque realista que da la serie.
  28. ButterCup51
    Feb 27, 2014
    10
    This is a brilliant show. Each character is thought out and unique, creating humerous and deep dialuge. The complexity is slightly overwhelming at first, but when you get into it, the entire show is a rollar coaster of currpution, drugs, sex, and violence. each season zooms in on one specific age group or social class, giving a great insight on Baltimore America. I was amazed how addictingThis is a brilliant show. Each character is thought out and unique, creating humerous and deep dialuge. The complexity is slightly overwhelming at first, but when you get into it, the entire show is a rollar coaster of currpution, drugs, sex, and violence. each season zooms in on one specific age group or social class, giving a great insight on Baltimore America. I was amazed how addicting and perfect the show was! It soon became my favourite show of all time (with Twin Peaks being a close second). If you are going to watch one show in your life, please let it be The Wire… Expand
  29. MyNamesCody
    Feb 9, 2014
    10
    I finished The Wire about a month or 2 ago now and I think I'm addicted. I find myself watching clips on Youtube of the show all the time. Everyone should watch this show.
  30. espu
    Jan 27, 2014
    10
    Believable, deep characters that really grow on you during the seasons. The plot turns the usual cop-drama on it's head and focuses heavily on the backgrounds and lives of the characters, showing them all, both the "good" and the "bad" as equally varying in nature.
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best TV Season of 2002
1
#1 Most Discussed TV Season of 2002
1
#1 Most Shared TV Season of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Time
    Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    Jun 28, 2013
    70
    It slowly develops into an engrossing look at the methodical nature of police work and the limits of individualism.
    Read full review
  2. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Terry Kelleher
    Jun 27, 2013
    83
    Early episodes can seem as static as a stakeout, and the viewer has a ton of information to absorb—much of it conveyed in obscenity-laced slang. But as we gradually get to know the players... The Wire grows electric.
    Read full review
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Jun 14, 2013
    100
    It's loose and rambling; its dramatic climaxes don't coincide neatly with the conclusion of any given episode. Its dialogue, overseen by creator David Simon ... is so good it often sounds improvised. One criticism of the show I've read is that it's repetitive (in showing the slow process of how the police bring down bad guys). But what those critics don't get is that those qualities are exactly what make 'The Wire' the funkiest cop show on TV.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »