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. Magster
    Jul 18, 2011
    10
    It's too bad this show didn't get more acclaim. Many of the actors were pulled from the streets of Baltimore which is just one aspect that lends complete credibility to this show. The writing was impeccable and the actors unreal. I would recommend this show to anyone interested in a gritty-as-hell, true to life, intelligent, sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, always captivatingIt's too bad this show didn't get more acclaim. Many of the actors were pulled from the streets of Baltimore which is just one aspect that lends complete credibility to this show. The writing was impeccable and the actors unreal. I would recommend this show to anyone interested in a gritty-as-hell, true to life, intelligent, sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, always captivating drama. What up MARYLAND!!!?… Expand
  2. gmoore
    Dec 30, 2011
    10
    Why can't I say just say "best TV show ever" rather than having to type out 150 characters to just say "The Wire is the best TV show ever"? And, by the way, did I mention that The Wire is the best TV show ever. (Hope this is 150 characters!). :)
  3. Rompod
    Feb 14, 2011
    10
    I'm french, and here i'm talking about The Wire to everyone. It's the best show i've ever seen, i cannot watch anything else and i watched the wire 3 times now. This change my life. And now I can say, wow, i can die happy. This is the best everything, 60 hour of genius. Just what the world need.
  4. 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.
  5. tomasnomas
    Aug 21, 2010
    10
    I don't know how to state this better than the last reviewer. Quite simply, this is the best thing I've ever seen on television. I am currently watching all the episodes for the third time in about 3 years. I never tire of it. Something new is apparent each time I have seen it. The music, the acting (acting? It doesn't seem like acting!) You will laugh, you will cry, you will beI don't know how to state this better than the last reviewer. Quite simply, this is the best thing I've ever seen on television. I am currently watching all the episodes for the third time in about 3 years. I never tire of it. Something new is apparent each time I have seen it. The music, the acting (acting? It doesn't seem like acting!) You will laugh, you will cry, you will be outraged, .... just great stuff. I liked Homicide and NYPD Blue, but they are Hollywood drivel compared to The Wire. I wish there were more seasons to come. On the other hand.... it might dilute the sheer power of these 5 seasons. I am expecting the 5th season in 2 days. In the meantime I have to go cold turkey... no Wire. I will savor the last season one episode a day.... in the past I've done marathon sessions. .… Expand
  6. Justinavery7074
    Oct 6, 2011
    10
    There is no other show, any where. In any continent, country or what have you, it's the greatest thing that has ever been committed to television. It's impossible to dislike or even change the channel. God has blesses us
  7. podaddy
    Feb 10, 2011
    10
    The greatest achievement in television history. In five years, I never heard one single exchange of dialogue in this show that wasn't wholly believable. I have had my fill of cop, doctor and lawyer shows over the years,but The Wire is so much more than that. It navigates complex story lines between the drug dealers, the school system, the entrie heirarchy of the police force, theThe greatest achievement in television history. In five years, I never heard one single exchange of dialogue in this show that wasn't wholly believable. I have had my fill of cop, doctor and lawyer shows over the years,but The Wire is so much more than that. It navigates complex story lines between the drug dealers, the school system, the entrie heirarchy of the police force, the politicians, addicts, media and what have you with tremendous ease. Best show ever.… Expand
  8. RadleyBear
    Oct 20, 2011
    9
    Seriously..... well written, well cast, well produced, well shot, one of the best things you'll ever see on TV. A mature 'Homicide: Life on Street" for the TV connoisseur. Makes great use of some seriously good British actors (look out for Idris Elba). I could watch this again and again, has some serious depth to it. Couldn't give it a 10 though because Vic Makey wouldn't let me ;-)
  9. 800hamsters
    Oct 24, 2011
    10
    The Wire is not only one of the greatest (if not the greatest) television shows ever created, it is also the greatest justification for the belief that TV can be a valid medium of cultural expression. As a whole, television shows and their cultural/social impact are often looked down on when compared to poems, novels, or even movies. TV shows are frequently portrayed as base andThe Wire is not only one of the greatest (if not the greatest) television shows ever created, it is also the greatest justification for the belief that TV can be a valid medium of cultural expression. As a whole, television shows and their cultural/social impact are often looked down on when compared to poems, novels, or even movies. TV shows are frequently portrayed as base and unimportant, but The Wire takes the assumptions and turns them upside down. The Wire is capable of creating in the viewer a sense of connection and wonder that allows it to transcend the boundaries of being merely a television show. These are not actors and set pieces, these are the real streets of Baltimore and these are real people trying to eke out a living in a situation that they have little control over. Coming from the perspective of a white kid living in the suburbs, The Wire can and will open your eyes as to how the world of crime and drugs truly operates, and it will destroy your preconceived ideas about how the "system" works to combat it. The Wire is less a TV show than it is a tragic epic story of the streets shown in a way that provides a bitingly realistic social commentary on the workings of Baltimore, as well as a commentary on the base instincts and desires of humanity itself.… Expand
  10. NicoDante
    Nov 23, 2011
    10
    Where are the critic's reviews for this show? It's simply the best show ever made. Takes an episode or two to become really hooked but then it grabs you and never lets go.
  11. Mundty
    Dec 6, 2011
    10
    A realistic look at Baltimore Crime, Law Enforcement, Politics, Schools, and Media. This is the show to which all other shows are weighted against. Not for those with a short attention span, or in need of a clear line between right and wrong... this show is grand in scope and in depth. Be willing to invest some time and pay close attention to detail, or you will miss things. MemorableA realistic look at Baltimore Crime, Law Enforcement, Politics, Schools, and Media. This is the show to which all other shows are weighted against. Not for those with a short attention span, or in need of a clear line between right and wrong... this show is grand in scope and in depth. Be willing to invest some time and pay close attention to detail, or you will miss things. Memorable characters spanning all walks of life, that are still closely connected in many ways. With no clear hero and villain, you're forced to accept your favorite characters for their faults and find some understanding in characters you dislike. It deals with everything from racism, poverty, abuse, corruption, drug addiction, and much more. Do yourself a favor and make a commitment to watching the first season, there's not going to be another show like this for a long time, and if you don't enjoy it by the end of Season One then it's obviously not for you.… Expand
  12. JakeNova
    Sep 20, 2011
    10
    An amazing series. By far the best I have ever seen, and won't be surprised if I never see another. The characters connect with you in so many ways, mainly because of how real they are. And it isn't just the cops that you can connect with, the "bad guys," the high up drug dealers, the hoppers, and just about everyone.It is an amazing show with some crazy characters that are all believable.An amazing series. By far the best I have ever seen, and won't be surprised if I never see another. The characters connect with you in so many ways, mainly because of how real they are. And it isn't just the cops that you can connect with, the "bad guys," the high up drug dealers, the hoppers, and just about everyone.It is an amazing show with some crazy characters that are all believable. The story is just awesome! Still haven't seen the 5th season, but I guess that is a good decision as I will get to watch all the other seasons again before finishing off with the last. I can't stop recommending this series!… Expand
  13. brjorge2002
    Aug 20, 2010
    10
    The Wire is the best show in the history of TV. Once I started with disc 1 of season 1, I knew I was hooked. The writers do a good job of making you want to know more about all of the different characters. They also do a great job "tying everything together".
  14. Acriminal
    Aug 22, 2010
    10
    I don't think I've ever seen a more well written, well acted, and well thought-out cop drama. The Wire is almost like in a class of its own. It's almost too good to be called a TV Show. It makes Hill Street Blues look like The Facts of Life. An amazing show - I watched it straight through and it had me completely gripped the whole time. I can't think of one flaw. And I loved how theyI don't think I've ever seen a more well written, well acted, and well thought-out cop drama. The Wire is almost like in a class of its own. It's almost too good to be called a TV Show. It makes Hill Street Blues look like The Facts of Life. An amazing show - I watched it straight through and it had me completely gripped the whole time. I can't think of one flaw. And I loved how they varied the opening theme over the seasons. Very cool. "You just gotta keep the devil way down in the hole..."… Expand
  15. DrTobiasFunke
    Oct 20, 2010
    10
    Best show ever made in the history of TV. 10/10 The depth and quality of the show is unbelievable especially when you watch it again. The show is based largely on policing but goes into teaching, media, dock workers and politics. This show makes you think about how events can effect everyone. This show inspired myself to go into the criminal justice field. David Simon has made HBO'sBest show ever made in the history of TV. 10/10 The depth and quality of the show is unbelievable especially when you watch it again. The show is based largely on policing but goes into teaching, media, dock workers and politics. This show makes you think about how events can effect everyone. This show inspired myself to go into the criminal justice field. David Simon has made HBO's masterpiece, The Wire. Shows how people can become corrupt as well as how people can be honorable. How policing and politics are involved with society and the impacts they make on it as a whole.… Expand
  16. sumsar
    Jan 24, 2011
    10
    Without a doubt the best TV show made, pretty big statement but once you've seen it you'll agree, to really enjoy the wire you have to watch every episode of every season, it's not a show like csi where you just sit down and watch a random episode here and there... The Wire is famous for its great characters and excellent dialogue, there are so many memorable quotes from the film that itsWithout a doubt the best TV show made, pretty big statement but once you've seen it you'll agree, to really enjoy the wire you have to watch every episode of every season, it's not a show like csi where you just sit down and watch a random episode here and there... The Wire is famous for its great characters and excellent dialogue, there are so many memorable quotes from the film that its hard to pick your favourite. MUST SEE… Expand
  17. wordy_actions
    Aug 18, 2011
    10
    The best show ever created. The first season follows cops and drug dealers on the streets of Baltimore, but the show expands vastly after that. This show is filled with genuine drama and truly complex characters. The writing is the best I've ever seen in a television show, and every single actor is excellent and completely believable. This is without a doubt the greatest and most importantThe best show ever created. The first season follows cops and drug dealers on the streets of Baltimore, but the show expands vastly after that. This show is filled with genuine drama and truly complex characters. The writing is the best I've ever seen in a television show, and every single actor is excellent and completely believable. This is without a doubt the greatest and most important TV show ever made.… Expand
  18. CrimsonFlush
    Sep 22, 2011
    10
    I've been watching every season for the last 6 months. This is hands down the best TV show ever made. The characters are excellent. I'm a person who hates cop shows with a passion, but this is brilliant stuff. Doesn't show the drug dealers and killers as pure evil with no redeeming qualities like most dumb cop shows. This is the holy grail, watch it.
  19. rory147
    Aug 6, 2011
    10
    Easily the best show thats ever been on t.v. The character development and the difference between the huge cast of characters are amazing. Each season focuses on the different sides of the drug war and the different types of corruption. Season 1:The streets. Season 2:The higher up drug dealers. Season 3:Politics. Season 4:The School system and Season 5: The Media. It has a gritty feelEasily the best show thats ever been on t.v. The character development and the difference between the huge cast of characters are amazing. Each season focuses on the different sides of the drug war and the different types of corruption. Season 1:The streets. Season 2:The higher up drug dealers. Season 3:Politics. Season 4:The School system and Season 5: The Media. It has a gritty feel throughout the whole show but still manages to creep in humour (the opening scene to season 5 is not to be missed,hilarious)
    All the acting is great and they really give you the feel that these are real people.The Wire is a must watch.    … Expand
  20. Swan
    Feb 18, 2012
    10
    This is the best t.v. show ever made. It deserves only accolades. It goes beyond anything I've ever seen. Now when I sit down to watch a t.v. series I mourn for The Wire's depth and beauty. I will never give a 10 to anything else ever again, this is the standard for all shows to work from. To not give this a perfect score means you are either stupid or hit the wrong button. Case closed!
  21. 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
  22. Treehearne
    Mar 3, 2012
    10
    I've watched many, many television shows, and I can confidently affirm that The Wire is by far the greatest achievement in the history of TV. I won't bother typing up a long and well thought-out review because I'm sure the previous users have done a fair enough job of describing this show, but I will say this: no other television series compares to The Wire, and it will be a long timeI've watched many, many television shows, and I can confidently affirm that The Wire is by far the greatest achievement in the history of TV. I won't bother typing up a long and well thought-out review because I'm sure the previous users have done a fair enough job of describing this show, but I will say this: no other television series compares to The Wire, and it will be a long time before another one does.… Expand
  23. l0rdm0rd
    May 16, 2012
    10
    Can it get better? I don't think so. The story line is great, the characters are interesting and far away from the one dimensional characters in other series and the overall ambiance is just so realistic. No comparison to **** or anything.
    Only flaw (if you can call it a flaw) is that you can't enter anywhere during the series. You need to watch from the first episode to the very last    Can it get better? I don't think so. The story line is great, the characters are interesting and far away from the one dimensional characters in other series and the overall ambiance is just so realistic. No comparison to **** or anything.
    Only flaw (if you can call it a flaw) is that you can't enter anywhere during the series. You need to watch from the first episode to the very last without missing any to really understand the plot, which makes it hard for a TV series to be successful.    … Expand
  24. 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
  25. morner
    Aug 4, 2012
    10
    The Wire dissects the institutions of modern day Baltimore with its documentary-esque visual style and the most intriguing cast of characters ever. The serie's creators dares putting faith in the viewers ability to follow things without shoving it down our throats with overly suggestive editing and scoring. Pro tip: Watch all five seasons. Do it at least twice.

    And yes, sometimes you're    The Wire dissects the institutions of modern day Baltimore with its documentary-esque visual style and the most intriguing cast of characters ever. The serie's creators dares putting faith in the viewers ability to follow things without shoving it down our throats with overly suggestive editing and scoring. Pro tip: Watch all five seasons. Do it at least twice.

    And yes, sometimes you're unfamiliar with the lingo or mix up a name or two, but that's quite ok.

    Oh, and The Wire has Omar. And Snoop (not the lion/dogg one). And longshoremen (for some working class nostalgia!)    … Expand
  26. joeyperez
    Jul 19, 2013
    10
    simply the standard by which all other shows are judged. i have the sopranos slightly higher, but the wire holds quality quite well throughout and the quality is simply incredible. this is the story of a city told from the ground up. the first season is a dive into an immense world that just keeps getting deeper and deeper until you realise we are all part of the world beyond the wire andsimply the standard by which all other shows are judged. i have the sopranos slightly higher, but the wire holds quality quite well throughout and the quality is simply incredible. this is the story of a city told from the ground up. the first season is a dive into an immense world that just keeps getting deeper and deeper until you realise we are all part of the world beyond the wire and yet the city rolls on.

    this first season is judged on its own merits, easily a 10, and no amount of idiot middle class who love it because they were told to, despite never seeing the show, or counter counter culture descreditors are going to make me forget that.

    1 is a ten based on its own merits.
    the series is a 10 based on its own merits.
    the weaker seasons are a 10 based on the fact they are that much better than anything else on tv, at what they do, with a very few key exceptions.    … Expand
  27. BajanMaster
    Sep 7, 2013
    10
    This is the best TV show that has ever been made, telling a true to life story show the effect of a city home to drug dealers, drug users and the few that fight this. I recommend this to anyone to watch as it is simply perfect in every aspect, showing love, crime, action and the philosophical aspect of drugs in a black community.
  28. Chymos
    Nov 10, 2013
    10
    Written for the series as a whole.

    The daily work of the law enforcement is not always flawless and rightful. From the start of forming a unit that could bring down a multimillionaire drug lord, going through the ups and downs of major a case crime investigation, tapping a wire to understand the network and finally maybe dropping the hammer is very much a long and rocky road. Eventually    Written for the series as a whole.

    The daily work of the law enforcement is not always flawless and rightful. From the start of forming a unit that could bring down a multimillionaire drug lord, going through the ups and downs of major a case crime investigation, tapping a wire to understand the network and finally maybe dropping the hammer is very much a long and rocky road. Eventually you will end up spending a whole day watching through a full season hoping to solve just one case.

    Or maybe you will create a bond with a character for some reason. A life where drugs can be a way to another state of mind or the fastest shortcut to a large amount of cash these dealers and users have to live by certain rules, learn respect and/or create a special code of honour to survive. Breaking this code or forgetting the ways of the “game” will sooner or later leave you weaved between the ruthless street thugs of Baltimore city or the its punishing police department.

    The Wire is a TV drama show about the streets of Baltimore realized through a dozen of deep and genuine characters. Drug dealers, policemen, politicians, newspapermen, teachers and their students and other significant line of people all play an important role. All which always can have an effect on the outcome of a bigger picture. And my time with the series has given me some kind of understanding of what a real “poe-lise” (police) is. It has given me other very intriguing insights too. Enough for me to also understand how these influence each other. Therefore this is the most realistic piece of genius I have ever encountered. Movies and series alike are not even close to the respectful amount of detail put in to this story and its single events, character trademark and influence, story continuance and veracity and individual career progress. So if you are looking for a “cops and robbers” drama series masterpiece you can stop looking now because this is it. 10/10.    … Expand
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
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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
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