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. 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
  2. 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".
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. gabrielbb5
    Jan 21, 2011
    10
    In the opening of the first episode, when McNulty asks the witness "If Snotboogie always stole the money, why'd you let him play?" and he answers "You got to, this America, man." you know that you're in for something special. The greatest compliment I can give to this show is that its never predictable, a seemingly impossible feat for a show to have, but its true, The Wire isIn the opening of the first episode, when McNulty asks the witness "If Snotboogie always stole the money, why'd you let him play?" and he answers "You got to, this America, man." you know that you're in for something special. The greatest compliment I can give to this show is that its never predictable, a seemingly impossible feat for a show to have, but its true, The Wire is unpredictable. The first season focuses on the projects and a war against drugs, who apparently nobody but Daniels' squad cares about. I won't spoil it or anything, but by the end you're so exhausted from the intensity and the ending is so deliberately unsatisfying (in a good way), but the show doesn't care, what it cares about is about showing things realistically, and of course, we all know that is succeeds. The Wire is dense storytelling at its finest.… Expand
  8. doomino
    Mar 12, 2012
    10
    This is TV at its greatest., A 60 hour masterpiece that grows richer with repeated viewings .Brilliant in every way , surely this work of art will be viewed and admired for as long as humans inhabit this earth.
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. MorriBey
    Jun 28, 2011
    10
    Great show. A near to reality that you will ever see. Its not as good as Sopranos but in my ways; it is actually better. Just feels more real....the drug scene, the killing......Love the show.
  14. Falcon9gxgc
    Apr 24, 2011
    10
    I am surprised to see that there is barely any recognition for this show, as it is literally a remarkable and poignant show. It hurts to see that not even critics have taken their time to watch and comment on it. The show is a masterpiece. It is filled with decadence, drugs, politics, and many more things that I will leave for you, the audience to watch and see how it all develops. TheI am surprised to see that there is barely any recognition for this show, as it is literally a remarkable and poignant show. It hurts to see that not even critics have taken their time to watch and comment on it. The show is a masterpiece. It is filled with decadence, drugs, politics, and many more things that I will leave for you, the audience to watch and see how it all develops. The Wire has to be one of the most realistic shows I have seen in television. I believe people rather avoid this one, due to its graphic portrayal of violence in the streets, the school system, and the corruption in politics. But you can't help it, when the dialogue is top notch! Smart scripting and acting make the show as real as you see it on the streets or hear it in the news every day. I cannot go on any further writing this review. It really is unfair, as I cannot say much to make homage to an amazing series. It is depressing at times, but very much a rewarding experience to follow through from start to end.… Expand
  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. viktormadarasz
    Aug 21, 2011
    10
    No doubt one of the best TV drama ever on screen.Every episode keeps you chained in front of the screen throughout the entire season, all 5 seasons, each season focusing on one particular segment of the city.I cannot think any other series which felt so realistic like The Wire, not before not after this series...One of the few series which worth sitting in front of the TV.
  19. Starman204
    Oct 9, 2011
    10
    In my opinion, best television series ever on television. Great story structure and characters. The Wire brings you deep into Baltimore like you have never seen.
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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!). :)
  24. 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!
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. A_Northerner
    Sep 14, 2012
    10
    For those not in the know, The Wire is set in Baltimore and each season focuses on a different area of life in the city. The first season revolves around a hastily put together police detail tasked with investigating the little known Barksdale drug empire. Led by Lieutenant Daniels (Lance Reddick) and the dedicated Jimmy McNulty (Dominic West), the detail are under pressure to make aFor those not in the know, The Wire is set in Baltimore and each season focuses on a different area of life in the city. The first season revolves around a hastily put together police detail tasked with investigating the little known Barksdale drug empire. Led by Lieutenant Daniels (Lance Reddick) and the dedicated Jimmy McNulty (Dominic West), the detail are under pressure to make a minimal amount of low level charges quickly, however work is slow and painstaking difficult and the detail fight their superiors for more time to build a case using electronic surveillance.

    Should you watch it?
    The great thing about The Wire is....well, everything. The scope of the show is immense, the characters range from judges, DAs, police chiefs and detectives on one side to those encompassing the whole structure of Anton Barksdale's gang, from right hand men and enforcers to low level dealers. Each is involved in the story as it plays out slowly piece by piece. The line between good and bad is blurred at best, the police force is riddled with incompetence and those only concerned with self-preservation while the dealers are a well-organised mixture of cold-blooded killers and morally conflicted teens who know no other way of life. Not to mention Omar (Michael K. Williams), the gay stick-up man who terrorises local drug stash houses. Who's listening?
    The Wire is the ultimate definition of a slow-burner but with hour long episodes the plot begins to unravel soon enough and rewards are plenty for those patient during the initial episodes. Fans of David Simon's other works like Treme will have no problem adapting to the pace.

    Did I mention that the acting, script and music are also top notch? Best line..."If you come at the king, you best not miss".

    I am a huge fan of both The Soprano's and The Shield, and the first season of The Wire comes very close if not better than the best moments of these two. It deserves all the credit it receives and more.    … Expand
  29. 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!
  30. 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
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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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