Film & TV
Recommendations
Explore
Resources
Watch
Apple TV Google Play Movies Fandango At Home
+3
The Wire
The Wire
+3
JustWatch
Watch trailer
Share title
IMDb
Update history
Suggest an edit
Your probable score
Not enough ratings
The Wire

The Wire

The Wire

2002 - 2008
Drama, Suspense/Thriller
TV Series
59m
Baltimore drug scene, seen through the eyes of drug dealers, and law enforcement. (imdb)
You've rated 0 of 38 episodes in this series

Created by:

David Simon
David-Simon
David Simon
16 total credits
David Simon has 16 credits at Criticker, including: The Wire, Generation Kill and The Deuce
Read more

Directed by:

Clark Johnson
Clark-Johnson
Clark Johnson
44 total credits
Clark Johnson has 44 credits at Criticker, including: S.W.A.T., The Wire and The Sentinel
Read more
, Ernest R. Dickerson
Ernest-R-Dickerson
Ernest R. Dickerson
39 total credits
Ernest R. Dickerson has 39 credits at Criticker, including: The Walking Dead, The Wire, Bulletproof, Tales from the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight and Juice
Read more
, Joe Chappelle
Joe-Chappelle
Joe Chappelle
20 total credits
Joe Chappelle has 20 credits at Criticker, including: The Wire, Fringe, Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, Phantoms and Black Bird
Read more
, Agnieszka Holland
Agnieszka-Holland
Agnieszka Holland
51 total credits
Agnieszka Holland has 51 credits at Criticker, including: Three Colors: Blue, Three Colors: White, The Wire, The Secret Garden and Europa Europa
Read more

Writers:

Dennis Lehane
Dennis-Lehane
Dennis Lehane
9 total credits
Dennis Lehane has 9 credits at Criticker, including: Shutter Island, Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone, The Wire and The Drop
Read more
, Richard Price
Richard-Price
Richard Price
20 total credits
Richard Price has 20 credits at Criticker, including: Ransom, Shaft, The Color of Money, The Wire and The Night Of
Read more
, David Simon
David-Simon
David Simon
16 total credits
David Simon has 16 credits at Criticker, including: The Wire, Generation Kill and The Deuce
Read more
, Ed Burns
Ed-Burns
Ed Burns
7 total credits
Ed Burns has 7 credits at Criticker, including: The Wire, Generation Kill, The Corner and The Plot Against America
Read more

Starring:

Seth Gilliam
Seth-Gilliam
Seth Gilliam
6 total credits
Seth Gilliam has 6 credits at Criticker, including: The Wire, Courage Under Fire, Jefferson in Paris, Punks and Assault at West Point: The Court-Martial of Johnson Whittaker
Read more
, Dominic West
Dominic-West
Dominic West
49 total credits
Dominic Gerard Fe West (born 15 October 1969) is an English actor. His most notable role has been Baltimore police detective Jimmy McNulty on the HBO television police drama The Wire. West was praised for the accuracy of his character's accent...(Wikipedia)
Read more
, Domenick Lombardozzi
Domenick-Lombardozzi
Domenick Lombardozzi
24 total credits
Domenick Lombardozzi has 24 credits at Criticker, including: The Irishman, Bridge of Spies, The Wire, The Family and The Gambler
Read more
, Jim True-Frost
Jim-True-Frost
Jim True-Frost
11 total credits
Jim True-Frost has 11 credits at Criticker, including: The Hudsucker Proxy, The Wire, Off the Map, Normal Life and Diminished Capacity
Read more
, Andre Royo
Andre-Royo
Andre Royo
23 total credits
Andre Royo has 23 credits at Criticker, including: The Wire, Super, The Collection, Prospect and Red Tails
Read more
, Wendell Pierce
Wendell-Pierce
Wendell Pierce
38 total credits
Wendell Pierce has 38 credits at Criticker, including: Hackers, The Wire, The Gift, Selma and Manhattan Murder Mystery
Read more
, Clarke Peters
Clarke-Peters
Clarke Peters
42 total credits
Clarke Peters has 42 credits at Criticker, including: John Wick, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Marley & Me, The Wire and Da 5 Bloods
Read more
, John Doman
John-Doman
John Doman
21 total credits
John Doman has 21 credits at Criticker, including: Mystic River, Die Hard: With a Vengeance, Blue Valentine, Beavis and Butt-Head Do America and You Were Never Really Here
Read more
, Michael Kenneth Williams
Michael-Kenneth-Williams
Michael Kenneth Williams
52 total credits
Michael Kenneth Williams has 52 credits at Criticker, including: 12 Years a Slave, The Road, Gone Baby Gone, RoboCop and The Wire
Read more
, Sonja Sohn
Sonja-Sohn
Sonja Sohn
16 total credits
Sonja Sohn has 16 credits at Criticker, including: Bringing Out the Dead, Shaft, The Wire, High Flying Bird and Slam
Read more
, Lance Reddick
Lance-Reddick
Lance Reddick
39 total credits
Lance Reddick has 39 credits at Criticker, including: John Wick, John Wick: Chapter 2, John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, The Wire and White House Down
Read more
, Deirdre Lovejoy
Deirdre-Lovejoy
Deirdre Lovejoy
5 total credits
Deirdre Lovejoy has 5 credits at Criticker, including: The Wire, Step Up, Beauty Mark, The Veteran in a New Field and Kindred Spirits
Read more

Genres:

Drama, Suspense/Thriller, Crime

Country:

USA

Language:

English
IMDb
Update history
Suggest an edit

The Wire

2002 - 2008
Drama, Suspense/Thriller
TV Series
59m
Ratings & Reviews Seasons (4) Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 86.88% from 2064 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Seasons (4) Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

(2064)
Compact view
Compact view
cosmicmonkeyCosmicMonkey
Rated 24 Oct 2015
95
98th
This is the singularly most important piece of narrative fiction made in the 21st Century, it transcends the medium, being not just a television show, but a sociological survey on the paralyzing effects of poverty in America; a neo-Dickensian novel about the state of the 21st century city; an ancient Greek tragedy where, instead of Gods, our epicurian protagonists are pitted against the bureaucratic institutions that make up contemporary society. It's goes above and beyond anything else on TV.
Rated 24 Oct 2015
alex_watkinsAlex Watkins
Rated 08 Sep 2015
6
98th
In its breadth, depth, and scope, an unparalleled accomplishment in American political art. Equal turns heartbreaking, infuriating, and entertaining, deftly criticizing the ineffectual nature of bureaucracy and the pitfalls of political accountability while giving us more great characters and storylines than any one show ever has.
Rated 08 Sep 2015
kasperlKasperL
Rated 01 Sep 2015
99
99th
Easily lives up to many people, myself included, calling it "the best TV show of all time". Favorite season: S4 - Favorite characters: Omar and Snoop - Favorite scene: Snoop buys a nail gun - Favorite intro music: S1 (The Blind Boys of Alabama) - What pulls it down from 100 to 99, you ask? S5 is good, not great.
Rated 01 Sep 2015
gordonbombayGordonBombay
Rated 18 Aug 2016
100
99th
Despite a somewhat weak 5th season, which is still miles ahead of almost anything out there have you, The Wire is the king, and when you come at the king you best not miss. Nothing I've seen before or after has come close to The Wire. A multi layered story about a city and a society on the brink of failure. Where it's hard to tell the cops from the criminals. No black and white, but all grey areas. All the while doing this making us care for each and every character. A masterpiece of tv history.
Rated 18 Aug 2016
djrossdjross
Rated 19 Jun 2016
74
85th
Good sociological fiction that often imagines some highly improbable idealistic project as a means of exposing the systemic deficiencies of various institutions. In so doing, it is concerned to explode not just obvious myths such as the war on drugs or the virtue of unfettered markets, but some of the myths of sociology too. Characterisation is generally superior for television, as is the complexity and cohesiveness of the narrative across a long span of running time. Cannot fault the ambition.
Rated 19 Jun 2016
hellboy76hellboy76
Rated 05 Sep 2015
97
99th
An incredible achievement of layered storytelling from all points of view. Rarely does one see this level of detail surrounding what one thinks is a singular problem, that branches out into all it touches. For new viewers it is definitely a bit of a slow burn for the first half of season one, but so , so rewarding if you stick it out.
Rated 05 Sep 2015
dmcrimsonDMCrimson
Rated 06 Feb 2018
93
99th
I'll hear out an opinion that this isn't the best or most entertaining series but disregard someone who doesn't consider this TV's finest example. The Wire expects you to be an intelligent, introspective, and active viewer to a degree you'd never expect from modern storytelling, much less anything else on TV. The next Voyager probe should launch with Seasons 1, 3, and 4.
Rated 06 Feb 2018
frederikaFrederikA
Rated 06 Sep 2015
100
99th
Not only the best show ever made (tm), but probably one of the few cultural products to come out of America in resent years, to be remembered through the ages.
Rated 06 Sep 2015
ocelotOcelot
Rated 05 Sep 2015
90
97th
This is likely the best TV show ever made, and the fact that I can't give it a perfect score is a testament to the problem with not splitting into individual seasons. Season three is the most intelligent handling of difficult subject matter I've ever seen, TV or otherwise. One is good, two is great, four is just below three, and five is better than people give it credit for. But it's not perfect, because perfect TV is a dragon that has been chased for nearly a century, and remains uncaught.
Rated 05 Sep 2015
td888td888
Rated 22 Jan 2017
90
95th
An excellent series where each season has a different setting/viewpoint. Recommended.
Rated 22 Jan 2017
blakeengelBlakeEngel
Rated 27 Nov 2016
10
93rd
This rating is for the sum total achievement of the series. Seasons 1, 3 and 4 are the best, 5 is OK, 2 is mostly boring. But come on - this is a true ACHIEVEMENT. This is more than TV, this is the promise of serialized storytelling. All characters, flesh and bone, living their own lives, brought together by a boring job that happens to involve murder and suffering. Feels like real insight into an overlooked world. Endlessly rewatchable. Uncountable lessons within.
Rated 27 Nov 2016
dean_franzDean Franz
Rated 09 Sep 2015
100
98th
This is, in fact, The Wire.
Rated 09 Sep 2015
mattorama12mattorama12
Rated 07 Sep 2015
94
99th
There's no better way to understand America's poverty problem than watching The Wire. Undoubtedly the best achievement in television drama.
Rated 07 Sep 2015
cmonsterCMonster
Rated 05 Sep 2015
99
99th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNm3nE-o6ro Perfectly encapsulates The Wire for me. David Simon's time in Baltimore as a crime reporter gives the show a depth of realism buried in the fiction rarely seen, even in a biopic.
Rated 05 Sep 2015
suture_selfSuture Self
Rated 05 Sep 2015
10
96th
On America, protectionism, inequality, the drug war, and why things stay the same. There are the kings with voice and capital, and then there are the dispensable pawns. And since the pawns are untrained, disconnected bodies that are useless to the economy, the question becomes: How do we monetize them? Well, we expand prisons, we prosecute offenders, we remove them from the job market. West Baltimore doesn't need policing; it's occupied territory.
Rated 05 Sep 2015
martrynmartryn
Rated 21 Sep 2019
90
93rd
The standard by which all law enforcement shows should strive. Some seasons are clearly better than others, but the narrative that stretches through this series is an absolute masterpiece.
Rated 21 Sep 2019
kgbelliveaukgbelliveau
Rated 17 Feb 2018
95
91st
One of the most compelling and realistic cop dramas of all time because the scope was much wider than most shows of the same nature. This is a story of both sides, the ones avoiding the law and the low key slow burn approach to build a solid case. The acting is terrific over the course of the 5 season run as each character weaves a poignant and gritty narrative of life of law and crime on the streets of Baltimore.
Rated 17 Feb 2018
atim2ATiM2
Rated 17 Jan 2018
90
81st
The most realistic thing ever put on television by significant margin, The Wire might not be thrilling the way television so often is, but it is bold, dripping with quality, and utterly incredible.
Rated 17 Jan 2018
pickpocketPickpocket
Rated 05 Sep 2015
3
28th
The most overrated TV show of all time. There's seasons that are terrible and people agree they are terrible and yet people still discuss this as the greatest show of all time. I don't get it man. The message at the end was not profound or eye opening at all. Has some admittedly cool scenes but they are few and far between.
Rated 05 Sep 2015
deepdoopdeepdoop
Rated 21 May 2019
100
96th
Best TV show ever. While the fifth season is a little lesser than the rest, it's still better than most shows. But you can't beat the other 4; there are so many characters and they're all memorable; the writing is razor sharp, interesting and witty, along with having excellent social commentary. It's a weird show to try to sell because it's not like other cop shows, but the slow pacing is incredibly rewarding.
Rated 21 May 2019
arberwaticusArberwaticus
Rated 22 Jan 2019
97
83rd
One of the best written and acted series ever made. Its reputation as one of the best series ever made stands up.
Rated 22 Jan 2019
monisitMonisit
Rated 23 Jan 2018
100
98th
If there was anything that lived up to the hype as the "Greatest - Ever" this would be it.
Rated 23 Jan 2018
calabriaCalabria
Rated 11 Dec 2017
91
98th
If this were a site for rating TV shows I'd give it a 101. It's ruined everything that has come since.
Rated 11 Dec 2017
hajikarimihajikarimi
Rated 26 Aug 2017
98
98th
1505: very realistic. bitter sweet
Rated 26 Aug 2017
thehynesthehynes
Rated 24 Jan 2017
86
98th
Undoubtedly some of the finest tv ever made. Most def.
Rated 24 Jan 2017
armilioArmilio
Rated 12 Nov 2016
95
99th
The perfection. The Wire show what tv series can be and can do. Basically, what films cannot: build a world, or show you a world, as only books could, without needs to cut any focus on details. The season 5 is a mocking, satirical end that left me a bit puzzled during the season, but in the end makes completely sense. HBO: less soft-porn, more of this thanks. Less production values, more great scripts. If i want to see special effects and fireworks i watch a movie.
Rated 12 Nov 2016
baggerBagger
Rated 17 Jul 2016
95
99th
Insert quote from show here. Insert anecdote about everyone bugging me to see this show, me having very low expectations, and it totally living up to the hype. My relationship to this show is nothing if not cliched.
Rated 17 Jul 2016
walkearthwalkearth
Rated 25 Dec 2015
85
98th
Phenomenal. Just phenomenal.
Rated 25 Dec 2015
redactedredacted
Rated 31 Oct 2015
97
98th
One of the broadest scoped series you will find. It dives into various industries/circles/institutions of society and making the most of its fictional nature, tries to incorporate a radical element of operation within each. Case in point, the whole Hamsterdam plot line. The dialogue across the various cultures is on the mark to boot. I watched this over a decade after it first aired and it still came across as refreshing.
Rated 31 Oct 2015
qmiller32qmiller32
Rated 15 Oct 2015
99
95th
While the characters are rich and the writing phenomenal, perhaps the most impressive aspect of the show is its ability to convey the soul of a city. David Simon peels back the layers of Baltimore and leaves us staring in amazement, and at times horror, at its too often rotten core.
Rated 15 Oct 2015
boxcarsBoxcars
Rated 09 Oct 2015
10
97th
Wholly deserving of its reputation as arguably the finest piece of modern television; 'The Wire' is a profound and brilliantly constructed window into the world of Baltimore and the lives of its inhabitants. When it comes to its exploration of the good and evil on both sides of the law, and the social impact on and every facet of society, few other shows can even begin to compare. Must-see television from a societal and entertainment point of view.
Rated 09 Oct 2015
ytadelYtadel
Rated 25 Sep 2015
9
98th
I mean... it's one of the best ever, no? Trust me, I truly love being contrarian and shitting on acclaimed stuff. If The Wire didn't measure up for me, I'd be giddy to say so. But it really is all that and a bag of chips. Omar, Stringer, the Bunk, Lt. Daniels, Lester, Prez, Clay "Sheeeiiit" Davis, Dukie, Wallace... so many great characters, so raw and gripping and insightful and well-plotted and, yes, just plain exciting. Point off because I didn't care too much about S5 newspaper storyline.
Rated 25 Sep 2015
badfurdayBadFurDay
Rated 23 Sep 2015
10
99th
The best TV series of all time. Raw and real. If you haven't watched it, watch it. Omar comin', yo.
Rated 23 Sep 2015
tomhetTomhet
Rated 21 Sep 2015
10
98th
I've often berated myself for saying things like "The Wire is the most all-inclusive, agonizing depiction of the 21st century human condition, and better than any TV show you've ever seen" after a fifth of whiskey and a 6-pack at parties, but it's true.
Rated 21 Sep 2015
naurunauru
Rated 15 Sep 2015
99
99th
The first half of season 1 took some patience but once I started to understand what was happening I was drawn right in. The writing just has so many layers. So many characters, yet all of them are distinct, memorable and make you care what happens to them. I generally refuse to watch police shows but this one is not like the others.
Rated 15 Sep 2015
wigwamukwigwam_uk
Rated 12 Sep 2015
98
98th
I avoided this for a while as I am so tired of American gang and drug culture dramas, then I heard George Pelecanos was involved and a buzz was generating. It was at the point I was genuinely worried for a drug dealer that I realised the writing was intelligently non judgemental - I was hooked and this was very very special indeed.
Rated 12 Sep 2015
jschlanskyJSchlansky
Rated 07 Sep 2015
100
99th
The best television show ever made as far as I'm concerned. Video essay analyzing the opening credits: https://youtu.be/DJGbHRaJhYA
Rated 07 Sep 2015
babaracusbabaracus
Rated 05 Sep 2015
9
91st
ok then, I ain't all that humble.
Rated 05 Sep 2015
dardandardan
Rated 05 Sep 2015
90
94th
Traces the gambling of kids down the street corner to the poverty of the parents, to the drug dealer, to the cop and teacher, to the police chief, to the judge, to the mayor, to the board rooms.
Rated 05 Sep 2015
climberking2000climberking2000
Rated 03 Apr 2025
100
85th
Phenomenal writing, compelling stories, I’ve rewatched this more than anything.
Rated 03 Apr 2025
daydemir07daydemir07
Rated 27 Mar 2025
100
84th
absolute masterpiece
Rated 27 Mar 2025
ttoshittoshi
Rated 28 Jan 2025
100
99th
Doesn't get better than this! It's a gritty complex drama that is reflective of real life. Who is all good or all bad? Life is not a comic book.
Rated 28 Jan 2025
chacheksachacheksa
Rated 28 Jan 2025
100
98th
The best tv show of all time for me
Rated 28 Jan 2025
floweroneflowerone
Rated 24 Jan 2025
89
87th
در فصل اول سریال، شخصیت‌های این مجموعه به دو گروه اصلی، افرادی که در جرم و جنایت مربوط به مواد مخدر دست داشتند و مأموران قانون و افراد مرتبط با آنها، تقسیم شده‌اند. بازیگران اصلی شامل هر دو گروه می‌گردد. تحقیقات و بررسی پرونده با اقدامات کاراگاه جیمی مک‌نالتی (با نقش‌آفرینی دومینیک وست) شروع شد که نافرمانی و مشکلات شخصی زندگی او، توانایی او در این پرونده را تحت‌الشعاع قرار داد
Rated 24 Jan 2025
epicspongeeepicspongee
Rated 24 Dec 2024
30
2nd
Boring. Couldn't get through the first episode.
Rated 24 Dec 2024
enigmazweb24enigmazweb24
Rated 31 Aug 2024
95
86th
A groundbreaking bit of TV. The Wire has a real knack for speaking honestly on very real issues. The acting, writing, directing, and set design are all impeccable. As a viewer, you are thoroughly invested in every last character. The only shame is perhaps that the show is realistic to a fault, often closing the book on full character arcs for the sake of hammering home the fact that sometimes, life is fleeting and tomorrow is never guaranteed to anyone. And unfortunately, neither is a legacy.
Rated 31 Aug 2024
brrrpbrrrp
Rated 19 Feb 2024
85
94th
Seasons 2 and 5 seem a bit weaker than the rest, but that doesn't say much. There is a profound dedication to honestly portraying the complex social dynamics that rest at the core of every narrative arc, but even more impressive is the dedication to addressing the problems with equal complexity and with a moral rigour that surpasses anything I've encountered before. A truly remarkable effort and I've hardly begun to tackle all of this show's many qualities.
Rated 19 Feb 2024
ptaylor54ptaylor54
Rated 28 Dec 2023
85
84th
95 score for the first 4 seasons, probably 100 for the first 3. However, the infamous fifth season is nonsense and feels like the very essence of the characters they have built is abandoned. Not to mention Marlowe pales in comparison to Stringer, both in his depth and intrigue.
Rated 28 Dec 2023
montycircusMontyCircus
Rated 15 Sep 2023
60
69th
Finally finished this show. It favours realism over action and cliffhangers. To its benefit, and its detriment. Not one of my favourite shows of all-time, but glad I watched it.
Rated 15 Sep 2023
devrimozkandevrimozkan
Rated 09 Jul 2023
78
91st
S01, S02
Rated 09 Jul 2023
tiranTiran
Rated 13 May 2023
100
98th
the best crime show ever. Novel on screen. Dastayovsky in Baltimore. etc.
Rated 13 May 2023
yashgerrardyashgerrard
Rated 14 Nov 2022
91
98th
Acting - 23/25 Pace - 22/25 Direction - 22/25 Plot - 24/25
Rated 14 Nov 2022
ozerdurozerdur
Rated 05 Mar 2022
75
73rd
S1:80 S2:75 S3:85 S4:75
Rated 05 Mar 2022
carlosproCarlospro
Rated 10 Jan 2022
90
97th
S1 - 85, S2 - 80, s3 - 95, s4 - 90, s5 - 85. A melhor série (live-action) que já vi
Rated 10 Jan 2022
dankhDanKh
Rated 31 Oct 2021
76
62nd
First 2 seasons are good
Rated 31 Oct 2021
jols93Jols93
Rated 20 Oct 2021
98
99th
Centered around the city of Baltimore which is truly the main character of the show. This show takes a look at key parts of the city though the lens of many characters with each season having a different main focus Season 1: The Illegal drug trade Season 2: The seaports Season 3: The government/politicians Season 4: The school system Season 5: The declining print news media Seasons 1-4 are masterpieces. Season 5 is the weakest season by far however it's better than 90% of shows.
Rated 20 Oct 2021
war_machineWar Machine
Rated 08 Jul 2021
50
8th
3 eps
Rated 08 Jul 2021
skeebosribshackSkeebosRibShack
Rated 04 May 2021
97
95th
season 5 falls off a little
Rated 04 May 2021
teftef
Rated 08 Jan 2021
95
93rd
It's as good as everyone says it is.
Rated 08 Jan 2021
meiihmeIih
Rated 24 Dec 2020
85
75th
probably the most overrated cult tv series. "of course i did all the lessons. what else would i have been doing? watching the frankly overrated the wire on dvd day after day?" - mark corrigan from peep show.
Rated 24 Dec 2020
deaddillydeaddilly
Rated 21 Jul 2020
80
71st
S1: 80
Rated 21 Jul 2020
lintonmyroxylintonmyroxy
Rated 20 May 2020
91
94th
Great show but drugs should be legal
Rated 20 May 2020
xakkmasterXakkMaster
Rated 17 May 2020
100
99th
It's almost too good. Painfully real. Amazing actors across the board, brilliant writing and crisp direction and editing.
Rated 17 May 2020
caspiancaspian
Rated 14 May 2020
100
99th
perfect story-telling. taught me so much about how the world works.
Rated 14 May 2020
mindsexMindsex
Rated 12 Apr 2020
95
99th
It is kinda sociological and ethnological study of Baltimore.
Rated 12 Apr 2020
antaresAntares
Rated 01 Mar 2020
98
99th
The only thing keeping me from giving it a perfect score is the final season. And that season was still better than 90% of the crap that has, is or ever will be on television.
Rated 01 Mar 2020
amerigoamerigo
Rated 13 Feb 2020
87
92nd
A compelling narrative around the ecology of a city. While there are minor issues here and there (e.g. Season 2 is a major letdown), this show is a stunning accomplishment that everyone should watch.
Rated 13 Feb 2020
radumsmnradumsmn
Rated 28 Dec 2019
95
99th
It's all in the game, yo!
Rated 28 Dec 2019
isitfallacyisitfallacy
Rated 25 Dec 2019
100
99th
20 years later, still just as good.
Rated 25 Dec 2019
coinquatroCoinQuatro
Rated 10 Sep 2019
50
39th
It's ok, I guess.
Rated 10 Sep 2019
excelsiorExcelsior
Rated 06 Mar 2019
90
97th
Pretty much the only prestige TV show I can stand. The Wire actually takes advantage of the TV format as storylines from each season are layered one over the other to create a broad overview of the systemic failures within an American city. The show doesn't overcome the problems of American prestige dramas being a "writer's medium" (as in, stylistically lifeless and formally undaring) but it's smart enough to the point that it almost doesn't matter
Rated 06 Mar 2019
themacsaysthemacsays
Rated 22 Sep 2018
98
98th
R - Stunning, outstanding. Stands over every other great TV show of the last 20 years, and beyond. It's all in the game. Pay attention. All the pieces matter. Season 1 - Small unit set up/buried to follow the drugs, they end up with some real Po-lice, and do some real Po-lice work, despite everything. And that's not even half the story.
Rated 22 Sep 2018
anttirAnttiR
Rated 12 Sep 2018
92
81st
First season is definitely the best.
Rated 12 Sep 2018
vv238vv238
Rated 10 Sep 2018
99
99th
Where do I even start on the brilliance that is The Wire? The dozens of deep and morally complex characters? How interwoven and well-written every plot and subplot are? These two colossal strengths end up being dwarfed by the timeless, unrelenting social commentary about the sad state of an American city and our broken institutions. I can say without any hesitation that The Wire is both the greatest television show ever made and the greatest piece of visual media of the 21st Century.
Rated 10 Sep 2018
yoshinarutoYoshinaruto
Rated 03 Sep 2018
65
55th
More realistic than most shows, and after a while there are many characters that really grow on you. The cons include having too many weak characters (like Jimmy, who is just okay) and a generally slow pacing. Season ratings: Season 1: 65 - Season 2: 60 - Season 3: 60 - Season 4: 75 - Season 5: 55
Rated 03 Sep 2018
edwardedward
Rated 24 Aug 2018
0
5th
Cliche overhyped trash. Yet another dull and boring Law and Order facsimile, because I guess we don't have enough of that shit.
Rated 24 Aug 2018
emtiltemtilt
Rated 01 Aug 2018
90
94th
[through season 4]
Rated 01 Aug 2018
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 23 Jul 2018
60
55th
Aside from a few sitcoms I'm a TV hermit, but I did watch the first couple of episodes of this, as I do for shows that are too acclaimed to ignore. I have to say it's certainly above par for an American TV drama; seems well-researched, more refined and at the same time grittier. I nevertheless grew tired of it very quickly, due to lack of interest in the characters and story-lines, and a general dearth of humor or real mystery. It's in a certain uncanny valley of quasi-realism, not 100% there.
Rated 23 Jul 2018
medikolaynmedikolayn
Rated 24 Oct 2017
89
92nd
the fuxk
Rated 24 Oct 2017
kito1kito1
Rated 17 Jul 2017
80
89th
Season 1: Good characters, somehow very intense, melancholic. Season 2: Even better; meticulous and intriguing, exapands into a different direction. Season 3: More distanced, jumping from one place to the next rapidly; that makes it less intense and a bit chaotic.
Rated 17 Jul 2017
alwertyalwerty
Rated 26 Jun 2017
100
98th
GOAT
Rated 26 Jun 2017
mannaz230mannaz230
Rated 17 May 2017
46
31st
Forced my way through the entire first season and I still wonder what I was missing.
Rated 17 May 2017
vandelay1Vandelay1
Rated 31 Mar 2017
83
93rd
nice series
Rated 31 Mar 2017
kavuKavu
Rated 08 Jul 2016
99
99th
You got to. This America, man. The series never let go from there.
Rated 08 Jul 2016
cstewart64CStewart64
Rated 20 Apr 2016
13
64th
W4E1P1S2V1M1A1R2. I know i'm supposed to love it, but it just didn't stick with me like other great shows have (nor did it provide the kind of in-the-moment pure entertainment that less thought-provoking genres offer). So a score for a very solid show that is clearly done right.
Rated 20 Apr 2016
bowntvBownTV
Rated 11 Mar 2016
95
94th
Only not 100 because I haven't seen it in years tbh
Rated 11 Mar 2016
sboshSbosh
Rated 10 Jan 2016
100
99th
Epic—and now I suddenly want to buy a nail gun.
Rated 10 Jan 2016
thedicemanTheDiceman
Rated 08 Jan 2016
95
99th
Simply fantastic. Complete series.
Rated 08 Jan 2016
bbeatyBbeaty
Rated 02 Jan 2016
98
88th
An amazing series. With the exception of season 2. Season 2 is alright. But it does not come close to the other four.
Rated 02 Jan 2016
hamstercanhamstercan
Rated 29 Oct 2015
88
98th
masterpiece
Rated 29 Oct 2015
zspyryzspyry
Rated 24 Oct 2015
9
97th
As someone who never visited the USA, much less Baltimore, I feel this series gave me a level of understanding of the city and american society that I never thought achievable through the medium of television. One of the best series I've ever seen, especially the first season.
Rated 24 Oct 2015
pursusPursus
Rated 10 Oct 2015
89
93rd
The depth in this show is amazing. It's not just street cops versus drug dealers, you get a glimpse into the entire power structure of both sides. Between all of the amazing performances and the incredible realism it's hard to find fault. Sometimes it spends too much time on aspects that I, personally, found to be a drag (reporters, school kids, dock workers) but it's basically the show that every crime drama has tried and failed to be ever since. Masterful.
Rated 10 Oct 2015
prophet92Prophet92
Rated 25 Sep 2015
95
95th
The only reason this doesn't get a perfect score is because I personally found the second season to be a bit of a drag, beyond that it's an absolute masterpiece.
Rated 25 Sep 2015
ckecke
Rated 20 Sep 2015
11
99th
Simply the best.
Rated 20 Sep 2015
overratedoverrated
Rated 05 Sep 2015
89
96th
While it is excellent, The Wire is not the be-all and end-all of television. Even people who say it is have to excuse at least one season of it (usually season 5). Needless to say, Hamsterdam and the city hall/crime stats storylines are among the best of the medium.
Rated 05 Sep 2015
ag0stomesmerAg0stoMesmer
Rated 05 Sep 2015
4
91st
Very good. The different seasons illustrate the systemic nature of the USA's problems in a broad, satisfying way but it spelled things out just a little too clearly in places.
Rated 05 Sep 2015
karamazovkaramazov.
Rated 05 Sep 2015
57
76th
Was -very- impressed by this when I saw it years ago, but I somewhat suspect a rewatch would lead to a (more-or-less drastic) reevaluation: cf. Ishmael Reed's pretty devastating assessment of this show and Simon in general.
Rated 05 Sep 2015
The Wire - Season 1
The Wire - Season 1 (2002) - S1
Season 1 - Baltimore drug scene, seen through the eyes of drug dealers, and law enforcement. (imdb)
The Wire - Season 2
The Wire - Season 2 (2003) - S2
Season 2 - Baltimore drug scene, seen through the eyes of drug dealers, and law enforcement. (imdb)
The Wire - Season 3
The Wire - Season 3 (2004) - S3
Season 3 - Baltimore drug scene, seen through the eyes of drug dealers, and law enforcement. (imdb)
The Wire - Season 4
The Wire - Season 4 (2006) - S4
Season 4 - Baltimore drug scene, seen through the eyes of drug dealers, and law enforcement. (imdb)
Something missing? Seasons are generated automatically, when individual episodes are added to the database. If a season is missing, please consider submitting an episode from it, and the season will be created!

Cast & Info

Created by:

David Simon
David-Simon
David Simon
16 total credits
David Simon has 16 credits at Criticker, including: The Wire, Generation Kill and The Deuce
Read more

Directed by:

Clark Johnson
Clark-Johnson
Clark Johnson
44 total credits
Clark Johnson has 44 credits at Criticker, including: S.W.A.T., The Wire and The Sentinel
Read more
, Ernest R. Dickerson
Ernest-R-Dickerson
Ernest R. Dickerson
39 total credits
Ernest R. Dickerson has 39 credits at Criticker, including: The Walking Dead, The Wire, Bulletproof, Tales from the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight and Juice
Read more
, Joe Chappelle
Joe-Chappelle
Joe Chappelle
20 total credits
Joe Chappelle has 20 credits at Criticker, including: The Wire, Fringe, Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, Phantoms and Black Bird
Read more
, Agnieszka Holland
Agnieszka-Holland
Agnieszka Holland
51 total credits
Agnieszka Holland has 51 credits at Criticker, including: Three Colors: Blue, Three Colors: White, The Wire, The Secret Garden and Europa Europa
Read more

Writers:

Dennis Lehane
Dennis-Lehane
Dennis Lehane
9 total credits
Dennis Lehane has 9 credits at Criticker, including: Shutter Island, Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone, The Wire and The Drop
Read more
, Richard Price
Richard-Price
Richard Price
20 total credits
Richard Price has 20 credits at Criticker, including: Ransom, Shaft, The Color of Money, The Wire and The Night Of
Read more
, David Simon
David-Simon
David Simon
16 total credits
David Simon has 16 credits at Criticker, including: The Wire, Generation Kill and The Deuce
Read more
, Ed Burns
Ed-Burns
Ed Burns
7 total credits
Ed Burns has 7 credits at Criticker, including: The Wire, Generation Kill, The Corner and The Plot Against America
Read more

Starring:

Seth Gilliam
Seth-Gilliam
Seth Gilliam
6 total credits
Seth Gilliam has 6 credits at Criticker, including: The Wire, Courage Under Fire, Jefferson in Paris, Punks and Assault at West Point: The Court-Martial of Johnson Whittaker
Read more
, Dominic West
Dominic-West
Dominic West
49 total credits
Dominic Gerard Fe West (born 15 October 1969) is an English actor. His most notable role has been Baltimore police detective Jimmy McNulty on the HBO television police drama The Wire. West was praised for the accuracy of his character's accent...(Wikipedia)
Read more
, Domenick Lombardozzi
Domenick-Lombardozzi
Domenick Lombardozzi
24 total credits
Domenick Lombardozzi has 24 credits at Criticker, including: The Irishman, Bridge of Spies, The Wire, The Family and The Gambler
Read more
, Jim True-Frost
Jim-True-Frost
Jim True-Frost
11 total credits
Jim True-Frost has 11 credits at Criticker, including: The Hudsucker Proxy, The Wire, Off the Map, Normal Life and Diminished Capacity
Read more
, Andre Royo
Andre-Royo
Andre Royo
23 total credits
Andre Royo has 23 credits at Criticker, including: The Wire, Super, The Collection, Prospect and Red Tails
Read more
, Wendell Pierce
Wendell-Pierce
Wendell Pierce
38 total credits
Wendell Pierce has 38 credits at Criticker, including: Hackers, The Wire, The Gift, Selma and Manhattan Murder Mystery
Read more
, Clarke Peters
Clarke-Peters
Clarke Peters
42 total credits
Clarke Peters has 42 credits at Criticker, including: John Wick, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Marley & Me, The Wire and Da 5 Bloods
Read more
, John Doman
John-Doman
John Doman
21 total credits
John Doman has 21 credits at Criticker, including: Mystic River, Die Hard: With a Vengeance, Blue Valentine, Beavis and Butt-Head Do America and You Were Never Really Here
Read more
, Michael Kenneth Williams
Michael-Kenneth-Williams
Michael Kenneth Williams
52 total credits
Michael Kenneth Williams has 52 credits at Criticker, including: 12 Years a Slave, The Road, Gone Baby Gone, RoboCop and The Wire
Read more
, Sonja Sohn
Sonja-Sohn
Sonja Sohn
16 total credits
Sonja Sohn has 16 credits at Criticker, including: Bringing Out the Dead, Shaft, The Wire, High Flying Bird and Slam
Read more
, Lance Reddick
Lance-Reddick
Lance Reddick
39 total credits
Lance Reddick has 39 credits at Criticker, including: John Wick, John Wick: Chapter 2, John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, The Wire and White House Down
Read more
, Deirdre Lovejoy
Deirdre-Lovejoy
Deirdre Lovejoy
5 total credits
Deirdre Lovejoy has 5 credits at Criticker, including: The Wire, Step Up, Beauty Mark, The Veteran in a New Field and Kindred Spirits
Read more

Genres:

Drama, Suspense/Thriller, Crime

Country:

USA

Language:

English
IMDb
Update history
Suggest an edit
Loading ...

Similar Titles

Loading ...

Statistics

Loading ...

Trailer

Loading ...