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The Wire

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The Wire

2002 - 2008

Drama

Suspense/Thriller

TV Series

59m

Seasons: 4, Episodes: 38 Episode List

Baltimore drug scene, seen through the eyes of drug dealers, and law enforcement. (imdb)

Created by:

David Simon

Directed by:

Clark Johnson

Ernest R. Dickerson Joe Chappelle

Agnieszka Holland

+3 more

Written by:

Dennis Lehane

Richard Price

David Simon Ed Burns

+3 more

Starring:

Seth Gilliam

Dominic West

Domenick Lombardozzi Jim True-Frost

Michael Kenneth Williams

Sonja Sohn

Lance Reddick

Deirdre Lovejoy

Genres:

Drama, Suspense/Thriller, Crime

Country:

USA

Languages:

English, Spanish, Mandarin, Greek

More information at IMDb

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Your probable score

The Wire

2002 - 2008

Drama

Suspense/Thriller

TV Series

59m

Your probable score

Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Avg Percentile 87.58% from 1791 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

(1791)

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CosmicMonkey

Rated 25 Oct 2015

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 25 Oct 2015

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Alex Watkins

Rated 08 Sep 2015

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

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KasperL

Rated 01 Sep 2015

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

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GordonBombay

Rated 18 Aug 2016

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

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hellboy76

Rated 05 Sep 2015

An incredibly 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

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Ocelot

Rated 05 Sep 2015

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

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DMCrimson

Rated 06 Feb 2018

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

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djross

Rated 19 Jun 2016

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

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BlakeEngel

Rated 28 Nov 2016

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 28 Nov 2016

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Dean Franz

Rated 09 Sep 2015

This is, in fact, The Wire.

Rated 09 Sep 2015

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FrederikA

Rated 06 Sep 2015

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

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Suture Self

Rated 05 Sep 2015

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

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CMonster

Rated 05 Sep 2015

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

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martryn

Rated 22 Sep 2019

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 22 Sep 2019

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mattorama12

Rated 07 Sep 2015

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

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Pickpocket

Rated 06 Sep 2015

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 06 Sep 2015

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td888

Rated 22 Jan 2017

An excellent series where each season has a different setting/viewpoint. Recommended.

Rated 22 Jan 2017

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kgbelliveau

Rated 17 Feb 2018

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

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BadFurDay

Rated 23 Sep 2015

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

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walkearth

Rated 25 Dec 2015

Phenomenal. Just phenomenal.

Rated 25 Dec 2015

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wigwam_uk

Rated 12 Sep 2015

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

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Tomhet

Rated 21 Sep 2015

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

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Calabria

Rated 11 Dec 2017

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

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redacted

Rated 31 Oct 2015

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

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Arberwaticus

Rated 22 Jan 2019

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

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nauru

Rated 16 Sep 2015

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 16 Sep 2015

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JSchlansky

Rated 07 Sep 2015

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

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babaracus

Rated 05 Sep 2015

ok then, I ain't all that humble.

Rated 05 Sep 2015

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Armilio

Rated 12 Nov 2016

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

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Ytadel

Rated 25 Sep 2015

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

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Monisit

Rated 24 Jan 2018

If there was anything that lived up to the hype as the "Greatest - Ever" this would be it.

Rated 24 Jan 2018

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deepdoop

Rated 21 May 2019

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

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dardan

Rated 05 Sep 2015

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

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Bagger

Rated 17 Jul 2016

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

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thehynes

Rated 24 Jan 2017

Undoubtedly some of the finest tv ever made. Most def.

Rated 24 Jan 2017

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qmiller32

Rated 16 Oct 2015

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 16 Oct 2015

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hajikarimi

Rated 26 Aug 2017

1505: very realistic. bitter sweet

Rated 26 Aug 2017

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ATiM2

Rated 18 Jan 2018

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 18 Jan 2018

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Boxcars

Rated 10 Oct 2015

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 10 Oct 2015

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Bbeaty

Rated 02 Jan 2016

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

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meIih

Rated 24 Dec 2020

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

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isitfallacy

Rated 25 Dec 2019

20 years later, still just as good.

Rated 25 Dec 2019

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tef

Rated 09 Jan 2021

It's as good as everyone says it is.

Rated 09 Jan 2021

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alwerty

Rated 26 Jun 2017

GOAT

Rated 26 Jun 2017

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kito1

Rated 17 Jul 2017

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

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overrated

Rated 05 Sep 2015

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

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CoinQuatro

Rated 10 Sep 2019

It's ok, I guess.

Rated 10 Sep 2019

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Boulili

Rated 14 Jan 2024

BownTV

Rated 11 Mar 2016

Only not 100 because I haven't seen it in years tbh

Rated 11 Mar 2016

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Kavu

Rated 08 Jul 2016

You got to. This America, man. The series never let go from there.

Rated 08 Jul 2016

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m@ry

Rated 22 Mar 2024

busekaragoz

Rated 14 Apr 2024

themacsays

Rated 22 Sep 2018

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

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hamstercan

Rated 29 Oct 2015

masterpiece

Rated 29 Oct 2015

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CStewart64

Rated 20 Apr 2016

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

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DanKh

Rated 31 Oct 2021

First 2 seasons are good

Rated 31 Oct 2021

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cosmik_debree

Rated 31 Mar 2024

Ag0stoMesmer

Rated 05 Sep 2015

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

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Jols93

Rated 21 Oct 2021

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 21 Oct 2021

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lintonmyroxy

Rated 20 May 2020

Great show but drugs should be legal

Rated 20 May 2020

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tottem

Rated 01 Apr 2024

Yoshinaruto

Rated 03 Sep 2018

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

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brrrp

Rated 19 Feb 2024

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

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Antares

Rated 01 Mar 2020

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

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edwinarborist

Rated 02 Apr 2024

War Machine

Rated 08 Jul 2021

3 eps

Rated 08 Jul 2021

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zspyry

Rated 24 Oct 2015

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

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Mindsex

Rated 12 Apr 2020

It is kinda sociological and ethnological study of Baltimore.

Rated 12 Apr 2020

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devrimozkan

Rated 09 Jul 2023

S01, S02

Rated 09 Jul 2023

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CalSmillie

Rated 05 Apr 2024

radumsmn

Rated 28 Dec 2019

It's all in the game, yo!

Rated 28 Dec 2019

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hellbikeart

Rated 07 Oct 2015

Great script and avarage acting. Would be better if cutted to 4 hour movie (per season).

Rated 07 Oct 2015

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Carlospro

Rated 10 Jan 2022

S1 - 85, S2 - 80, s3 - 95, s4 - 90, s5 - 85. A melhor série (live-action) que já vi

Rated 10 Jan 2022

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ptaylor54

Rated 28 Dec 2023

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

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mannaz230

Rated 17 May 2017

Forced my way through the entire first season and I still wonder what I was missing.

Rated 17 May 2017

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Recep

Rated 26 Mar 2024

caspian

Rated 14 May 2020

perfect story-telling. taught me so much about how the world works.

Rated 14 May 2020

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deaddilly

Rated 21 Jul 2020

S1: 80

Rated 21 Jul 2020

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TheDiceman

Rated 09 Jan 2016

Simply fantastic. Complete series.

Rated 09 Jan 2016

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amerigo

Rated 13 Feb 2020

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

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Prophet92

Rated 25 Sep 2015

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

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Tiran

Rated 13 May 2023

the best crime show ever. Novel on screen. Dastayovsky in Baltimore. etc.

Rated 13 May 2023

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yashgerrard

Rated 14 Nov 2022

Acting - 20/25 Pace - 22/25 Direction - 20/25 Plot - 24/25

Rated 14 Nov 2022

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Vandelay1

Rated 31 Mar 2017

nice series

Rated 31 Mar 2017

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XakkMaster

Rated 17 May 2020

It's almost too good. Painfully real. Amazing actors across the board, brilliant writing and crisp direction and editing.

Rated 17 May 2020

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Moribunny

Rated 23 Jul 2018

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

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ozerdur

Rated 05 Mar 2022

S1:80 S2:75 S3:85 S4:75

Rated 05 Mar 2022

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Excelsior

Rated 06 Mar 2019

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

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dlllk

Rated 24 Mar 2024

Pursus

Rated 10 Oct 2015

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

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MontyCircus

Rated 16 Sep 2023

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 16 Sep 2023

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edward

Rated 24 Aug 2018

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

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vv238

Rated 11 Sep 2018

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 11 Sep 2018

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P u l p

Rated 22 Mar 2024

dalyararslan

Rated 16 Jan 2024

karamazov.

Rated 05 Sep 2015

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

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