The Wire is an American television drama series set and produced in
Baltimore, Maryland. Created,
produced, and primarily written by author and former police reporter
David Simon, the series was broadcast by the premium cable network
HBO in the United States.
The Wire premiered on June 2, 2002 and ended on March 9, 2008. Sixty
episodes compose its five seasons.
Each season of
The Wire focuses on a different facet of the city of Baltimore. They are, in order: the illegal drug trade, the port system, the city government and bureaucracy, the school system, and the print news media. The large cast consists mainly of
character actors who are little known for their other roles. Simon has said that despite its presentation as a
crime drama, the show is "really about the American city, and about how we live together. It's about how institutions have an effect on individuals, and how whether you're a cop, a
longshoreman, a drug dealer, a politician, a judge or a lawyer, you are ultimately compromised and must contend with whatever institution you've committed to."
[1]
Despite never seeing a large commercial success or winning major television awards,
The Wire has been described by many critics as the greatest
television series ever made.
[2][3][4][5][6][7] The show is recognized for its realistic portrayal of urban life, its literary ambitions, and its uncommonly deep exploration of
sociopolitical themes.
