The Wire 2002
“Listen carefully.”
What is The Wire?
The Wire is an American crime drama television series that premiered on the cable network HBO. The series was created and primarily written by David Simon, an American author and former police reporter.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 2002
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 60
- First aired
- Jun 2, 2002
- Last aired
- Mar 9, 2008
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- US
- Networks
- HBO
- Genres
- Crime, Drama
- Updated
Where to watch
Stream
Foxtel Now
HBO Max
HBO Max Amazon ChannelBuy
Apple TV Store
Amazon Video
Fetch TVStream
HBO MaxHBO Max Amazon Channel
Stream
HBO MaxHBO Max Amazon ChannelBuy
Apple TV StoreAmazon Video
maxdome Store
MagentaTV
Videoload
Freenet meinVODStream
Movistar Plus+ Ficción TotalHBO MaxHBO Max Amazon ChannelBuy
Amazon VideoStream
HBO MaxHBO Max Amazon ChannelBuy
Apple TV Store
Canal VOD
Orange VOD
SoonerAmazon VideoStream
HBO Max Amazon Channel
Now TVHBO MaxBuy
Apple TV StoreAmazon Video
Sky StoreStream
JioHotstar
VI movies and tvStream
U-NEXT
HBO Max on U-NextStream
HBO MaxHBO Max Amazon ChannelStream
HBO Max Amazon Channel
YouTube TVHBO MaxBuy
Amazon VideoApple TV Store
Google Play Movies
Fandango At HomeStreaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.
How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 60 episodes and an average 45-minute runtime.
Trailer
Overview
The Wire is an American crime drama television series that premiered on the cable network HBO. The series was created and primarily written by David Simon, an American author and former police reporter. It is considered by critics as one of the best shows ever made due to its unique portrayal of systemic dysfunction in American civic institutions. The show captures a universe where the national war on drugs has become a permanent, self-sustaining bureaucracy. The series comprises 60 episodes over five seasons, and it aired on HBO from its premiere to its conclusion. The show is told from the points of view of both the Baltimore homicide and narcotics detectives and their targets, presenting a complex and nuanced portrayal of the city's drug scene. The Wire features a cast including Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, and John Doman.
Should you watch it?
“A gritty Baltimore cop drama exposing the drug war's moral gray zones.”
- Authentic portrayal of urban decay and bureaucracy
- Multi-layered storytelling from both sides of the law
- Slow pacing may deter casual viewers
You appreciate nuanced crime dramas with social commentary.
Mature themes, strong language, and violence throughout.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about The Wire — answers are spoiler-safe.
Your verdict
Is The Wire worth watching?
Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 13 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide →- E1 The Target Jun 2, 2002
- E2 The Detail Jun 9, 2002
- E3 The Buys Jun 16, 2002
- E4 Old Cases Jun 23, 2002
- E5 The Pager Jun 30, 2002
- E6 The Wire Jul 7, 2002
- E7 One Arrest Jul 21, 2002
- E8 Lessons Jul 28, 2002
- E9 Game Day Aug 4, 2002
- E10 The Cost Aug 11, 2002
- E11 The Hunt Aug 18, 2002
- E12 Cleaning Up Sep 1, 2002
- E13 Sentencing Sep 8, 2002
Season 2 · 12 episodes
- E1 Ebb Tide Jun 1, 2003
- E2 Collateral Damage Jun 8, 2003
- E3 Hot Shots Jun 15, 2003
- E4 Hard Cases Jun 22, 2003
- E5 Undertow Jun 29, 2003
- E6 All Prologue Jul 6, 2003
- E7 Backwash Jul 13, 2003
- E8 Duck and Cover Jul 27, 2003
- E9 Stray Rounds Aug 3, 2003
- E10 Storm Warnings Aug 10, 2003
- E11 Bad Dreams Aug 17, 2003
- E12 Port in a Storm Aug 24, 2003
Season 3 · 12 episodes
- E1 Time After Time Sep 19, 2004
- E2 All Due Respect Sep 26, 2004
- E3 Dead Soldiers Oct 3, 2004
- E4 Amsterdam Oct 10, 2004
- E5 Straight and True Oct 17, 2004
- E6 Homecoming Oct 31, 2004
- E7 Back Burners Nov 7, 2004
- E8 Moral Midgetry Nov 14, 2004
- E9 Slapstick Nov 21, 2004
- E10 Reformation Nov 28, 2004
- E11 Middle Ground Dec 12, 2004
- E12 Mission Accomplished Dec 19, 2004
Season 4 · 13 episodes
- E1 Boys of Summer Sep 10, 2006
- E2 Soft Eyes Sep 17, 2006
- E3 Home Rooms Sep 24, 2006
- E4 Refugees Oct 1, 2006
- E5 Alliances Oct 8, 2006
- E6 Margin of Error Oct 15, 2006
- E7 Unto Others Oct 29, 2006
- E8 Corner Boys Nov 5, 2006
- E9 Know Your Place Nov 12, 2006
- E10 Misgivings Nov 19, 2006
- E11 A New Day Nov 26, 2006
- E12 That's Got His Own Dec 3, 2006
- E13 Final Grades Dec 10, 2006
Season 5 · 10 episodes
- E1 More with Less Jan 6, 2008
- E2 Unconfirmed Reports Jan 13, 2008
- E3 Not for Attribution Jan 20, 2008
- E4 Transitions Jan 27, 2008
- E5 React Quotes Feb 3, 2008
- E6 The Dickensian Aspect Feb 10, 2008
- E7 Took Feb 17, 2008
- E8 Clarifications Feb 24, 2008
- E9 Late Editions Mar 2, 2008
- E10 -30- Mar 9, 2008
Frequently asked questions
Is The Wire based on a true story?
It is inspired by real experiences of Baltimore police and criminals.
Who created The Wire?
David Simon, a former Baltimore Sun reporter.
How many seasons does The Wire have?
Five seasons were produced.
What network aired The Wire?
HBO originally broadcast the series.
Are there any notable actors in The Wire?
Yes, including Dominic West, Lance Reddick, and John Doman.