The Wire is an American crime drama television series created and primarily written by author and former police reporter David Simon. The series was broadcast by the cable network HBO in the United States. "The Wire" premiered on June 2, 2002 and ended on March 9, 2008, comprising 60 episodes over five seasons. The idea for the show started out as a police drama loosely based on the experiences of his writing partner Ed Burns, a former homicide detective and public school teacher. Set and produced in Baltimore, Maryland, "The Wire" introduces a different institution of the city and its relationship to law enforcement in each season, while retaining characters and advancing storylines from previous seasons.
Introduction
The Wire
The Wire | Introduction
Set and produced in Baltimore, Maryland Sorry. I cannot find the answer based on the context. Baltimore Baltimore, Maryland
what year is the wire season 1 set in
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what is the wire?
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It is an American crime drama television series
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who created it?
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David Simon
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where was it filmed?
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The Wire is an American crime drama television series created and primarily written by author and former police reporter David Simon. The series was broadcast by the cable network HBO in the United States. "The Wire" premiered on June 2, 2002 and ended on March 9, 2008, comprising 60 episodes over five seasons. The idea for the show started out as a police drama loosely based on the experiences of his writing partner Ed Burns, a former homicide detective and public school teacher. Set and produced in Baltimore, Maryland, "The Wire" introduces a different institution of the city and its relationship to law enforcement in each season, while retaining characters and advancing storylines from previous seasons.
The Wire | Introduction
The five subjects are, in chronological order: the illegal drug trade, the seaport system, the city government and bureaucracy, education and schools, and the print news medium. Simon chose to set the show in Baltimore because of his familiarity with the city. The large cast consists mainly of actors who are little known for their other roles, as well as numerous real-life Baltimore and Maryland figures in guest and recurring roles. Simon has said that despite its framing 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.
The Wire | Introduction
Writers Ed Burns and David Simon were nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award in the category Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for their work on the finale.
-30- (The Wire) | Reception
"The Wire" is the sixth episode of the first season of the HBO original series, "The Wire", the titular episode of the series. The episode was written by David Simon from a story by David Simon & Ed Burns and was directed by Ed Bianchi. It originally aired on July 7, 2002.
The Wire (The Wire episode) | Introduction
On January 18, 2018, it was reported that "The Wire" creator David Simon would be adapting a six-part mini-series adaptation of "The Plot Against America". The news was first announced in a "New York Times" journalist Charles McGrath's interview with Roth, who noted that Simon had visited Roth, who stated he "was sure his novel was in good hands." Filming took place in Jersey City, New Jersey. It premiered on HBO on March 16, 2020.
The Plot Against America | Television adaptation
"The Wire", a television drama series created by David Simon, premiered on June 2, 2002 on HBO in the United States and ended on March 9, 2008. 60 episodes aired over the show's five seasons, plus three additional prequel shorts. Each episode has a running time of 55–60 minutes. "The Wire" is set in Baltimore, Maryland; each season of the series expands its focus on a different part of the city. The show features a large ensemble cast; many characters are only featured prominently in a single season. A group of characters, mainly in the Baltimore Police Department, appear in every season.
List of The Wire episodes | Introduction
Stories for the show are often co-written by Ed Burns, a former Baltimore homicide detective and public school teacher who has worked with Simon on other projects including "The Corner". The writing staff includes acclaimed crime fiction novelist George P. Pelecanos from Washington, D.C. Pelecanos has commented that he was attracted to the project because of the opportunity to work with Simon. Staff writer Rafael Alvarez was a colleague of Simon's from "The Sun" and a Baltimore native with working experience in the port area. Another city native and independent filmmaker, Joy Lusco Kecken, joined the writing staff and served as the script coordinator.
The Wire (season 1) | Crew
Simon has commented that the influx of novice child actors led to an unruly behavior at the beginning of filming, but they became a closely knit group of professional young actors by the close of the series.
Boys of Summer (The Wire) | Production
Filming took place from 22 October 2001 to 14 February 2002 in various locations around Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham and Northumberland, including Bollyhope Quarry (Durham), Chopwell Woods (Gateshead) and Eshott Hall (Northumberland) which was used for the Vance residence.
Wire in the Blood | Series 1 (2002)
Simon was the creator, show runner, executive producer and head writer of the HBO drama series "The Wire". Many of "The Wire"'s characters and incidents also came from "". After the fourth season, Simon signed on to produce the fifth and final season of "The Wire", which focused on the role of mass media in society. Again he worked with Ed Burns on creating the show. Originally they set out to create a police drama loosely based on Burns' experiences when working on protracted investigations of violent drug dealers using surveillance technology. During this time Burns had often faced frustration with the bureaucracy of the police department, which Simon equated with his own ordeals as a police reporter for "The Baltimore Sun".
David Simon | "The Wire"
"The Cost" is the tenth episode of the first season of the HBO original series, "The Wire". The episode was written by David Simon from a story by David Simon & Ed Burns and was directed by Brad Anderson. It originally aired on August 11, 2002.
The Cost (The Wire) | Introduction
"Not for Attribution" is the third episode of the fifth season of the HBO original series, "The Wire". The episode was written by Chris Collins from a story by David Simon & Chris Collins and was directed by Joy Kecken and Scott Kecken. It aired on January 20, 2008.
Not for Attribution | Introduction
The Live Wire is a 1937 British comedy film directed by Herbert Brenon and starring Jean Gillie, Irene Ware and Arthur Wontner. It was made at Beaconsfield Studios.
The Live Wire (1937 film) | Introduction
Alongside Simon, the show's creator, head writer, showrunner, and executive producer, much of the creative team behind "The Wire" were alumni of "" and Primetime Emmy Award-winning miniseries "The Corner". "The Corner" veteran, Robert F. Colesberry, was executive producer for the first two seasons and directed the season 2 finale before dying from complications from heart surgery in 2004. He is credited by the rest of the creative team as having a large creative role for a producer, and Simon credits him for achieving the show's realistic visual feel. He also had a small recurring role as Detective Ray Cole.
The Wire | Crew
"All Prologue" is the sixth episode of the second season of the HBO original series, "The Wire". The episode was written by David Simon from a story by David Simon & Ed Burns and was directed by Steve Shill. It originally aired on July 6, 2003.
All Prologue | Introduction
David Simon is the series' creator and head writer, show runner and executive producer. Alongside Simon, many of the creative team behind "The Wire" are alumni of "" and Emmy-winning miniseries "The Corner". "The Corner" veteran, Robert F. Colesberry, was also executive producer. Colesberry is credited by the rest of the creative team as having a large creative role for a producer, and Simon credits him for achieving the show's realistic visual feel. He also had a small recurring role as Detective Ray Cole. Colesberry's wife Karen L. Thorson joined him on the production staff. A third producer on "The Corner", Nina Kostroff Noble, also stayed with the production staff for "The Wire" rounding out the initial four-person team.
The Wire (season 1) | Crew
Simon wanted to avoid a repeat of these conflicts and chose to take "The Wire" to HBO, because of their working relationship from the miniseries "The Corner". HBO was initially doubtful about including a police drama in its lineup but agreed to produce the pilot episode. Simon approached the mayor of Baltimore, telling him that he wanted to give a bleak portrayal of certain aspects of the city; Simon was welcomed to work there again. He hoped the show would change the opinions of some viewers but said that it was unlikely to affect the issues it portrays.
The Wire | Conception
As the series was shot with a 16:9-safe area, the remastered series is an open matte of the original 4:3 framing. Creator David Simon approved the new version, and worked with HBO to remove film equipment and crew members, and solve actor sync problems in the widened frame. The remastered series debuted on HBO Signature, airing the entire series consecutively, and on HBO GO on December 26, 2014. In the United Kingdom, the show has been broadcast on FX until 2009 when the BBC bought terrestrial television rights to "The Wire" in 2008, when it was broadcast on BBC Two, although controversially it was broadcast at 11:20 pm and catchup was not available on BBC iPlayer.
The Wire | Broadcasters
Simon has stated that he originally set out to create a police drama loosely based on the experiences of his writing partner Ed Burns, a former homicide detective and public school teacher who had worked with Simon on projects including "The Corner" (2000). Burns, when working on protracted investigations of violent drug dealers using surveillance technology, had often been frustrated by the bureaucracy of the Baltimore Police Department; Simon saw similarities with his own ordeals as a police reporter for "The Baltimore Sun". Simon chose to set the show in Baltimore because of his familiarity with the city. During his time as a writer and producer for the NBC program "", based on his book "" (1991), also set in Baltimore, Simon had come into conflict with NBC network executives who were displeased by the show's pessimism.
The Wire | Conception
At that "Night at the Wire" event, fans were allowed to tour the "Baltimore Sun" newsroom constructed for the show. The real newspaper allowed the show to use their name but stipulated that no current employees could appear in the series. The newsroom was an entirely built set constructed at the show's out-of-town soundstage. The actual "Washington Post" newsroom was also featured, as one reporter visits for an interview. "The Wire" is the first production to be allowed to film at the location; even the film "All the President's Men" about the paper's role in breaking the Watergate scandal had to build a set to represent the paper.
The Wire (season 5) | Locations
They first met at the funeral of a mutual friend shortly after Simon delivered the pilot episode. Simon pitched Pelecanos the idea of "The Wire" as a novel for television about the American city as Pelecanos drove him home. Pelecanos was excited about the prospect of writing something more than simple mystery for television as he strived to exceed the boundaries of genre in his novels. Pelecanos joined the crew as a writer for the first season in 2002. He wrote the teleplay for the season's penultimate episode, "Cleaning Up", from a story by Simon and Ed Burns. Pelecanos was promoted to producer for the second season in 2003.
George Pelecanos | Film and television
Creator David Simon continued to act as the show's executive producer and show runner. Nina Kostroff Noble once again served as the show's other executive producer. Joe Chappelle reprised his co-executive producer role and continued to direct episodes. Ed Burns once again served as a writer and joined Chappelle as a co-executive producer. Karen L. Thorson returned as a producer. George Pelecanos produced the sixth episode of the series only - his first production work since the third season. Political journalist William F. Zorzi continued to write for the show and guide the political storylines. Acclaimed crime fiction novelist Pelecanos returned as a writer and contributed his seventh episode to the series.
The Wire (season 5) | Crew
"Lessons" is the eighth episode of the first season of the HBO original series "The Wire". The episode was written by David Simon from a story by David Simon and Ed Burns and was directed by Gloria Muzio. It originally aired on July 21, 2002.
Lessons (The Wire) | Introduction
Following the death of Robert F. Colesberry, director Joe Chappelle joined the production staff as a co-executive producer and continued to regularly direct episodes. Baltimore Sun writer and political journalist William F. Zorzi joined the writing staff in the third season and brought a wealth of experience to the show's examination of Baltimore politics. David Simon had originally hoped to create a city hall spinoff show, which would run in tandem with subsequent seasons of "The Wire", and had even written scripts for it. But HBO declined, according to Simon: "HBO said, 'No, we only want one show that nobody is watching in Baltimore, not two!'".
The Wire (season 3) | Production
Creators David Simon and Ed Burns commented as early as the airing of the premiere of the pilot episode that they felt the show could continue by investigating a different set of criminals or a different kind of crime and retain some, but not all, of the starring cast.
Sentencing (The Wire) | Reception
Three short film vignettes set prior to the series events were filmed during the fifth season's production. They were made available via HBO On Demand during broadcast of the final season, and included as extras on the complete series DVD box set.
List of The Wire episodes | Prequel shorts
The series was filmed in locations in and around Newcastle including the main location of the old Bank of England building in Pilgrim Street, Newcastle. Also used: Finchale Priory, Durham Cathedral, Calder's Brewery near the Newcastle Arena plus various temporary (daily) locations. Every episode of series two was the leader in its time slot.
Wire in the Blood | Series 2 (2004)
The film, which was being prepped as a summer blockbuster at a time when distributor New Line was trying to diversify its movies, was instead released on cable television before receiving a home media release. In 2003, the film was cited in "DC Goes to the Movies: A Unique Guide to the Reel Washington" as the "best bad movie" set in Washington, D.C..
Live Wire (film) | Release and Reception
"The Hunt" is the 11th episode of the first season of the HBO original series, "The Wire". The episode was written by Joy Lusco from a story by David Simon & Ed Burns and was directed by Steve Shill. It originally aired on August 18, 2002.
The Hunt (The Wire) | Introduction
"Time After Time" is the first episode of the third season of the HBO original series, "The Wire". The episode was written by David Simon from a story by David Simon & Ed Burns and was directed by Ed Bianchi. It originally aired on September 19, 2004.
Time After Time (The Wire) | Introduction
"-30-" is the series finale of the HBO original series "The Wire". With a running time of 93 minutes, this tenth and final episode of the fifth season is the longest episode of the series. The episode was written by series creator/executive producer David Simon (teleplay/story) and co-executive producer Ed Burns (story). It was directed by Clark Johnson, who also directed the pilot episode and stars on the show. It aired on March 9, 2008. The episode's writers were nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series.
-30- (The Wire) | Introduction
The opening scene (the Snot Boogie crime scene) was filmed at the corner of Fulton and Lexington in West Baltimore. The scenes set at Orlando's gentleman's club were filmed at the Ritz Cabaret in Fells Point.
The Target (The Wire) | Locations
"The Detail" is the second episode of the first season of the HBO original television series, "The Wire" (2002-2008). The episode was written by David Simon from a story by David Simon & Ed Burns and was directed by Clark Johnson. It originally aired on June 9, 2002.
The Detail (The Wire) | Introduction
Writing against the background of current events, including institutionalized corporate crime at Enron and institutional dysfunction in the Catholic Church, the show became "more of a treatise about institutions and individuals than a straight cop show." They chose to take "The Wire" to HBO because of their existing working relationship from "The Corner". Owing to its reputation for exploring new areas, HBO was initially dubious about including a cop drama in their lineup, but eventually agreed to produce the pilot after ordering a further two scripts to see how the series would progress. Carolyn Strauss, the president of HBO entertainment, has said that Simon's argument that the most subversive thing HBO could do was invade the networks' "backyard" of police procedurals helped to persuade them.
David Simon | "The Wire"
"The Target" is the series premiere of the HBO original series "The Wire". The episode was written by David Simon from a story by Simon and Ed Burns and was directed by Clark Johnson. It originally aired on June 2, 2002. The title refers to Detective Jimmy McNulty setting his sights on Stringer Bell and Avon Barksdale's drug-dealing organization as the target of an investigation.
The Target (The Wire) | Introduction
"Boys of Summer" is the first episode of the fourth season of the HBO original series "The Wire". Written by David Simon from a story by David Simon & Ed Burns, and directed by Joe Chappelle, it originally aired on September 10, 2006.
Boys of Summer (The Wire) | Introduction
"Homecoming" is the sixth episode of the third season of the HBO original series, "The Wire". The episode was written by Rafael Alvarez from a story by David Simon & Rafael Alvarez and was directed by Leslie Libman. It originally aired on October 31, 2004.
Homecoming (The Wire) | Introduction
Although, a Reliable Pictures release, much of it was filmed on existing sets, at Universal , and footage from the 1934 serial Pirate Treasure was reused. The dock scenes were filmed in San Pedro, California. After appearing in over 130 films, this was Alberta Vaughn's last movie.
The Live Wire (1935 film) | Production
"Hot Shots" is the third episode of the second season of the HBO original series, "The Wire". The episode was written by David Simon from a story by David Simon & Ed Burns and was directed by Elodie Keene. It originally aired on June 15, 2003.
Hot Shots (The Wire) | Introduction
Parts of the film were shot in Park City, Utah.
Tripwire (film) | Production
The writers strove to create a realistic vision of an American city based on their own experiences. Simon, originally a reporter for "The Baltimore Sun", spent a year researching a Homicide Police Department for his book "", where he met Burns. Burns served in the Baltimore Police Department for 20 years and later became a teacher in an inner-city school. The two of them spent a year researching the drug culture and poverty in Baltimore for their book "". Their combined experiences were used in many storylines of "The Wire". Central to the show's aim for realism was the creation of truthful characters.
The Wire | Realism
Filming for this series took place between January 15 and April 20, 2007. "Prayer of the Bone" was filmed in and around Austin and La Grange, Texas.
Wire in the Blood | Series 5 (2007)
"Sentencing" is the 13th episode and finale of the first season of the HBO original series, "The Wire". The episode was written by David Simon and Ed Burns and was directed by Tim Van Patten. It originally aired on September 8, 2002.
Sentencing (The Wire) | Introduction
"The Buys" is the third episode of the first season of the HBO original series, "The Wire". The episode was written by David Simon from a story by David Simon & Ed Burns and was directed by Peter Medak. It originally aired on June 16, 2002.
The Buys | Introduction
"Middle Ground" is the 11th episode of the third season of the HBO original series, "The Wire". The episode was written by George Pelecanos from a story by David Simon & George Pelecanos and was directed by Joe Chappelle. It originally aired on December 12, 2004. The episode was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series.
Middle Ground (The Wire) | Introduction
In the commentary track to episode 37, "Mission Accomplished", executive producer David Simon said: "I hate it when somebody purposely tries to have the lyrics match the visual. It brutalizes the visual in a way to have the lyrics dead on point. ... Yet at the same time it can't be totally off point. It has to glance at what you're trying to say."
The Wire | Music
"More with Less" is the first episode of the fifth season of the HBO original series, "The Wire". The episode was written by David Simon from a story by David Simon & Ed Burns and was directed by Joe Chappelle. It originally aired on January 6, 2008.
More with Less | Introduction
The DVD release featured a commentary track recorded by creator and writer/producer David Simon. Simon discusses the season's novelistic structure and the theme of the corrupting influence of the institutions that the characters have committed to. He mentions many real life inspirations for events and characters on the show. He discusses the technique of using surveillance methods within shots (TV monitors, security cameras etc.) to give the sense of always being watched and a need to process the vast amount of information available to the show's detective characters. He also talks about trying to ground the show in realism by using only diegetic music.
The Target (The Wire) | Commentary
"Old Cases" is the fourth episode of the first season of the HBO original series, "The Wire". The episode was written by David Simon from a story by David Simon & Ed Burns and was directed by Clement Virgo. It originally aired on June 23, 2002.
Old Cases | Introduction
Show creator David Simon left the "Baltimore Sun" after a bitter feud with editor William K. Marimow. Simon chose to name an unsympathetic character after his old enemy.
Police of The Wire | Charles Marimow
David Judah Simon (born February 9, 1960) is an American author, journalist, and television writer and producer best known for his work on "The Wire" (2002–08). He worked for the "Baltimore Sun" City Desk for twelve years (1982–95), wrote "" (1991), and co-wrote "" (1997) with Ed Burns. The former book was the basis for the NBC series "" (1993–99), on which Simon served as a writer and producer. Simon adapted the latter book into the HBO mini-series "The Corner" (2000). He was the creator, executive producer, head writer, and show runner for all five seasons of the HBO television series "The Wire" (2002–2008).
David Simon | Introduction
A preview for Season 5 of "The Wire" aired on HBO on October 28, 2007 and was later made available on YouTube. HBO sent critics the first seven episodes on DVD in December 2007. HBO's On Demand and multiplatform marketing division approached creator David Simon about producing exclusive on-demand content and three short prequel clips were produced that take place prior to the linear storyline of the show. The clips were made available via Amazon.com from December 5 and through HBO's on-demand service from December 15. The first video takes place in 1962 and focuses on the school days of drug kingpin Proposition Joe; the second is set in 1985 and focuses on Omar Little making an early robbery; the third video is set in 2000 and shows the first meeting of Jimmy McNulty (played by Dominic West) and Bunk Moreland (Wendell Pierce).
The Wire (season 5) | Promotion
The film was shot in and around Los Angeles, California.
Don't Answer the Phone! | Production
The Live Wire is a 1935 American adventure film directed and produced by Harry S. Webb for Reliable Pictures, starring stuntman Richard Talmadge in the lead role.
The Live Wire (1935 film) | Introduction
Chappelle joined the crew of the HBO crime drama "The Wire" as a director for the first season in 2002. "The Wire" was created by David Simon and examines the city of Baltimore one faltering institution at a time. Chappelle directed the first season episode "One Arrest". Chappelle returned to "The Wire" as co-executive producer, episodic director and second unit director for the third season in 2004. Chappelle directed the season's penultimate episode "Middle Ground". "Middle Ground" received the show's only Emmy Award nomination to date, for writers Simon and George Pelecanos in the category Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series.
Joe Chappelle | "The Wire"
Bird on a Wire is a 1990 American action comedy film directed by John Badham and starring Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn. It was shot mainly in British Columbia, Canada. The title refers to the Leonard Cohen song "Bird on the Wire". The alley motorcycle chase scene was filmed in Victoria's Chinatown, in Fan Tan Alley.
Bird on a Wire (film) | Introduction
Simon credits Chappelle with choosing the music for the season three closing montage; Solomon Burke's cover of Van Morrison's "Fast Train" which appeared in the season finale "Mission Accomplished". Chappelle returned as a co-executive producer, episodic director and second unit director for the fourth season of "The Wire" in 2006. He directed the season premiere "Boys of Summer" and the penultimate episode "That's Got His Own".
Joe Chappelle | "The Wire"
The cover art for the album, featuring electrical poles with the Statue of Liberty in the background, is taken from a 1967 photograph by David Plowden entitled "Statue of Liberty from Caven Point Road, Jersey City, New Jersey."
Across a Wire: Live in New York City | Introduction
"Mission Accomplished" is the 12th and final episode of the third season of the HBO original series, "The Wire". The episode was written by David Simon from a story by David Simon & Ed Burns and was directed by Ernest Dickerson. It originally aired on December 19, 2004.
Mission Accomplished (The Wire) | Introduction
Peter Gerety had a recurring role as Judge Phelan, the official who started the case moving.
The Wire | Main cast
Although credited, John Doman and Domenick Lombardozzi do not appear in this episode.
The Cost (The Wire) | Starring cast
Solomon Burke's cover of Van Morrison's "Fast Train" plays over the episode's closing montage. David Simon credits co-executive producer Joe Chappelle with choosing the song.
Mission Accomplished (The Wire) | Music
"Slapstick" is the ninth episode of the third season of the HBO original series, "The Wire". The episode was written by David Simon from a story by David Simon & George Pelecanos and was directed by Alex Zakrzewski. It originally aired on November 21, 2004.
Slapstick (The Wire) | Introduction
The Live Wire is a 1925 American comedy film directed by Charles Hines and written by John W. Krafft. The film stars Johnny Hines, Edmund Breese, Mildred Ryan, J. Barney Sherry, Bradley Barker and Flora Finch. The film was released on September 20, 1925, by First National Pictures.
The Live Wire (1925 film) | Introduction
Live Wire is a 1992 American action film directed by Christian Duguay, written by Bart Baker, and starring Pierce Brosnan, Ron Silver, Ben Cross, and Lisa Eilbacher. The plot revolves around a rash of seemingly inexplicable, explosive spontaneous human combustions and Danny O'Neill (Brosnan), a bomb disposal expert that gets involved and will eventually have to solve the case.
Live Wire (film) | Introduction
"Hamsterdam" (called "Amsterdam" in some releases) is the fourth episode of the third season of the HBO original series "The Wire". The episode was written by George Pelecanos from a story by David Simon & George Pelecanos and was directed by Ernest Dickerson. It originally aired on October 10, 2004.
Hamsterdam | Introduction
The fourth season received a second AFI Award and Dickerson attended the ceremony to collect the award. Showrunner David Simon has said that Dickerson is the show's directorial work horse and that he knows the show as well as the producers; Simon has praised Dickerson's directing saying that he "delivers each time". Dickerson returned as a director for the series' fifth and final season in 2008 and helmed the episode "Unconfirmed Reports".
Ernest Dickerson | "The Wire"
"Took" is the seventh episode of the fifth season of the HBO original series, "The Wire". The episode was written by Richard Price from a story by David Simon & Richard Price and was directed by cast member Dominic West. It aired on February 17, 2008.
Took (The Wire) | Introduction
"All Due Respect" is the second episode of the third season of the HBO original series, "The Wire". The episode was written by Richard Price from a story by David Simon & Richard Price and was directed by Steve Shill. It originally aired on September 26, 2004.
All Due Respect (The Wire) | Introduction
In addition to writing, Pelecanos served as a producer for the third season. Pelecanos has commented that he was attracted to the project because of the opportunity to work with Simon. Staff writer Rafael Alvarez penned several episodes' scripts, as well as the series guidebook "The Wire: Truth Be Told." Alvarez is a colleague of Simon's from "The Baltimore Sun" and a Baltimore native with working experience in the port area. Another city native and independent filmmaker, Joy Lusco, also wrote for the show in each of its first three seasons. "Baltimore Sun" writer and political journalist William F. Zorzi joined the writing staff in the third season and brought a wealth of experience to the show's examination of Baltimore politics.
The Wire | Crew
The Live Wire is a 1917 British short silent comedy film directed by George Dewhurst and starring Ronald Colman and Phyllis Titmuss. It marked the screen debut of Colman, who would go on to become a leading Hollywood star. It is now a lost film.
The Live Wire (1917 film) | Introduction
The placement of the payphone number recorders formed the basis of "The Wire"'s first season. Simon argued that the media attention regarding the surveillance disclosures is a "faux scandal." During a November 2013 speech at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas in Sydney, he said that America has become "a horror show" of savage inequality as a result of capitalism run amok, and that "unless we reverse course, the average human being is worth less on planet Earth. Unless we take stock of the fact that maybe socialism and the socialist impulse has to be addressed again; it has to be married as it was married in the 1930s, the 1940s and even into the 1950s, to the engine that is capitalism."
David Simon | Political views
"Middle Ground" received the show's first Emmy nomination, for writers David Simon and George Pelecanos in the category Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series. Following the show's nomination, "Variety" printed an article with an anonymous member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences explaining why they thought the show was not recognized in more categories. They postulated that the show's complex narrative made it impenetrable to first time viewers, that the location meant that the cast and crew were "out of sight, out of mind" to voters, and the majority California based voters have little connection to the drug markets of Baltimore.
Middle Ground (The Wire) | Awards and nominations
Burns was a producer, writer, and co-creator (also with Simon) of the HBO series "The Wire". They originally set out to create a police drama loosely based on Burns' experiences working on protracted investigations of violent drug dealers using surveillance technology. He had often faced frustration with the bureaucracy of the police department, which Simon equated with his own ordeals as a police reporter for "The Baltimore Sun". Writing against the background of current events, including institutionalized corporate crime at Enron and institutional dysfunction in the Catholic Church, the show became "more of a treatise about institutions and individuals than a straight cop show." They chose to take "The Wire" to HBO because of their existing working relationship from the 2000 miniseries "The Corner".
Ed Burns | "The Wire"
Playwright and television writer/producer Eric Overmyer joined the crew for the show's fourth season as a consulting producer and writer. He had previously worked on "Homicide" and was brought into the full-time production staff to replace George Pelecanos who scaled back his involvement in order to concentrate on his next book and he worked on the fourth season solely as a writer. David Mills, Emmy-award winner, "Homicide" and "The Corner" writer and college friend of Simon, joined the writing staff in the fourth season. Regular writer Ed Burns became a producer on "The Wire" in this season.
The Wire (season 4) | Crew
Jordan said, "I live in an area where there are lots of drug dealers and I know some people who may or may not sell drugs, so this is not new to me." The actor found out his character was going to be killed one week before it was filmed. Series creator David Simon has described Wallace as an emotional center to the show's first season and praised Jordan's performance, saying that he was sorry the character had to leave but that the story comes first. Simon sees the character as an illustration of the adage "a 16-year-old drug dealer is still 16."
Wallace (The Wire) | Creation
"One Arrest" is the seventh episode of the first season of the HBO original series, "The Wire" (2002-2008). The episode was written by Rafael Alvarez from a story by David Simon & Ed Burns and was directed by Joe Chappelle. It originally aired on July 14, 2002.
One Arrest | Introduction
"React Quotes" is the fifth episode of the fifth season of the HBO original series, "The Wire". The episode was written by David Mills from a story by David Simon & David Mills and was directed by Agnieszka Holland. It first aired on February 3, 2008.
React Quotes | Introduction
"A New Day" is the 11th episode of the fourth season of the HBO original series "The Wire". Written by Ed Burns from a story by David Simon & Ed Burns, and directed by Brad Anderson, it originally aired on November 26, 2006.
A New Day (The Wire) | Introduction
Johnson worked on "The Wire", reuniting with writer David Simon. Johnson directed the pilot episode "The Target", second episode, fifth episode and the series finale. He plays Augustus Haynes, the dedicated and principled editor for "The Baltimore Sun" city desk.
Clark Johnson | "The Wire"
Series six began filming in early 2008 and wrapped on 30 March.
Wire in the Blood | Series 6 (2008)
Although credited, Michael K. Williams and Isiah Whitlock, Jr. do not appear in this episode.
-30- (The Wire) | Starring cast
"Collateral Damage" is the second episode of the second season of the HBO original series, "The Wire". The episode was written by David Simon from a story by Simon and Ed Burns and was directed by Ed Bianchi. It originally aired on June 8, 2003.
Collateral Damage (The Wire) | Introduction
Michael B. Jordan auditioned before "The Wire" casting director Alexa Fogel in New York City for the role of Bodie. He was called back twice and the auditions went well, but he was turned down for the part because Fogel thought he was too young. The part went to Jordan's friend J. D. Williams, who grew up in the same hometown of Newark, New Jersey. Jordan was asked instead to audition for the younger character Wallace, and was cast in the part. Jordan did little preparation for the part, but used his experiences growing up on the streets of Newark as a way to prepare for the role.
Wallace (The Wire) | Creation
"Cleaning Up" is the twelfth and penultimate episode of the first season of the HBO original series, "The Wire". The episode was written by George Pelecanos from a story by David Simon & Ed Burns and was directed by Clement Virgo. It originally aired on September 1, 2002.
Cleaning Up (The Wire) | Introduction
Pelecanos has written and produced for HBO's "The Wire" and is part of a literary circle with "The Wire" creator David Simon and novelist Laura Lippman. Simon sought out Pelecanos after reading his work. Simon was recommended his novels several times but did not read his work initially because of territorial prejudice; Simon is from Baltimore. Once Simon received further recommendations, including one from Lippman, he tried "The Sweet Forever" and changed his mind. The two writers have much in common including a childhood in Silver Spring, Maryland, attendance at the University of Maryland, and their interest in the "fate of the American city and the black urban poor".
George Pelecanos | Film and television
Although credited, Deirdre Lovejoy does not appear in this episode.
The Wire (The Wire episode) | Starring cast
"The Pager" is the fifth episode of the first season of the HBO original series, "The Wire". The episode was written by Ed Burns from a story by David Simon & Ed Burns and was directed by Clark Johnson. It originally aired on June 30, 2002.
The Pager | Introduction
HBO announced on September 12, 2006, that a fifth and final season consisting of 13 episodesbut later reduced to tenhad been commissioned. Production for Season 5 officially began on April 30, 2007. Filming wrapped early in the morning of September 1, 2007 and the first episode aired on January 6, 2008. In an interview with "Slate" on December 1, 2006, David Simon said that Season 5 would be about the media and media consumption. A major focus would be journalism, which would be dramatized through a newspaper modeled after "The Baltimore Sun". The theme, according to Simon, would deal with "what stories get told and what don't and why it is that things stay the same." Issues such as the quest for profit, the decrease in the number of reporters, and the end of aspiration for news quality would all be addressed, alongside the theme of homelessness.
The Wire (season 5) | Production
Before the tour began, Palmer and Cohen agreed that he would film only one out of every five concerts, on the grounds that he would be doing the same songs in every one.
Leonard Cohen: Bird on a Wire | Production
"Stray Rounds" is the ninth episode of the second season of the HBO original series, "The Wire". The episode was written by David Simon from a story by David Simon & Ed Burns and was directed by Tim Van Patten. It originally aired on July 27, 2003.
Stray Rounds | Introduction
"That's Got His Own" is the 12th episode of the fourth season of the HBO original series "The Wire". Written by George Pelecanos from a story by Ed Burns & George Pelecanos, and directed by Joe Chappelle, it originally aired on December 3, 2006.
That's Got His Own | Introduction
"Final Grades" is the 13th and last episode of the fourth season of the HBO original series "The Wire". Written by David Simon from a story by David Simon & Ed Burns and directed by Ernest Dickerson, it originally aired on December 10, 2006. With a running time of 78 minutes, it is the second longest episode of the whole series and received critical acclaim.
Final Grades | Introduction
When she is found she pretends to be a boy, just hired on as a steward.
The Live Wire (1935 film) | Plot
The clips aired after Season 5 episodes as they premiered starting January 6, 2008.
The Wire (season 5) | Promotion
"TIME" named the first season as the best TV show of 2002 in their Top 10 Everything 2002. Despite the critical acclaim, "The Wire" has received poor Nielsen ratings, which Simon attributes to the complexity of the plot, a poor time slot, heavy use of esoteric slang, particularly among the gangster characters and a predominantly black cast. Critics felt the show was testing the attention span of its audience and felt that it was mistimed in the wake of the launch of the successful crime drama "The Shield" on FX. However, anticipation for a release of the first season on DVD was high at "Entertainment Weekly".
The Wire (season 1) | Reception
recurring character of the same name Former Baltimore Police Department homicide detective mentioned in David Simon's "" who spawned a character of the same name played by actor Gregory L. Williams throughout the series.
Police of The Wire | Michael Crutchfield
Another review postulated that the series might suffer because of its reliance on profanity and slowly drawn-out plot, but was largely positive about the show's characters and intrigue. Despite the critical acclaim, "The Wire" received poor Nielsen ratings, which Simon attributed to the complexity of the plot; a poor time slot; heavy use of esoteric slang, particularly among the gangster characters; and a predominantly black cast. Critics felt the show was testing the attention span of its audience and that it was mistimed in the wake of the launch of the successful crime drama "The Shield" on FX. However, anticipation for a release of the first season on DVD was high at "Entertainment Weekly".
The Wire | Critical response
Mills and the writing staff were nominated for the WGA Award for Best Dramatic Series at the February 2009 ceremony for their work on the fifth season but "Mad Men" won the award.
David Mills (TV writer) | "The Wire"
Despite the change in filming location, the show was still set in suburban New Jersey.
Radio Free Roscoe | Introduction