Every Season of ‘The Wire’ Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes

When it comes to acclaimed television shows of the 21st century, there are few that receive as much universal praise as The Wire. Although it may not have enjoyed the same level of popularity during its initial run, the years following its final episode in 2008 have seen its reputation soar. What was once a critically acclaimed but somewhat underrated crime and drama series has now achieved legendary status, firmly establishing itself as a must-watch for aficionados of prestige TV. In the realm of HBO shows, its only real contender is perhaps The Sopranos. Yet, one could argue that The Sopranos technically began in 1999, making The Wire a strong contender for the title of the greatest show of the 2000s.

So, what is The Wire all about? When it made its debut in 2002, The Wire primarily revolved around a group of police officers in Baltimore conducting a wire-tapping operation to dismantle a drug dealing gang known as the Barksdale organization. However, each subsequent season delved into a different facet of Baltimore, all while masterfully weaving together ongoing storylines and characters. By the time of its final season, the show had evolved in scope, boasting a sprawling cast and a narrative that felt nothing short of epic. While it consistently delivered outstanding television throughout its run, some seasons left a more profound impact than others. Here’s a breakdown of how these seasons rank according to critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

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5.Season 1 (2002)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 86%

Season 1 of The Wire greets viewers with an impressively talented and expansive cast right from the start. Notably, this ensemble continues to grow as the series progresses, albeit in a gradual manner after the initial season. The expanding scope of the show might feel somewhat overwhelming, especially to newcomers. One of the reasons why some critics may consider season 1 to be slightly less exceptional compared to later seasons is the potential initial confusion that viewers might encounter. It’s akin to being thrown into the deep end of the television pool, so to speak.

However, after watching a few episodes, the narrative becomes clearer. By the season’s conclusion, what initially seemed like a fairly straightforward storyline—centered around a wire-tapping operation targeting a street gang—unfolds into a logically and emotionally resonant climax. The strength of The Wire lies in its ability to create a world that feels genuinely lived in, with characters bearing rich histories. Naturally, this intricate tapestry takes some time to become fully acquainted with. Consequently, on a first viewing, season 1 of The Wire can be the most challenging. But upon revisiting it, the pieces fall into place more coherently, and even during that initial watch, the season ultimately comes together. In any case, it serves as a robust foundation for the series, setting the stage for subsequent seasons to build upon and excel.

4.Season 5 (2008)

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Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 93%

The Wire is often lauded for its exceptional season finales, and it’s only fitting that it culminates in a remarkable series finale as well. As mentioned earlier, by the time the fifth and final season of The Wire rolls around, the show has essentially transformed into a comprehensive portrait of Baltimore itself. Virtually every character who managed to survive the first four seasons makes some form of appearance in this climactic season, even if it’s just for a brief moment or two. The final episode itself boasts a runtime longer than that of some movies, stretching out to a hefty 93 minutes. This extended duration underscores the sheer complexity of the many storylines that needed resolution as the show gracefully approached its conclusion.

Season 5 undoubtedly delivers a satisfying denouement to The Wire, with its final trio or quartet of episodes being particularly memorable. The primary storyline of this season might not enjoy the same adoration as those of previous seasons. It introduces The Baltimore Sun as a key institution and delves into the media’s role in the city, exploring how it influenced street crime and the police department. While this narrative may not reach the same heights as some of the show’s previous story arcs, it’s still compelling television. Moreover, Season 5 successfully serves as a pitch-perfect conclusion to the other narrative threads woven throughout the series, making it an indispensable part of this outstanding show.

3.Season 2 (2003)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 95%

The Wire’s second season may come as a surprise to viewers who have grown accustomed to the status quo set in season 1. For those expecting the continuation of the storyline from the first season, the introduction of the Port of Baltimore narrative might be somewhat startling. This new storyline centers on the lives of dockworkers and how they are entangled with yet another criminal organization, this one led by a mysterious figure known simply as.

In this season, the Barksdale crew, the street-level gang prominently featured in season 1, takes a bit of a backseat, although they remain integral to the show’s fabric. Many of their members find themselves behind bars after the events of season 1, and their efforts to rebuild their criminal empire receive substantial attention. This storyline, while temporarily shifted, regains its central focus in season 3. If there’s one critique to be made about season 2, it’s that most of the newly introduced characters here have relatively minor roles in the subsequent seasons (3, 4, and 5), giving season 2 a somewhat disconnected feel. Nevertheless, akin to any installment of The Wire, it remains incredibly well-crafted, acted, and filmed, delivering tense and utterly engaging television.

2.Season 3 (2004)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 100%

Season 3 of The Wire stands tall with a perfect 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and rightfully so, as it’s a season that’s difficult to find fault with. After a season spent regrouping, the Barksdale gang comes back into focus, reclaiming the significant screen time they enjoyed in season 1. This time, they’re up against a new street gang led by Marlo Stanfield, and it sets the stage for a gripping and often heart-wrenching turf war narrative. Meanwhile, the internal power struggle within the Barksdale crew, involving Avon Barksdale and Stringer Bell, builds to a dramatic, unforgettable, and frankly, stomach-turning climax.

Season 3 also delves into the Hamsterdam storyline, a small section of Baltimore where drug use is temporarily decriminalized. This experiment explores whether legalization, rather than criminalization, could offer a solution to the city’s drug-related problems and violence. Additionally, the season introduces viewers to the realm of Baltimore politics, following the journey of a young and ambitious politician named Tommy Carcetti, who harbors dreams of becoming the city’s mayor. The scope is grander compared to what we saw in seasons 1 and 2, yet it all remains incredibly well-balanced, resulting in a stellar season of television that’s virtually flawless on all fronts.

1.Season 4 (2006)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 100%

Season 4 of The Wire marks the show at its absolute zenith, a remarkable feat considering how the other four seasons are already near perfection, if not indeed flawless. The police continue to hold a central role, street gang conflicts unfold, and the political dimension of the show escalates with a gripping season-long narrative focused on Baltimore’s mayoral election. Yet the most emotionally gut-wrenching and compelling storyline emerges from a new area of the city, which takes center stage in the show’s fourth season: an under-funded inner city school.

The young characters introduced in season 4 truly come into their own in the penultimate season, showcasing their incredible naturalistic talent and seamlessly blending with the rest of the cast. It might seem unconventional to introduce children into a series like this, but the young cast members bring an authenticity that enriches the narrative. What makes this season even more emotionally resonant is its setting in a school, a backdrop that most viewers can personally relate to or, at the very least, find more relatable than the world of police departments, street gangs, or political institutions. Season 4 taps into a near-universal sense of connection to the Baltimore portrayed, making these episodes exceptionally powerful and, in the end, crowning it as The Wire’s finest season.

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Category: TV