For five consecutive seasons on HBO, the critically acclaimed crime drama, The Wire, stands out as one of the network’s most underappreciated masterpieces. Boasting a compelling narrative and an unparalleled ensemble cast, it has significantly influenced the crime genre and television industry. Featuring some of the most influential talents of the 21st century, this series delves into the intricate tapestry of Baltimore, Maryland’s social, cultural, and political landscapes, offering a unique blend of broad and intimate perspectives. Sharp, poignant, and irresistibly gripping, The Wire‘s enduring allure is due in part to its masterfully crafted storyline, but the cast’s exceptional performances also play a crucial role in breathing life into these captivating narratives.
The remarkable characters in The Wire are complex, multi-dimensional figures that defy being labeled as stereotypes. Each character contributes distinctly to the storyline, and their talent for portraying these intricate aspects of their roles is evident in other projects they’ve undertaken. It’s worth noting that the cast members of The Wire are exceptional actors who had already established successful careers before joining the show and continued to thrive afterwards. While you might envision them performing in similar crime-related productions, their versatility has been a significant asset in various films and TV series across genres.
10. Suits (2011–2019)
Starring Wendell Pierce
In the television series “Suits,” Wendell Pierce played Robert Zane, Rachel Zane’s father, who was an imposing character. Although the world of corporate law in the show was more refined than the criminal investigations portrayed in The Wire, Pierce infused both roles with his signature gravitas, making them memorable onscreen. When Pierce appeared in episodes of “Suits,” viewers could expect a challenging confrontation for Mike and a test of the characters’ limits.
In their collaboration on “The Wire”, Pierce and Dominic West shared a close working relationship as their characters were paired together, each portraying distinct methods of policing. Their on-screen interaction showcases Pierce’s ability to harmonize with his fellow actors, an essential skill for handling the dialogue-rich series like “Suits”. Although “Suits” is not the only notable project Pierce has been involved in post-“The Wire”, the renewed interest in the former has once again highlighted Pierce’s work, and it would be thrilling if a similar revival were to occur for “The Wire”.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Suits (2011–2019) | 91% | 87% |
9. The Office (2005–2013)
Starring Amy Ryan
The Office, unlike The Wire, stands out as two distinctly different television shows. While both may depict characters navigating their respective environments, the tone and character interactions in The Office were starkly contrasting. Unlike the gritty realism of The Wire, The Office presented a lighter, more playful atmosphere.
Although Amy Ryan joined The Office later in its run, her character Holly left an indelible mark. As one of Michael’s few deep connections, she played a significant role in shaping him for the better. Unfortunately, she was largely absent throughout most of the series, making her departure felt deeply by many viewers.
Despite having a brief tenure as a character on The Wire, Beadie Russell, portrayed by Ryan, significantly influenced the show’s future trajectory and set the stage for its almost anthology-like structure. She remains crucial to The Wire, as her character becomes instrumental in McNulty’s life, serving as a romantic partner. Interestingly, Ryan’s characters in both series are love interests to troubled men. However, the portrayal of these relationships on screen provides Ryan with ample room to experiment and enrich her performances, adding depth to the scripts.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| The Office (2005–2013) | 81% | 89% |
8. The Walking Dead (2010–2022)
Starring Seth Gilliam
In simple terms, “The Walking Dead” is a gritty, apocalyptic TV series filled with intense violence and gore that has become one of the most successful science fiction franchises of the 21st century. Actor Seth Gilliam joined the cast as Father Gabriel Stokes starting from season 5, and he’s not the only actor from “The Wire” to appear in the world of “The Walking Dead”. Unlike many characters who join Rick’s group in “The Walking Dead”, Stokes struggles to reconcile his religious beliefs with the harsh realities of this new world.
Gilliam portrays Ellis Carver on “The Wire”, initially a younger, less seasoned member of the narcotics unit who undergoes significant transformation throughout the series. Similarly, his role in “The Walking Dead” evolves. Each spin-off of “The Walking Dead” offers fresh elements, yet the original show has a unique charm. Gilliam, much like in “The Wire”, is part of an extensive cast in “The Walking Dead”. However, unlike in “The Wire”, every character in “The Walking Dead” receives appropriate attention, enabling them to flourish and grow as the seasons unfold.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| The Walking Dead (2010–2022) | 79% | 78% |
7. The Crown (2016–2023)
Starring Dominic West
One of the standout aspects of The Crown lies in its unique approach where, despite following the same characters, the actors change over time, infusing fresh perspectives and vitality into their roles. In seasons 5 and 6, Dominic West assumed the role of Prince Charles, delivering a compelling portrayal of his character during his later years as his relationship with Princess Diana took a turn for the worse. However, it’s Elizabeth Debicki who truly shines in the deeply emotional role of Diana. Her scenes with West are some of the most captivating moments in the final seasons of the show.
The show known as “The Crown” was a tremendously grand undertaking, and its storyline beginning to intersect with contemporary events added fuel to the fire as the series unfolded. Yet, the actors put forth great effort to stay true to the script and the public images of the royal family. It should be noted that Charles bears little resemblance to West’s character from The Wire, Jimmy McNulty, but both roles showcase why West has consistently been a highly sought-after performer.>
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| The Crown (2016–2023) | 81% | 92% |
6. We Own This City (2022)
Starring Jamie Hector
In addition to being based in Baltimore and created by the same creative minds behind “The Wire,” including David Simon and George Pelecanos, “We Own This City” represents our closest shot at a sequel for “The Wire.” The series also features Jamie Hector, a cast member from “The Wire,” as one of its main characters, Sean Suiter, a detective with the Baltimore Police Department. Unlike “The Wire,” however, “We Own This City” tells its story in a non-linear fashion, focusing on the individual journeys of its characters.
Despite its brief run of just six episodes, each part of “We Own This City” brims with excitement, offering a glimpse into the intricate workings of a police department’s slide into outright corruption. Jon Bernthal’s portrayal of Wayne Jenkins provides an excellent counterpoint to Suiter, a character that presents fresh material for Hector following his role as Marlo in “The Wire.” In both performances, Hector delivers a convincing and engaging depiction that immediately captivates the audience upon their screen debut. Viewing “We Own This City” serves as an ideal continuation after the epic finale of “The Wire.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| We Own This City (2022) | 93% | 78% |
5. Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014)
Michael K. Williams
Following his captivating portrayal of Omar Little on The Wire, Michael K. Williams found himself joining the cast of Boardwalk Empire, another series delving into themes of power and dominance. Sharing the screen with Steven Buscemi, Williams continued to leave a lasting impact on this critically acclaimed drama series, which remains undervalued today. As Chalky White in Boardwalk Empire, Williams’ performances are hard to overlook, making him just as iconic in this production as he was in The Wire.
In the realm of period dramas, Boardwalk Empire delves into the intricate world of organized crime and its influential figures with elegance and panache. Similarities can be drawn between this series and The Wire, as both productions are deeply entrenched in their respective eras, thus shaping the characters’ development. Re-exploring Boardwalk Empire now serves as a testament to Williams’ acting prowess and his significant role in creating some of the most impactful dramas in our television history.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014) | 92% | 95% |
4. Game Of Thrones (2011–2019)
Starring Aidan Gillen
In his role as Tommy Carcetti on The Wire, Aidan Gillen excelled, but it was as Littlefinger in Game of Thrones that he managed to make viewers both love and despise him. With his cunning and manipulative nature, Littlefinger proved to be a significant figure throughout the series, surviving until the final season while many others did not. Given his prominence in the books, Gillen had to strike a balance between satisfying audience expectations and adhering to the scripts and plot development as Game of Thrones progressed.
Gillen has gained experience across intense dramas, imaginative fantasies, and comedic sitcoms, each contributing to showcasing various aspects of his acting abilities. While Game of Thrones garnered greater fame due to its impact as a cultural sensation that sparked renewed fascination with fantasy television, The Wire was a groundbreaking and influential production that laid the foundation for future crime dramas. Gillen’s involvement in both projects highlights his versatility as an actor.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Game of Thrones (2011–2019) | 89% | 85% |
3. Luther (2010–2019)
Starring Idris Elba
The exceptional yet flawed detective, Luther, is best brought to life only by the remarkable Idris Elba. Despite Elba’s impressive roles in films like Thor and Pacific Rim, it’s in character-focused productions such as Luther that he truly excels. In his portrayal of the titular character, Elba skillfully balances the deep-seated darkness within Luther with his determination to apprehend criminals and uphold justice. However, this very role forces him to confront the most chilling depths of his own psyche.
In the series, Luther is the main character, but much of the drama centers on his complex dynamic with Alice Morgan (played by Ruth Wilson), a cunning villain who develops an intense fascination for Luther. This cat-and-mouse game makes Luther an exhilarating enigma, packed with unexpected plot developments and shocking narrative shifts. The series is frequently likened to Sherlock Holmes stories, but Idris Elba gives Luther a unique personality all his own.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Luther (2010–2019) | 88% | 88% |
2. John Wick (2014)
Starring Lance Reddick
Even though the John Wick film series is primarily linked to Keanu Reeves, it wouldn’t have achieved its current status without Lance Reddick’s contributions. As the concierge at the Continental Hotel in New York, Reddick’s character, Charon, appears throughout the John Wick movies. Reddick was an ideal casting choice for Charon, and his absence will be felt as the franchise progresses. Reddick played a significant role in making John Wick one of today’s notable modern action franchises.
Boasting numerous captivating fight sequences and pulse-pounding action sequences, there’s much to appreciate about the film John Wick. It’s no surprise that the series has endured for so long and even spawned a 2025 movie titled Ballerina, which is expected to be the next installment in the John Wick saga. Although Reddick won’t feature in this new phase of the franchise, his contributions to the original films played a significant role in establishing the atmosphere of the John Wick universe, and his on-screen camaraderie with Reeves ensured their shared scenes were captivating and riveting.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| John Wick (2014) | 86% | 82% |
1. Sinners (2025)
Starring Michael B. Jordan
Mentioning just one outstanding movie from Michael B. Jordan’s impressive career is quite a challenge, but his latest groundbreaking blockbuster, titled Sinners, deserves special mention. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film skillfully combines various genres to produce an indelible narrative, with Jordan delivering exceptional performances in the dual roles of Smoke and Stack, the twin brothers. Although it delves into supernatural themes, Sinners is grounded in reality, offering insightful investigations on race, class, and societal shifts during the 1930s U.S.
At a relatively young age, Jordan made his mark on the cast of “The Wire“, and since then, he’s only matured and improved as an actor. Despite being involved in numerous films and television series across various genres, the project “Sinners” seems like a culmination of much of his previous work. It provides him with an opportunity to challenge himself more than ever. The release of “Sinners” has us more eager than ever to see what Jordan will accomplish in the next stage of his career.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Sinners (2025) | 97% | 96% |
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2025-05-24 19:12