The BEST Episodes of The Wire
Every episode ever - ranked by fan votes!
Last Updated: Aug 15, 2020
Network: HBO
Unlike most television crime dramas, which neatly introduce and then solve a case all in the space of one hour, HBO's THE WIRE follows one single drug and homicide investigation throughout the length of an entire season. Centered on the drug culture of inner-city Baltimore, the series' storyline unfolds from the points of view of both the criminals lording the streets and the police officers determined to bring them down.
#1 - -30-
Season 5 - Episode 10 - Aired Mar 9, 2008
McNulty and Freamon face the consequences of their actions, while Carcetti tries to save face.
8.63 
#2 - Final Grades
Season 4 - Episode 13 - Aired Dec 10, 2006
Namond, Randy and Dukie adjust to new realities; Michael is promoted; Omar makes Prop Joe an offer.
8.43 
#3 - Mission Accomplished
Season 3 - Episode 12 - Aired Dec 19, 2004
A reticent Avon readies his troops for a seemingly endless war against Marlo.
8.33 
#4 - Middle Ground
Season 3 - Episode 11 - Aired Dec 12, 2004
The wire begins to yield info about the Barksdale organization, though links to the top are elusive.
8.33 
#5 - The Cost
Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired Aug 11, 2002
With Wallace in custody, McNulty and Daniels must figure out what to do with him in the time before he testifies.
8.26 
#6 - Sentencing
Season 1 - Episode 13 - Aired Sep 8, 2002
Daniels and McNulty turn to a higher authority to crack the case.
8.24 
#7 - Late Editions
Season 5 - Episode 9 - Aired Mar 2, 2008
Freamon's hard work pays off with a promising lead, though McNulty isn't in the mood to celebrate.
8.20 
#8 - That's Got His Own
Season 4 - Episode 12 - Aired Dec 3, 2006
Freamon seeks help in City Hall; Bubbles gets desperate; Michael rejects his past; Omar strikes again.
8.18 
#9 - The Hunt
Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired Aug 18, 2002
Burrell orders Daniels to hit dealers for results that will impress the media. Meanwhile, Greggs is in the ICU.
8.15 
#10 - Port in a Storm
Season 2 - Episode 12 - Aired Aug 24, 2003
The Detail suffers a setback, while Russell and Bunk revisit Philly to look for evidence.
8.13 
#11 - A New Day
Season 4 - Episode 11 - Aired Nov 26, 2006
Carcetti faces a dilemma; Randy gets the cold shoulder; Omar makes a power play; Freamon has a revelation.
8.12 
#12 - Bad Dreams
Season 2 - Episode 11 - Aired Aug 17, 2003
With the clock ticking, the Detail makes a desperate move. Daniels reams out Landsman for dropping the ball.
8.10 
#13 - Not for Attribution
Season 5 - Episode 3 - Aired Jan 20, 2008
Carcetti's police plans are leaked to the press; Marlo cleans up his cash.
8.08 
#14 - Transitions
Season 5 - Episode 4 - Aired Jan 27, 2008
The police brass changes; McNulty and Freamon look for bodies; Prop Joe pays his last respects.
8.07 
#15 - Clarifications
Season 5 - Episode 8 - Aired Feb 24, 2008
Bunk returns a McNulty favor; Carcetti is forced to make deals; Hayes asks Templeton about his sources.
8.05 
#16 - Game Day
Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired Aug 4, 2002
Barksdale plays an expensive game of one-upmanship with an east-side rival.
8.05 
#17 - React Quotes
Season 5 - Episode 5 - Aired Feb 3, 2008
Marlo's new alliance gives Freamon and McNulty a fresh lead; the press turns to a breaking story.
8.04 
#18 - Cleaning Up
Season 1 - Episode 12 - Aired Sep 1, 2002
With the detail's future hanging in the balance, Daniels faces off against Burrell and his political allies.
8.00 
#19 - Moral Midgetry
Season 3 - Episode 8 - Aired Nov 14, 2004
With Amsterdam running full-tilt, Carver and Truck discover there really is no honor among thieves.
7.97 
#20 - Slapstick
Season 3 - Episode 9 - Aired Nov 21, 2004
Responding to an officer's call for help, McNulty and Prez turn down the wrong alley, with unexpected results.
7.95 
#21 - Took
Season 5 - Episode 7 - Aired Feb 17, 2008
An unexpected call puts Templeton and the paper back in the spotlight--and gets McNulty unwanted extra attention.
7.94 
#22 - Lessons
Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired Jul 28, 2002
An unlikely source gives McNulty the tag of Stringer Bell's car. Later, Omar earns his 'loose cannon' reputation.
7.93 
#23 - Stray Rounds
Season 2 - Episode 9 - Aired Aug 3, 2003
Bodie's effort to improve sales ends disastrously, forcing Bell to rethink his strategy.
7.93 
#24 - Back Burners
Season 3 - Episode 7 - Aired Nov 7, 2004
Herc discovers a blast from the past, which he belatedly reveals to his ex-colleagues.
7.91 
#25 - Margin of Error
Season 4 - Episode 6 - Aired Oct 15, 2006
Carcetti responds to a campaign smear; Randy makes a startling revelation; Marlo proves elusive.
7.91