The Wire (2002): episodes, history and where to watch

AT A GLANCE

The Wire first went out in June 2002 on HBO (FX and BBC Two in the UK). It ran until 2008, with 5 series and 60 episodes so far. In the UK you can usually find it on Sky and NOW.

crime
drama
american
More from the 2000s

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Why it is worth your time

Baltimore’s drug trade, police, docks, city hall, schools and newspaper, one season at a time. Slow to start and then completely absorbing; often named the best drama ever made.

The details

First broadcast: 2 June 2002
Originally on: HBO (FX and BBC Two in the UK)
On air: 2002–2008
Series: 5
Episodes: 60
Typical length: 60 minutes
Genres: Drama, Crime
Usually found on: Sky and NOW
First episode: “The Target”

Watching it the official way

Older programmes move between broadcasters, streaming services and DVD releases as rights are sold and resold. Paying the rights holder keeps archives alive and pays the people who made them.

The BritCast TV library changes with sources and rights, so we never promise a title before checking. Ask us and we will look, or try a day free and search for yourself.

The Wire: quick answers

When did The Wire start?

On 2 June 2002, on HBO (FX and BBC Two in the UK).

How many episodes of The Wire are there?

60 had been broadcast by 14 October 2026, across 5 series. The last aired in 2008.

Where can I watch The Wire now?

Officially it is usually on Sky and NOW, though rights change.

Dates and episode counts from TVmaze (2026-10-14), CC BY-SA 4.0. Artwork © its owners, shown only to identify the programme.