It’s not uncommon for actors to avoid watching their own performances, with the reasons often centered around self-criticism. However, it still came as a shock whenThe WirestarIdris Elbarecently revealed thathe had never watched the crime thriller series, widely regarded asone of the greatest ever made.Elba played the major character named Stringer Bell during the show’s first three seasons, in what was a breakthrough performance that helped launch his illustrious career. Whether by coincidence or driven by his candid admission,the classic series has now begun trending on HBO Max.And if, like Elba, you’ve yet to experience it, now might be the perfect time to finally correct this TV sin, especially if you’re a fan of procedurals.
The Wireis one of thoseessential crime showsthat deserves to be watched at least once. For five seasons and a total of 60 episodes,the show took audiences through a compelling examination of life in Baltimore, Maryland.The show particularly focused on criminal activities within the city and the dynamics between different facets of society and the law enforcement agencies. Created byDavid Simonand inspired by real-life events,The Wirewas hailed for providing meaningful social commentaryon topics that mattered, and two decades after ending its run, those topics remain even more relevant in society today.
The Wireserved as a launchpad for several other actors who would go on to become powerhouses, includingDominic West, who played Detective Jimmy McNulty, and the lateLance Reddick, who played the morally upright cop, Cedric Daniels. Other notable names who starred in the series areMichael B. Jordan, John DomanandWendell Pierce.The Wireholds an overall 95%Rotten Tomatoesrating, with Seasons 3 and 4 rated at a perfect 100%. Surprisingly, the show never won any major industry awards, but the cult status it would later garner is a strong enough testament to its quality.
Why Has Idris Elba Never Watched ‘The Wire’?
Elba’s reason for not watchingThe Wirewasn’t about avoiding self-criticism, as is often the case for many actors. In a recent conversation withAmy Poehleron herGood Hangpodcast, Elba explained thathe simply hadn’t realized the show’s cultural impact at the time,which made it difficult for him to celebrate it alongside the fans. “If I’m really honest, I didn’t watchThe Wire. I didn’t watch it. And I feel bad," he said. He further shared:
“It’s not that I’m not a fan of it — I was there. I made a show that was, you know, so intense and so real, so important, even though we didn’t realize it. I didn’t realize the importance of the show while making it. I didn’t participate in its celebration as a viewer, as a fan. And so I feel a little bit outside of the club. It’s more that I feel the presence of it all, my life since The Wire… In terms of its impact. So to me, it was almost a bit like I was Stringer Bell. I’m not Stringer Bell, but I also feel like when Stringer Bell died, there was a part of me that died with that character. It’s weird for me to go back and watch it.”
All five seasons ofThe Wireare currently streaming on HBO Max.
Source:FlixPatrol
