BALTIMORE, Aug. 17, 2025 – Wendell Pierce, a Tony winner and star of the acclaimed HBO drama “The Wire,” believes the series should not be rebooted, citing its enduring relevance to contemporary societal issues.
“The Wire” remains a classic, according to star Wendell Pierce
Wendell Pierce argues that “The Wire’s” themes are as potent today as they were upon its debut, making a reboot unnecessary.
“The Wire” is a show that continues to resonate. Twenty years after its debut, it consistently ranks among the greatest television series of all time, alongside “Breaking Bad,” “Twin Peaks,” and “The Sopranos.” Its deep dive into the fabric of Baltimore, dissecting institutional dysfunction across various societal pillars—law enforcement, the criminal underworld, politics, education, and the press—made it a groundbreaking achievement.
The series, known for its intricate plotting and character development, has aged gracefully. Pierce, who portrayed Detective William “Bunk” Moreland, recently shared his perspective on a potential revival, emphasizing the show’s prescient nature.
- Wendell Pierce, a star of “The Wire,” believes the show is a classic that speaks to current audiences.
- He argues that its themes remain relevant and serve as a cautionary tale, making a reboot unnecessary.
- Fellow cast member Michael B. Jordan has also expressed a desire to leave the series as it is.
- “The Wire” explored institutional dysfunction in Baltimore across various societal sectors.
What makes “The Wire” a classic that shouldn’t be rebooted? Pierce explained that the show’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect with audiences across generations. “The Wire is something that is classic. What makes it classic is that it speaks to the audience then, it speaks to us now, and it will speak to audiences long after it’s over,” he stated.
He elaborated on its function as a societal warning. “The cautionary tale that it was, the fact that it lets people know there’s an ugly side of human nature. We’re seeing that demonstrated today,” Pierce said, referencing a recent event in Los Angeles. “I mean as we stand here on wonderful beautiful Hollywood Boulevard, they have American secret police who raided MacArthur Park today with guns drawn on citizens for no reason.” He concluded that “The Wire” serves as a critical indicator of societal health, asking, “What kind of society do we want to be a part of?”
Michael B. Jordan, who played Wallace in the series, echoed Pierce’s sentiment earlier this year. While promoting his film “Sinners,” Jordan explicitly stated his preference for the show to remain untouched. “Just leave it. Leave it where it is… I don’t want to see The Wire rebooted at all,” he said.
The ensemble cast also featured Dominic West, Idris Elba, Michael Kenneth Williams, John Doman, Sonja Sohn, Lance Reddick, Andre Royo, Aidan Gillen, and Domenick Lombardozzi.
