Summary
The iconicHomicide: Life on the Streetis finally coming to streaming. Crossing over several times with theLaw & Orderuniverse, and based on David Simon’s bookHomicide: A Year on the Killing Streets, the police drama was created by Paul Attanasio and featured Tom Fontana as showrunner. It has remained a favorite among general audiences and television historians since its conclusion in 1999. But because of complicated rights issues,Homicidehas never been able to stream.
That will soon change, asThe Hollywood Reporterconfirms thatHomicide: Life on the Streetwill be available on Peacock, starting August 19. That includesall seven seasons and 122 episodes, in addition to the series-concludingHomicide: The Movie. It will beremastered for HD and 4K viewing.
What To Know About Homicide: Life on the Street (If You’re Watching For The First Time)
The Police Drama Earned A Total Of 82 Nominations During Its Run
Following the lives and the profession of Baltimore Police Department’s Homicide Unit, the show earned a reputation for its ability to grapple with subjects and the character-focused dramas that other police dramas tended to shy away from. With an ensemble cast that included future Oscar winner Melissa Leo andBreaking Bad’s Giancarlo Esposito, it was thelate Andre Braugherwho emerged as the breakout star for his performance as Frank Pembleton. In a varied career that included many memorable roles, including his portrayal ofBrooklyn Nine-Nine’s Raymond Holt, Braugher’s work onHomicideis often thought of as his best.
The cast ofHomicide: Life on the Streetvaried over the course of its run, including Daniel Baldwin, Richard Belzer, Clark Johnson, Yaphet Kotto, Jon Polito, Kyle Secor, Ned Beatty, Isabella Hofmann, Reed Diamond, Michelle Forbes, Max Perlich, Peter Gerety, Jon Seda, Callie Thorne, Toni Lewis, and Michael Michele.
With several standout episodes, including season 6’s “The Subway” and the season 5 installment “Prison Riot”,Homicide: Life on the Streetis routinely cited as a groundbreaking drama.At the time of its airing, it was described as a classic and a show that more viewers needed to discover. This reputation was bolstered by awards recognition, with Peabody and Emmy wins. Over the course of its 1993 to 1999 run, the show garnered 82 nominations.
Richard Belzer’s The Wire Cameo Was Bigger Than You Realize
Richard Belzer’s small cameo in The Wire revealed multiple layers of David Simon’s fictionalized Baltimore and expanded the John Munch universe.
Homicide: Life on the Streetcrossed over withLaw & Order, with the late Richard Belzer’s character Detective Munch continuing onLaw & Order: SVUfor several seasons after the Baltimore-set series concluded. It’s beenheld back from streaming up to now because of music rights, as explained by Simon, the producer, author, and creator ofThe Wire.With the rights settled, it will allow a new generation to discover the top-tier television show.
Homicide: Life on the Street
Cast
Homicide: Life on the Street is a crime drama series that aired from 1993 to 1999. It follows the detectives of the Baltimore Police Department’s Homicide Unit as they investigate gruesome murders while grappling with the complexities of their personal lives. The series is known for its realistic portrayal of police work and complex character development, featuring an ensemble cast led by Andre Braugher and Richard Belzer.
