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Homicide: Life on the Street

Homicide: Life on the Street

19938
DramosKriminaliniaiMistiniai
Išleido
1993-01-31
Šalis
Jungtinės Valstijos
Produkcijos
Baltimore PicturesMCEG/Sterling EntertainmentNBC StudiosReeves Entertainment Group
Amerikos policijos procedūra, kuri seka Baltimoro policijos skyriuje fiktyvios mirtų skyrių versijos darbą.

About

Quick guide

An American police procedural that follows the Baltimore Police Department’s Homicide Unit.

Homicide: Life on the Street chronicles the day‑to‑day work of a small, dedicated homicide squad in Baltimore. The series blends procedural rigor with deep character studies, revealing the emotional toll on detectives and the bureaucracy of city police work. While the show tackles crime, it also explores the personal lives of its officers, making it more than a straightforward crime drama. The series’ realistic tone, grounded in the real‑life book by David Simon, sets it apart from other shows of its era. It ran for seven seasons, totaling 122 hour‑long episodes that captured the grit and complexity of urban policing.

What to know

  • Seven seasons, 122 hour‑long episodes.
  • Set in Baltimore; based on David Simon’s book.
  • Features a close‑knit homicide squad led by a lieutenant.
  • Characters include John Munch, Frank Pembleton, and others.
  • Realistic depiction of investigations and police procedure.
  • Covers crimes ranging from domestic disputes to drug‑related murders.
  • Includes cross‑overs with the Law & Order franchise.
  • Available on DVD; all seasons released in Region 1.

Watch if

If you appreciate a grounded, character‑driven crime drama that stays true to the realities of homicide investigations, Homicide: Life on the Street offers thoughtful storytelling, sharp dialogue, and a gritty Baltimore backdrop.

Skip if

If you prefer fast‑paced action, high‑stakes thrillers, or minimal violence, you may find the show’s measured pace and focus on procedural detail slower than expected.

crime violencedark tonedialogue heavyinvestigation heavylanguage somelanguage strongmature themespsychological elementsslow burnsuspenseful
Setting and Realism
The series is set in Baltimore’s homicide department, a city known for its complex crime environment. By basing its story on David Simon’s book, the show achieves a documentary‑style authenticity. Viewers witness how procedural protocols, clearance rates, and administrative pressures shape each case.
Key Character Profiles
Detectives John Munch and Frank Pembleton lead the squad with contrasting styles—Munch’s cynical humor and Pembleton’s meticulous approach. Supporting roles include Lennie Briscoe, a seasoned veteran, and newcomers like Claire Kincaid. Each character’s personal challenges add depth to the investigative narrative.
Episode Structure
Each hour‑long episode balances a primary homicide case with subplots that explore the detectives’ personal lives. The show avoids sensationalism, instead focusing on evidence gathering, witness interviews, and the bureaucratic hurdles that delay justice.
Cultural Impact
Homicide influenced subsequent crime dramas by prioritizing procedural accuracy over dramatized action. Its realistic portrayal of police work earned it critical acclaim and paved the way for series like The Wire, which expanded on the same thematic foundation.
Series Legacy
After seven seasons, the series remains a benchmark for authenticity in television crime dramas. Its characters, particularly John Munch, continued in other shows, cementing its lasting influence on the genre.
Viewing Tips
Begin at the pilot to establish character dynamics, and keep track of the recurring investigative motifs. The show’s pacing rewards attentive viewing; skip if you prefer high‑speed action or quick resolutions.

FAQ

21 Q&A
How many seasons does Homicide: Life on the Street have?
The series ran for seven seasons, beginning in 1993 and concluding in 1999.
How many episodes were produced?
A total of 122 hour‑long episodes were created across the show's run.
When did the show premiere?
Homicide premiered on January 31, 1993 on NBC.
When did it end?
The final episode aired on May 21, 1999.
What is the runtime of each episode?
Each episode runs about 55 minutes, fitting into a one‑hour slot with commercials.
What is the IMDb rating?
The series holds an IMDb rating of 8.7 out of 10, reflecting strong critical reception.
Who are the main stars?
Key cast members include Richard Belzer, Clark Johnson, Yaphet Kotto, and later additions such as Brian Benthall and Mary-Louise Parker.
Who created the series?
The series was created by Paul Attanasio.
Who wrote for the show?
Writers include David Simon, Barry Levinson, Tom Fontana, and other contributors from the early ‘90s writing team.
Who directed episodes?
Directors ranged from Kathryn Bigelow to Steve Buscemi, bringing varied styles to the show.
Who produced the series?
Production was led by Gail Mutrux, Julie Martin, and Tom Fontana, among others.
Who composed the music?
Jeff Rona and Douglas J. Cuomo provided the series’ musical score.
Is Homicide available on DVD?
Yes, all seven seasons have been released on DVD in Region 1, with a Complete Series Megaset available.
Which episodes are on the first season DVD?
Season 1’s DVD contains all 13 pilot‑era episodes, plus bonus features such as commentary and featurettes.
Where can I buy the DVDs?
They are sold through major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and online marketplaces; the sets are Region 1 only.
Is there a Homicide: The Movie?
A reunion movie, titled Homicide: The Movie, was produced and released on DVD, featuring several original cast members.
Does the show cross over with Law & Order?
Detective John Munch appears in crossover episodes with Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU, creating a shared universe.
How many awards did Homicide win?
The series received 25 awards across its run, including Emmys and Directors Guild honors.
What are some major themes explored?
Themes include the moral complexity of policing, the psychological toll on detectives, and the bureaucratic challenges of the department.
Is there strong language?
The dialogue contains some strong language and occasional profanity, reflecting realistic police conversations.
Are there graphic scenes?
The series includes realistic portrayals of violence and crime scenes but avoids gratuitous gore.

Aktoriai

Richard Belzer
Richard Belzer
John Munch
Clark Johnson
Clark Johnson
Meldrick Lewis
Giancarlo Esposito
Giancarlo Esposito
Michael Giardello
Yaphet Kotto
Yaphet Kotto
Al Giardello
Peter Gerety
Peter Gerety
Stuart Gharty
Kyle Secor
Kyle Secor
Tim Bayliss
Jon Seda
Jon Seda
Paul Falsone
Callie Thorne
Callie Thorne
Laura Ballard
Michael Michele
Michael Michele
Rene Sheppard
Toni Lewis
Toni Lewis
Terri Stivers