Homicide: Life on the Street

“Homicide: Life on the Street” is an American TV series that delves into the operations of a fictional Homicide Unit within the Baltimore Police Department. Airing on NBC for seven seasons from 1993 to 1999, it concluded with a TV movie that served as the unofficial series finale. The show was inspired by David Simon’s book “Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets,” with many characters and storylines drawn from the book, which also influenced Simon’s later series, “The Wire” on HBO.

While the series featured a diverse cast, Andre Braugher stood out with his role as Frank Pembleton, becoming the breakout star. “Homicide” garnered critical acclaim, winning the Television Critics Association Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Drama in 1996, 1997, and 1998. It also made history by becoming the first drama to win three Peabody Awards for best drama in 1993, 1995, and 1997. The episode “Prison Riot” was ranked No. 32 on TV Guide’s list of the 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time in 1997. In 2007, Time magazine included it in their “Best TV Shows of All-TIME” list. TV Guide dubbed it ‘The Best Show You’re Not Watching’ in 1996, and it was placed at #46 on Entertainment Weekly’s “New TV Classics” list.