Homicide: Life on the Street (1993–1999)

A police homicide investigation unit investigates violent crimes in the city of Baltimore.

Creator:

Paul Attanasio

Stars:

Richard Belzer, Clark Johnson, Yaphet Kotto

Won 4 Primetime Emmys. Another 19 wins & 51 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Richard Belzer	...	Det. John Munch (122 episodes, 1993-1999)
Clark Johnson	...	Det. Meldrick Lewis (122 episodes, 1993-1999)
Yaphet Kotto	...	Lt. Al Giardello (122 episodes, 1993-1999)
Kyle Secor	...	Det. Tim Bayliss (122 episodes, 1993-1999)
Andre Braugher	...	Det. Frank Pembleton (100 episodes, 1993-1998)
Melissa Leo	...	Det. Sgt. Kay Howard (77 episodes, 1993-1997)
Reed Diamond	...	Det. Mike Kellerman (69 episodes, 1995-1998)

Storyline

A one-hour drama inspired by David Simon's acclaimed non-fiction book "Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets." It is at once a mundane yet compelling look in and around a Homicide unit of the Baltimore Police Department, a group of determined individuals who are committed to their grim job at hand.

---

Plot Keywords:

police | baltimore maryland | 1990s | murder | police detective | 

---

Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

---

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

31 January 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Homicide

Filming Locations:

Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Baltimore Pictures, Fatima Productions, MCEG/Sterling Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 60 min (122 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In 1988, a Baltimore Sun reporter named David Simon joined the Baltimore Police Homicide Unit as a civilian assistant, in order to chronicle a year in the life of a big city homicide squad. His extensive notes, interviews, and observations were eventually published as the book, "Homicide: A Year On The Killing Streets." This book served as the inspiration for the TV series Homicide: Life on the Street. Much of the first and second seasons are taken from actual events recounted in the book.

---

Goofs

In a number of episodes, in-vehicle shots with a "back seat" perspective often show that the vehicle being filmed in is in fact a Chrysler-produced sedan. Note the older star-in-pentagon emblem on the steering wheel instead of the Chevy Cavaliers that the detectives drive. This is likely due to the lower headroom in the Cavalier, making it difficult to film that perspective.

---

Quotes

Det. Frank Pembleton: Do you think some people work harder to be stupider than others?
Det. Tim Bayliss: I'm going to go out on a limb and say yes.

---

Connections

Referenced in Law & Order: Charm City (1996)

User Reviews

True crime.

I have never been a big fan of police serials, but this is my all time favourite. I have nothing to add to the earlier comments, other than that in a time with complicated racial conflicts, poverty induced crime and the problems stemming from social inequality, this show tried to comment on the real problems facing the modern society.

And it was exciting too.