Homicide: Life on the Street 

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

Creator:

Paul Attanasio

Stars:

Richard Belzer, Clark Johnson, Yaphet Kotto

Top Rated TV #165 | Won 4 Primetime Emmys. Another 21 wins & 82 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Richard Belzer	...	John Munch 122 episodes, 1993-1999
Clark Johnson	...	Meldrick Lewis 122 episodes, 1993-1999
Yaphet Kotto	...	Al Giardello 122 episodes, 1993-1999
Kyle Secor	...	Tim Bayliss 122 episodes, 1993-1999
Andre Braugher	...	Frank Pembleton 100 episodes, 1993-1998
Melissa Leo	...	Kay Howard / ... 77 episodes, 1993-1997
Reed Diamond	...	Mike Kellerman 69 episodes, 1995-1998
Sharon Ziman	...	Naomi 51 episodes, 1993-1999

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.

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Plot Keywords:

social commentary | justice | violence | police station | based on real people | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

TV-14

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 (122 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

All of Detective John Munch's partners either retire or resign from the Baltimore Homicide Unit shortly after having been partnered with him... Bolander after season 3, Russert after season 4, Kellerman after season 6, and Bayliss after season 7.

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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.

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Quotes

Det. Mike Kellerman: There's no absolutes in life; only in vodka.

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Connections

Referenced in The Wire: Took (2008)

User Reviews

"Homicide": the greatest show on television

It was a gloomy day when NBC cancelled this amazing show, but unfortunately, not enough viewers were watching. It can now be viewed in syndication - as of January 1999 it is shown on Court-TV weeknights. "Homicide" was an Emmy and Peabody-award-winning show. Because of its unique shooting style, magnificent writers, and terrific actors, it is the best show I ever watched. Other cop shows are no comparison. In fact, no other drama on network television had such a racially diverse cast. This is the only drama I have seen with African-American actors in leading roles. It is a sad fact that there aren't other shows like it out now.

This show truly did duck the "system" of other dramas, staying true to the source and portraying realistic characters. Anguish, joy, anger, humiliation, and respect are evident in the faces of the characters in assorted episodes. The first few seasons were the best, in my opinion, but the other seasons were still better than anything else on the networks. I shudder to think that "Nash Bridges" beat this amazing show in the ratings. If you are at all interested, try to find this show on television in your area. There is no middle ground with this show; you will either hate it or love it. All that I know have become addicted to it.