The Wire - Opening Titles (Seasons 1 - 5)

Here's a compilation of all of the opening titles for The Wire. Each version is based on the original 'Down in the Hole' by Tom Waits.
Season 1 - The Blind Boys of Alabama
Season 2 - Tom Waits
Season 3 - The Neville Brothers
Season 4 - DoMaJe
Season 5 - Steve Earle
I claim no ownership over any of the audio/visual elements in the upload.

[@evangelicae_rationis]

Bodie breaking the camera was such a great shot that they had to keep it in every season, even at the last episode

[@Woods4Life]

Yup my favorite part as well lol

[@dylanchadderton1]

rewatching the wire right now for about the 15th time, i just noticed that this clip is in color in the Season 5 intro and all the others were black and white.

[@battleb04n_43]

It's probably because it was showing that Technology is improving and the Game needed to improvise.@@dylanchadderton1

[@Kahooni]

Also the way the instrumental part cuts out for a second is elite

[@isaacster5027]

@@dylanchadderton1 if you look closely each season intro that clip slowly and slowly gets more in frame and eventually is in full color and longer, revealing that better. Make of that what you will

[@2000Reflex]

Rest in peace Lance Reddick, you were perfect in every character you ever played.

[@meatballs06]

at him and michael k williams are pal'in it up up there

[@viktor821]

He had the most incredible prescence in every scene.

[@Marykate465]

he was great in fringe as well.

[@abhishekarora1803]

rip

[@SagaciousFrank]

Geez, I didn't realise Lance Reddick had died. I knew about Michael K Williams who played Omar.

[@adamsnarski5522]

Love the shot of them breaking the camera in every season lol

[@johnsiders4691]

Adam Snarski punctuates every season I laugh everytime I see it I love it

[@oldcat7]

It was awesome too when they had them do it in the final montage on the last episode

[@alexoceallaigh4240]

Has to be done

[@Whippee]

But the breaking of the vials tho its stimulating

[@yes8515]

I get the feeling they were so happy they managed to pull off that shot that they just had to put it in every season

[@jackspry9736]

RIP Reg E. Cathey (August 18, 1958 - February 9, 2018), aged 59 RIP Robert F. Chew (December 28, 1960 - January 17, 2013), aged 52 RIP Lance Reddick (June 7, 1962 - March 17, 2023), aged 60 RIP Michael K. Williams (November 22, 1966 - September 6, 2021), aged 54 You will be remembered as legends.

[@Person-mu4si]

Robert F Chew too (aka Prop Joe)

[@gardenofnightmare]

every single one of them died way too young :(

[@rememberblackmesa]

Season 3 has to be my favorite intro. It feels so frantic and passionate and it perfectly fits with the shadow of conflict and war that looms over Season 3. Barksdale vs Stanfield, Avon vs Stringer, Old Generation vs New, Carcetti and his bid for mayor, as well as Bunny and Stringer both battling the systems they participate in. Its so good, especially with the shots of the punching bag, dogfights, and guns loading up which just adds more element to it. It has a very “dog days” feel to all of it, and it’s definitely a turning point for the show.

[@Moviethemer]

That ominous swooshing sound at the end of every season is incredibly underappreciated. I can't even imagine any of them without it

[@lchobody]

Pick a favorite? Sheeeeeeit...

[@CancunMimosa]

Sheeeeeeeeit, you know I need a little taste before I vote, feel me?

[@antwonejones22]

clisa four

[@sjturner15]

4 or 5

[@feelinggroovy4325]

1

[@chiragkshatriya7810]

Season 4 and 5 songs 😍😍❤️❤️

[@possessedslig]

Can't beat the season 1 song, it's so good

[@Rediska512]

0:00 Season 1 - The Blind Boys of Alabama 1:30 Season 2 - Tom Waits 3:00 Season 3 - The Neville Brothers 4:29 Season 4 - DoMaJe 6:03 Season 5 - Steve Earle

[@HxH2011DRA]

Many thanks

[@TrillgataQ]

you are one of the many saints

[@MakkaPakka7999]

@@TrillgataQof newark

[@vmrc2002]

​@@TrillgataQit is in the description bro...

[@vmrc2002]

​@@HxH2011DRAthe thing is on the description

[@c3mi979]

The fact each season uses a different version of the opening intro is one small example of the brilliance of this show. Typical thought is if the show is popular you keep the same familiar intro each season, maybe just the most minor tweak to it after a time. But using a completely different interpretation of the same song not only keeps it fresh each season but hearing each theme individually brings you back to memories of that specific season. Then, the fact each season focused on a different group (corner boys, police, kids, politicians, newspaper writers) but still kept everything from previous seasons tied together makes it that much more epic. Also, there was nothing Hollywood about the show. Living around a similar environment this is the one TV show that seemed the most genuine to what really goes on in the streets. There was some suspect acting here and there but overall you can tell much time and thought was put in to making this show as close to true-to-life as possible. I know people who swear The Sopranos was the greatest show in TV history but, to me, The Wire outshines The Sopranos without question. Not even close, in my opinion.

[@DeepScreenAnalysis]

The one thing Sopranos had over Wire was better actors... A lot the younger actors on this show were clearly lacking the chops but the writing always saved the day.

[@MaRaX93]

The Wire has a message and offers systemic critique. The Sopranos is a well-written story, but ultimately it's just the personal story of a psychopath criminal that starts with his rise to power and ends with his death. A personal story can never have the same impact as a take on a whole system and its organic components.

[@Daedalus4]

@@MaRaX93 Sopranos has plenty of social commentary as well. And no one know if that was the actual ending or not.

[@MaRaX93]

@@Daedalus4 It did, but in the end it was a narrative focused on a character and not on society

[@foojam2002]

The shield is the best of the 2.

[@Vladimir007smart]

The fourth one is my favorite, that "keep him in the hole" part is just perfect!

[@EscCtrl4452]

One of the greatest shows ever.

[@prot07ype87]

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[@EscCtrl4452]

(\

[@flos3599]

@Patricia Boston Heeee, it the best show

[@toallin6389]

GOAT

[@txmetalhead82xk]

Absolutely.

[@tobias2578]

Same shit, new players. Brilliant idea to have one of the central themes of the show reflected in the opening titles.

[@DWSimmy]

Each different song seems to fit it's specific season perfectly.

[@hdng1984]

Just finished my first watch of The Wire and seeing this compilation just makes me miss it so much already

[@mr.tandhiswaytobe8023]

Season 4 shit gets dark fast and hard Just like life

[@ABDULLAH746]

Season 4 is the truly breath-taking season and had the best theme ♥

[@TVGabo1985]

Season 4 of The Wire is the best season of any TV series.

[@dwayneisfine9187]

@@TVGabo1985 what about breaking bad season 5 ?

[@TVGabo1985]

@@dwayneisfine9187 It is a great season, probably a 2nd place, but this season of The Wire is emotional, tense, phylosophycal, brilliant and made such an impact in my life (i decided to become a writer after watch It) that I can't consider other season to be my 1st place

[@tzing2589]

@@Djd840 prison break... lmao give me a break

[@carlmcgrath484]

@@Djd840 man tried to include prison break

[@maxforstag]

Seasons 3 and 4 were always my favorite. Upon re-watching, they're all great. Love Tom Waits' song, but the Blind Boys version was always my favorite.

[@purplestarfish90]

I went to college with one of the kids who sang on the Season 4 version! (And yes, it was in Baltimore. I love the city and I love this show!)

[@RRG95]

Hope that they’re doing well!

[@bluefilmsltd]

Hard to look past season 4. One of the best seasons of any television series ever. Sounds like hyperbole but it really isn't. That being said, the other seasons are ALMOST as powerful, particularly season 1, which comes fairly close to season 4. Season 2 is underrated, I prefer it over season 3. Season 5 is obviously the 'weak' spot of the series, but still much better than 99% of tv shows out there. Astonishing show.

[@g0Blinnn1899]

I honestly still think season 5 is great, and even the intro is also still great.

[@bluefilmsltd]

@@g0Blinnn1899 Agreed. Still a great season.

[@leentelectuel3289]

Dude season 4 was the weakest. The real one is season 3

[@bluefilmsltd]

@@leentelectuel3289 Disagree. Season 3, while good, just doesn't really take the show anywhere new. Season 4 was bolder and took a break from the McNulty nonsense that just got tiring.

[@Al-ji4gd]

@@bluefilmsltd Disagree, season 3 literally has the greatest arc in the show with Stringer and Avon, plus all the Hamsterdam stuff. It introduces Marlo and his crew, we get Slim Charles, Bunny, Cutty, come on... Season 3 is awesome. It might not be the best, that's up for debate, but it's top tier.

[@alexoceallaigh4240]

I'm actually in tears listening to this. I miss this show so much. Someone hit me with a shovel so I can forget it and rewatch it please

[@supremecheese1436]

*bonk*

[@alexoceallaigh4240]

@@supremecheese1436 Appreciate it

[@DaPiffalicious]

@@supremecheese1436 Bunk*

[@1lucia]

In case you‘re still out there, it is said that after 5 years you forget enough about a show to basically watch it with the feeling of watching it for the first time. Sure, you‘ll remember big moments and the ending most likely, but you will forget about so much detail that it’s basically like it’s new :)

[@Andrew-3445]

The second season song really fit the season. The blues version of the song goes well with the guys that are so down on their luck and what happened to Frank. Season 4 song was also a great fit for the season. It featured the kids and it was sung in a sad tone which goes with the despair that season 4 showed.

[@nitekilla]

No sad tone there, if anything it was modern and almost "house"-like. But otherwise, I agree.

[@mazingerz9118]

Oh man... poor Frank

[@Charlie-oq4mk]

Frank Sobotka is my favourite character in the show followed by Bunny Colvin and Bubbles...

[@guitarboi9]

Oddly enough, the second season version comes from Tom Waits’ album “Frank’s Wild Years”

[@LazorJunkieninja]

I like 5 the most, but 2 is the best sung version. The breakdown in 4 is amazing too :)

[@sylviadjp]

Season 2's version is the original by the first/initial singer of this song.

[@aidanlastname0187]

Season 2 version sucks. His voice is trash

[@sfdahasgd]

I love the 4th opening

[@Goochbot]

1 and 4 are the best ones IMO.

[@pyrobison2002]

ツ this is objectively and subjectively wrong. 3 and 5

[@ismail4277]

Yes 1 and 4 are perfect

[@dankestranch8738]

You are S L E E P I N G on 2 bro

[@ivnightclaw8663]

I think 2

[@b.l.o.o.d.m.o.s.e.s.]

2 and 4 for me

[@BigTeste]

all great themes and opening montages, part of what makes me appreciate each season in its own unique way. At first I thought season 4 sounded too catchy but it soon became my favorite...prob because of how great that season was that the opening would get me so excited. My personal order is: 4, 2, 1, 5, 3...season 2 Tom Waits is tied for first. Thanks for posting these, I'm tempted to run through this show again! I'm always impressed by how many characters there are and the depth of their character. Would be great to watch again now that I can put faces to the names better.

[@benjaminvermeylen3784]

I always imagine: Lester singing season 1 Frank singing season 2 Clay singing season 3 The school kids singing season 4 Walon singing season 5

[@bringindapain-ml7hr]

that actually is the actor for Walon singing in season 5

[@measumadib]

LOL Imagining frank singing that is amazing

[@JimmySteller]

Season 2 sounds more like Horseface than Frank.

[@TheOttomatic91]

S1 sounds more like Bubbles to me

[@extremec9597]

I imagine Snoop signing in season 4

[@olivejuice1985]

Season 5 opening wasn’t that bad yall. It’s hella catchy, I love the shot with the papers printing

[@chiragkshatriya7810]

Exactly!!! 💯 💯 💯

[@tinyspeaker]

Newspapers reviewed that season badly. Shocking, journalists are just as capable of being self serving, corrupt assholes as the politicians and cops.

[@choitroikhicocohoi5600]

Bro i love season 5 the most, especially every news reporting team scenes, feel like Simon bring his daily day in newspaper in the show

[@RRG95]

Season 5 was absolutely insane, McNulty trying to manage the fake serial killer narrative while trying to catch Marlo was the most suspenseful plot in the Wire imo.

[@sdn5682]

it's kinda kanye west alike i love it

[@kylepatrickhall1426]

What I like about each openings that the show is telling us what's to come that upcoming season without giving out spoilers, or the plot it's amazing

[@Gameflyer001]

The season 2 intro has the original version of the theme song, sung by Tom Waits.

[@ikazukison2]

Season 5 of The Wire was really good, in many ways it was such a perfect end to the series, bringing back every character for a cameo except for Brother Mouzone

[@Onigirli]

0:43 "And they'll shield you with their wi-i-i-ii-ngs" Love that, it doesn't really come up again in the other openings

[@LaMeraMisma]

RIP Michael I guess it's time to rewatch the wire

[@franchise5000]

Season 3 was my favorite by far. Season 4 has my favorite theme song.

[@feyregranger4815]

R.I.P Micheal Williams🖤 Love the fourth intro and saison, even the first. A few quotes for you to remember: "You only got to fuck up once. Be a little slow, be a little late. Just once." "There you go again. Acting like we got an inelastic product when we don't." "I'm an XL" "I got the shot gun you got the briefcase. All in the game" "Mr. Little, how does a man rob drug dealers for eight or nine years?" "Day at time, I suppose."

[@MEKEdits]

season 1 00:00 season 2 01:30 season 3 03:00 season 4 04:29 season 5 06:02

[@MonkeyFishStick]

Season 2 aka the Original is my favorite version: Love that guttural, raspy, swallowing gravel sound.

[@JidScan]

everything about season 4 just fits perfectly

[@florenceloveect]

Honestly I think Season 3 is the best season of the Wire -- followed by Season 4

[@CancunMimosa]

I'm with you on that order too 👍

[@gethimrock]

I agree. S4 is usually rated as higher but there are some of us S3 stans out here lol

[@Connect200]

I say song wise Season 3 Season 5 Season 2 Season 1 Season 4

[@domoniqueduveroe8309]

I just love this entire series

[@livinproof361]

this show is very underrated I consider it the best show that HBO ever aired!

[@maxforstag]

Who underrates this show? Best show of all time.

[@benjamincox4211]

Ludlow889 I would say breaking bad is number 1, wire is number 2, and sopranos is number 3

[@PeSTimE01]

Breaking Bad doesn't even come close to The Wire or The Sopranos, let alone surpassing them in any way.

[@someonelivescash]

isnt it generally considered the best tv show ever

[@glowy_subject3050]

@@someonelivescash Only those who watched it like all of us, we know it truly is better than shows like Breaking Bad, the thing is not as many people have seen it.

[@JACKBOIDAVE305]

THAT 5TH ONE HIT HARD AF! 🤦🏽‍♂️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@yelow989898]

there is no series that can make diversity between all the seasons than the wire

[@mrrinkusu]

American Horror Stories says hi.

[@Cornhellius]

+Mr. Lynx The Wire says meh.

[@thebikevoid2732]

+Mr. Lynx lol, off you go!

[@mrrinkusu]

ratched Truth hurts?

[@thebikevoid2732]

ye bro you got me in the feels with yr really compelling point becuz u must be ryte dang i guess you showed us

[@jammygitt]

Seen the entire series like four times now. I think I might have to make it a yearly thing. Best show ever made.

[@donjon8328]

Season 3 had the most memorable scenes in my opinion. Omar and brother stand-off, Mcnulty grilling Brianna, Lestor grilling Mcnulty, stringer and Avon feud , Bunk and Omar, the paper bag speech sheesh

[@bothi00]

No idea why but i love tiny changes like how at 3:05 he walks from left to right and then in season 4's intro at 4:33 its the same shot and guy but walking in the opposite direction.

[@bigrich0926]

You have a good eye!

[@bothi00]

@@bigrich0926 took me the odd rewatch of the whole show to notice in fairness

[@flos3599]

Haha yeah, I love that they used the FIRST scene of The Wire in the intro of season 5

[@Dabu-cg8xd]

listening to the first theme in the last episode of season 5 really hits right in the nostalgia. what a show!!

[@nicknickb]

I always thought it was a brilliant move to never show the main characters faces in the intros, its not about the specific characters because they're really irrelevant. They're all going to be replaced eventually

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

Whoever thought of doing a different intro for season 2 and onward….. they’re a genius!!!

[@MM-vs2et]

I always thought the brass section in Season 2's version was like a ship's horn, quite fitting with the longshoreman's perspectives. My personal favourite is Season 3, with season 1 right behind. Blues really fit this show.

[@crazyyoutuberguy]

One of the best shows ever made... very realistic.. remember when McNulty had to "make an accent".. and he does the English/British accent?... and the other actors laughed.. well, the guy is from London!! =)

[@hmwh4t]

Not London and he doesn’t have a London accent either

[@zzzzzzzzzzzk]

The same with Hugh Laurie from House M.D.

[@JIMAINEP3]

He was born in Sheffield

[@JIMAINEP3]

@Viktor I never mentioned his accent

[@Oceanman705]

british man pretending to be a baltimore american pretending to be a limey fuck

[@geoffreyf7829]

The fact the darkest and most haunting themes of all seasons being the one that focuses on kids and the school system is very yelling at how much we are failing our young people in this country with our under supported communities. It’s very chilling but also very true.

[@FAISALFAISAL-hq5tv]

sheeeeeeeeeeeit the series is the thing am addicted to

[@Kay-bs3bl]

The bassline of season 5 is impeccable.

[@derekb_]

Season 2 hit different

[@jpo375]

Season 4 FTW!

[@Jayzone702]

I watched entire series and I never realized it’s the same song every season but different versions...

[@flos3599]

Are you serious? 😂

[@lilboy96able]

SEASON 4 WAS THE BEST SEASON BY FAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[@djhull6816]

Baltimore City employee here. Season 4 captured the essence of the town more than any other

[@lilboy96able]

DJ Hull Oh yes I know. I live in Owing mills, MD and have family in West Baltimore.

[@WuTangFan1000]

agreed - best damn thing ever on tv :)

[@ConeTutoriais]

True that, season 3 and 4 are pure gold.

[@SyriusJupiter]

By far ? no freaking way

[@deydey1970]

This is SO AWESOME!!! Thanks for the smash up!!!

[@TedGoranson69]

First and fourth seasons were the best seasons period.

[@stevenmorris2234]

I couldn’t agree more!

[@vedank1000]

Did you notice that they didn't show any of the main characters' faces in any of the opening themes?

[@woozertoo]

I believe that was a deliberate choice. It is the city of Baltimore, with its institutions and infrastructure, of criminal enterprise or not, that remains the show’s focus. The characters may start with the roles they are given, and while some grow and evolve, all of them are players that become replaceable. I feel the series closing montage shows this very well.

[@ainsleyharriottsspicymeat8909]

Carcetti’s face can be seen in Season 4’s but you’re basically right.

[@kinGsaL1515]

4 > 1 > 3 > 2 > 5 but they are all great. What a unique concept by a tv series

[@abebarcan8574]

1 and 2 are the best and I also love the shot of the broken camera.

[@scumbag414]

First 3 intros are **chef's kiss**

[@Slamdog500]

Rightfully The Wire gets praised is one of the, if not *the* best show of all time... But people don't praise the opening credits enough. For me, the best tv show of all time with the best opening credits of all time ❤️🔌❤️🎤❤️🎶❤️📺❤️

[@iBdan97]

That season 4 guitar riffs @ 4:33 . Straight gangsta

[@The1Running1Man]

#4 is it for me, especially the instrumentals as well

[@olya6999]

season 2 intro is the best

[@84Heisenberg]

4 and 1 all the way.

[@Mimi2Y2BYAZPHIL]

Simply the most UNDER RATED Show in T V history! Simply UNFORGETTABLE writing, acting and characters!!💯💫💯💫

[@MrQadeer91]

i find season 5 the most catchy also the way they made the opening reminds me alot of Oz.

[@finanda04]

Season 4 FOREVER!!! This version is amazing!🎉

[@crimsonshadow42]

First and Fourth season had the best openings IMO

[@wwjp28]

With a little imagination you can hear Bubbles as the voice of the season 1 intro

[@ValhallaBeckons]

Tom Waits version is best version. It's like he gargles gravel while he sings, and I love it.

[@aidanlastname0187]

Nah his voice is horrible

[@CanOnTheCounter]

I think Season 3 might be my favorite. Really 2,3, and 4 are all out of this world.

[@rhoddryice5412]

I just love the editing of season 4. Marlo putting down his hole cards at 4:57

[@therebelsaiyan5559]

That editing on point. Coincides with the music so well.

[@txmetalhead82xk]

Thank you so much kind sir.

[@Lost_DZoro]

Season 4 had the best intro

[@superespeon100]

5 and 1 are my favorite themes and 2 and 4 are my favorite seasons

[@toreshimada]

IN MY OPINION season 4, season 5, season 1, season 2, season 3 (in no particular order)

[@oneebleafs]

" Oh shit it's Omar! "

[@creeperinvasion6885]

Best song - Season 3 Best visuals - Season 5 Best blend of the two -Season 4

[@user-pi7ei6yk7m]

The Legend😢

[@kikolapersona]

My top 5 The Wire opening intros: 1.Season 4 2.Season 5 3.Season 1 4.Season 2 5.Season 3

[@obedientalpha3748]

The wire is every American inner city across the USA. One of those shows were they could went to season 50

[@TrillgataQ]

I BEG YOUR PARDON, ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW TRACK

[@Treasuure]

I think the S5 opening is the best, when it hits it really makes you get excited for the episode, especially with the catchy jingle of the beat

[@ChairmanMeow1]

season 5 is the best one actually. season 1 prob second fav

[@newordordercom]

Best series ever. No doubt

[@samuelstensgaard4828]

Those opening horns in the season 3 intro are really awesome yet foreboding sounding, you can feel the war coming to Baltimore.

[@liqdelshaun]

Season 1 - 0:00 Season 2 - 1:29 Season 3 - 3:00 Season 4 - 4:29 Season 5 - 6:02

[@peternehemiah1606]

Just started watching this show on HBO on demand and I gotta say it's really good

[@topalovicbih1582]

Season 1 and 5 🔥

[@hoangtranviet6297]

timeless show

[@staydilatedTV]

4, 1, 3, 2,5 in that order

[@christianfinkbeiner684]

I was in the midst of my own heroin addiction when "The Wire" premiered. It is still the most realistic portrayal of the drug trade that I've seen. The only thing that rang false was Bubbles and Johnny shooting up baking soda. They would have known as soon as they put water on it that it wasn't dope.

[@christianfinkbeiner684]

@ItsNotUnusual-mp5qd Clean since 5/29/16. Thanks!

[@TheCartman997]

Season 4 theme hits different

[@lawofgravity1979]

Happy 20th anniversary to the 🐐