David Simon: HBO Would Pass on The Wire if I Pitched It Today

Data would have done in the show

Despite being considered one of the greatest TV shows of all time, The Wire probably would have died on the vine if creator David Simon were pitching the concept today. Chalk it up to the industry’s slavish devotion to audience metrics. 

"I'm not sure if The Wire could survive now," the former Baltimore Sun City Desk reporter said Thursday during the Tribeca Film Festival’s Story by Numbers” panel. "HBO will be the first to say, 'we only have [so many] hours to program for drama if the show is dragging wind,' even if it is a show that critics say you should watch because of X, Y and Z."

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

To Read the Full Story Become an Adweek+ Subscriber

View Subscription Options

Already a member? Sign in