Few series have left as indelible a mark on television asThe Wire. Hailed as one of the greatest TV dramas of all time, it owes its enduring legacy to the masterful storytelling of creator David Simon. A former crime reporter, Simon brought a level of journalistic realism toThe Wirethat remains unmatched, crafting a sprawling, unflinching portrait of systemic failure in Baltimore. Each season dissected a different layer of the city - the narcotics trade, politics, schools, media - without ever losing sight of the human cost beneath the headlines. For fans of complex storytelling, moral ambiguity, and unforgettable characters,The Wireisn’t just essential viewing; it’s a benchmark.
However, what many viewers don’t realize is thatThe Wirewas far fromDavid Simon’s only great contributionto television. Following its critical acclaim, Simon returned to HBO with another ambitious, richly textured series - one that also explored American institutions, community, and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite airing for four full seasons and earning positive reviews, this follow-up series never earned the cultural spotlight or long-lasting conversation it truly deserved. What’s more, as shocking as it seems, David Simon’sTremeis even considered to bebetterthanThe Wireby some critics.
Treme Is Still One Of HBO’s Most Underrated Shows
Despite Critical Praise And Four Seasons, Treme Is Rarely Mentioned Among HBO’s Elite Dramas
While a TV show likeThe Wirehas been rightfully enshrinedin the television hall of fame,Tremenever quite managed to escape its “cult favorite” status. Airing on HBO from 2010 to 2013,Tremefollowed residents of post-Katrina New Orleans as they navigated grief, hope, and cultural preservation in the aftermath of disaster. With a sprawling ensemble cast including Wendell Pierce (who also starred inThe Wireas Bunk Moreland), Khandi Alexander, Clarke Peters, and Steve Zahn,Tremetold small stories with big emotional weight, focusing less on crime and more on music, food, and everyday resilience.
In true David Simon fashion,Tremenever spoon-fed its audience.
The reasonTremeoften flies under the radar is partly becauseit defied traditional TV storytelling. There were no sensational twists or high-concept plots. LikeThe Wire, it was a slow burn, but instead of investigating institutional decay, it centered on cultural survival. That distinction may have made it harder for casual viewers to latch onto, but for those who stuck with it, the rewards were immense. Every character felt lived-in, and every storyline was soaked in authenticity. It was a celebration of artistry and community, and in true David Simon fashion,Tremenever spoon-fed its audience.
Despite receiving four seasons,Tremenever reached the level of discourse afforded to HBOshows likeGame of Thrones,The Sopranos, or evenBoardwalk Empire. It didn’t win Emmys, nor did it trend weekly on social media. Despite this, itslayered storytelling and deeply human characters arguably make it one of the most soulful series HBO has ever aired. It was less about plot mechanics and more about cultural recovery, a poetic and political love letter to New Orleans.
What makes a TV show likeThe Wireso revered is how it tackles real-world systems with narrative precision.Treme, by comparison, tackled real-world culture with no less care or brilliance. In many ways, its refusal to compromise made it both its greatest strength and its Achilles’ heel. It asked viewers to listen - to music, to silence, to grief, to joy. For those who did,Tremebecame an unforgettable experience.
Treme Is Rated Higher Than The Wire Among David Simon’s Best TV Shows On Rotten Tomatoes
Treme Has A 97% Rating On Rotten Tomatoes, Edging Out The Wire’s 95%
For years,The Wirehas been held upas David Simon’s undisputed masterpiece - and not without reason. Its bold narrative structure, vast character roster, and commitment to systemic critique made it the gold standard for prestige television. But even with all its accolades, there’s one surprising fact many fans might not know: onRotten Tomatoes,The WireisnotSimon’s highest-rated series. That honor goes toTreme, which boasts a 97% critics score compared toThe Wire’s still-impressive 95%.
Now, Rotten Tomatoes scores aren’t everything, but they do offer a snapshot of critical consensus. InTreme’s case, the score reinforces something fans have long argued:the show was far better than most people ever gave it credit for. Critics at the time praised it for its nuance, its musicality, and its grounded storytelling. It was a series that took its time and trusted its audience, much likeThe Wire, but with a different emotional tone and thematic focus.
Despite this,the general public rarely brings upTremein conversations about HBO’s greatest hits. It doesn’t show up in as many retrospectives or “Best Of” lists. That disconnect between critical acclaim and audience recognition is what makesTremesuch a hidden gemand underrated HBO show. WhileThe Wirebuilt its reputation over time through word-of-mouth and university courses,Tremehas never gotten the same second life.
It’s possible thatThe Wirebenefits from its genre leanings - crime, corruption, journalism - whereasTremeasked viewers to care about second-line parades, street musicians, and restaurant kitchens. However, therein lies the beauty of it. Simon and his frequent collaborator Eric Overmyer didn’t want to make another urban crime saga. They wanted to honor the spirit of a city rebuilding itself through art.
In doing so, they created something just as powerful, just as intricate, and - if Rotten Tomatoes is to be believed - arguably just as accomplished. IfThe Wireis his masterpieceabout how systems fail, thenTremeis David Simon’s masterwork about how communities endure.For this reason, among many others, it deserves a second look from anyone who ever calledThe Wireone of their favorite shows.
The Wire
Cast
The Wire, debuting in 2002, is a series that explores the complex world of Baltimore’s narcotics scene, presenting perspectives from both law enforcement and their targets. It delves into how the war on drugs has evolved into a self-perpetuating institution, blurring moral boundaries between right and wrong.
treme
Treme is a television series that explores post-Hurricane Katrina life in New Orleans. Set three months after the disaster, the series follows musicians, chefs, Mardi Gras Indians, and other locals as they strive to restore their homes, lives, and rich cultural heritage amidst the city’s challenges.
