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Fresh Air

Police Procedural 'Homicide' (Finally) Comes To Streaming

Aug 16, 2024
Join Tom Fontana, executive producer and writer known for his Emmy-winning work, along with Andre Braugher, the acclaimed actor who portrayed Detective Frank Pembleton, and Justin Chang, film critic for The New Yorker. They dive into the legacy of 'Homicide: Life on the Street' as it makes its streaming debut, discussing its innovative storytelling and character depth. Fontana shares behind-the-scenes insights about character dynamics, while Braugher reflects on the emotional intensity of his role. Chang also critiques the latest entry in the Alien franchise, blending nostalgia with critical analysis.
46:36

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Homicide: Life on the Streets revolutionized police dramas through its unique filming style and gritty realism, influencing shows like The Wire.
  • The series' character-driven narratives and complex dialogues created a profound emotional connection, emphasizing moral dilemmas faced by flawed detectives.

Deep dives

Homicide's Arrival on Streaming

The series 'Homicide: Life on the Street,' which aired from 1993 to 1999, has recently become available for streaming on Peacock. This critically acclaimed cop drama, set in Baltimore, was groundbreaking in its approach, featuring a unique filming style where entire scenes were shot in one take, giving the show a theatrical quality. The series was initially based on David Simon's book and produced by notable figures such as Tom Fontana and Barry Levinson, who emphasized character depth and realistic storytelling over traditional action tropes. The arrival of the entire series on streaming platforms allows new audiences to discover its impactful narratives and diverse representation in casting, which was unprecedented for its time.

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