Idris Elba Admits He’s Never Watched ‘The Wire’: ‘I Like Being In It Rather Than Watching It’

Idris Elba Admits He’s Never Watched ‘The Wire’: ‘I Like Being In It Rather Than Watching It’

Idris Elba may have starred in one of the most iconic TV dramas ever, but that doesn’t mean he sat down to watch it.

During an appearance on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, the actor admitted he’s never seen The Wire, despite his breakout role as Stringer Bell.

He said,

“If I’m really honest, like, I didn’t watch The Wire… and I feel bad. It’s not that I’m not a fan of it. I was there. I made a show that was, you know, so intense and so real, so important.”

Idris continued,

“Even though we didn’t realize… I didn’t realize the importance of the show while making it. I didn’t participate in its celebration as a viewer, as a fan.”

Poehler, hopeful he might circle back and watch it someday, asked if he could start now. He replied,

“No, man… When Stringer Bell died, there was a part of me that died with that character… and it’s weird for me to go back and watch it. I don’t like being overly conscious of what my performance is like or whatever, because it makes me conscious about doing it. I like being in it rather than watching it.”

The Wire ran on HBO from 2002 to 2008, with Elba’s character appearing in the first three seasons.

Share your thoughts below.