Some exciting news from HBO today, especially for fans of The Wire. The network has picked up the New Orleans-set series Treme, which was created by The Wire boss David Simon and includes two of that show's cast members in its ensemble.
HBO is eying a Fall premiere date for the show, which chronicles the rebuilding of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina through the eyes of musicians. Though Simon himself doesn't live in New Orleans, his co-creator (Eric Overmyer, a former Homicide writer) does, and cast member Wendell Pierce (The Wire's Bunk, pictured here) is a native of the city — all of which I'm hoping will give the show the same authenticity that The Wire had for Simon's hometown of Baltimore. Other cast members include Clarke Peters, Melissa Leo, Steve Zahn, and Khandi Alexander. Comparing the show to The Wire, Simon said:
This is not a Wire redo with a New Orleans soundtrack. It's more of a character study looking at people trying to reconstruct their lives after their city has been destroyed and at a city that a living, breathing organism.
Also today, the network moved forward with a pilot based on the fantasy novels Songs of Fire and Ice called Game of Thrones. Two key people from the film The Station Agent have signed on, with Peter Dinklage playing a key role and his Station Agent director, Tom McCarthy, on board to direct the pilot.
Do either of these sound like shows that could make your viewing schedule?
Bunny Hug
Bunk is my favorite character from The Wire. Can't wait!
1Sounds cool. I got into The Wire last week and have been trying to work my way through all the DVDs. And I love New Orleans so I would definitely be interested in checking out Treme.
2I lived approximately 60 seconds down the road from Treme, so I'd be interested to watch to see the neighborhood. Plus, The Wire was a great show, so I have confidence this isn't going to turn into another K-Ville style fiasco (although, that show was kinda funny, due solely to its awfulness).
3Very excited about this series. Looking forward to watching from the start.
4Very exciting!!!
5I love how people claim that The Wire is "so authentic".
6Simon’s an interesting guy and I’d imagine Treme will deliver — though I doubt it will eclipse the sublimity of The Wire. (The forced comparisons are going to suck).
Dude testified on Capitol Hill yesterday about the state of the newspaper industry. I saw this post and they have some interesting video clips of him talking about his upcoming show and also about his views on the news business.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/art/blog/2009/05/new-david-simon-drama-will-...
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