Idris Elba Opens Up About The Wire Experience

Idris Elba, known for his iconic role as Stringer Bell on HBO's The Wire, revealed on Amy Poehler's Good Hang podcast that he has never watched the series, despite it being pivotal for his career. Elba finds it emotionally difficult to revisit the show, especially due to the impact of Stringer Bell's death, and feels somewhat 'outside of the club' of fans who celebrate its legacy. He also expressed discomfort with watching his own performances, preferring to focus on acting rather than self-critique. Elba acknowledged The Wire's ongoing importance and its multi-generational influence. The show's creator, David Simon, intended Stringer Bell's fate to underscore the harsh realities of the drug trade, solidifying both the character's and Elba's impact on television history. Despite not having watched the series himself, Elba remains proud of his contribution.