Fans searching for a gripping crime drama series in the tradition of The Wire will find Kevin Bacon City on a Hill crime drama series particularly compelling. This Showtime show, set in 1990s Boston, features Bacon as John “Jackie” Rohr, a respected yet deeply flawed retired FBI agent, who joins forces with Assistant District Attorney Decourcy Ward to investigate a far-reaching conspiracy that rattles the foundation of the city.
City on a Hill draws inspiration from the layered, multi-institutional storytelling of The Wire, exploring the intersection of law enforcement, politics, unions, media, and education in Boston. Along with standout performances, especially from Bacon and Aldis Hodge, the series presents an intense and emotionally charged portrayal of a city grappling with widespread corruption and criminal activity.
How The Wire Set the Standard for Crime Television
HBO’s seminal show The Wire, produced by David Simon and shaped by Ed Burns’ experience as a Baltimore homicide detective, reshaped crime television with its detailed exploration of institutional dysfunction. The series chronicles America’s struggle with drugs from the perspective of both Baltimore police detectives and the criminals they pursue, painting a stark picture of a city deeply influenced by its illicit economies.
Each season of The Wire addresses a different facet of Baltimore’s community in crisis. From the efforts of Detective Jimmy McNulty to snag a ruthless drug dealer, to the realities of dockworkers caught up in organized crime, the show delves into various urban arenas including politics, education, and journalism. This approach crafts a mosaic of interconnected challenges that elevate the genre’s storytelling standards, leading the series to occupy a high position—#6—on IMDb’s Top 250 TV Shows and boasting a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Though set in Baltimore and created years before his work on The Wire, David Simon’s earlier project, Homicide: Life on the Street, also influenced the evolving landscape of crime television. While City on a Hill does not match The Wire’s critical acclaim, it offers a satisfying alternative for those who appreciate intricate, morally complex dramas.
Examining the Story Behind City on a Hill
City on a Hill, created by Chuck MacLean from a concept he developed with Ben Affleck, introduces viewers to a Boston plagued by corruption, racism, and violence. The plot centers on Jackie Rohr’s complicated partnership with Decourcy Ward, an idealistic Assistant District Attorney determined to transform the city’s justice system. As the two men investigate a series of brutal armed car robberies, they confront systemic criminality deeply rooted in Boston’s institutions.
The duo’s efforts to purge corruption span across nearly every societal pillar, revealing connections between gangs, churches, the prison system, schools, and unions. This intricate web complicates their pursuit of justice, echoing the challenges faced by The Wire’s McNulty in Baltimore.
With each successive season, City on a Hill broadens its scope to include the U.S. Justice Department and exposes flawed courts and bureaucratic stalemates stymieing reformation. The show relentlessly interrogates how these overlapping influences form a city in desperate need of change. While The Wire offered five seasons totaling 60 episodes, City on a Hill ran for three seasons and 26 episodes, providing a concise yet potent exploration of urban crime and political inertia.
Critical Reception and Legacy of City on a Hill
City on a Hill has experienced notable growth in its critical reputation since its debut. In 2021, the show achieved a 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critical consensus stating:
“Though City on a Hill’s meandering story can’t quite match its ambitions, it’s entertaining—and even occasionally riveting—to watch Kevin Bacon and company take on bureaucracy.”
—Critics, Rotten Tomatoes
Improvement continued, and after its third season, City on a Hill’s ratings surged to 88% among critics and 86% among audiences according to the Popcornmeter. The series finale earned an 8.2 on IMDb—marking a high point in its run and demonstrating the show’s ability to captivate viewers as it progressed. This acclaim is particularly evident in reviews for the intense performances delivered by Kevin Bacon and Aldis Hodge, who brought as much complexity to their roles as notable The Wire cast members like Idris Elba (Stringer Bell) and Michael K. Williams (Omar Little).
Kevin Bacon’s distinguished acting background grounds his portrayal of Jackie Rohr, while Aldis Hodge has since taken his talent to the Amazon Prime series Cross. Alongside performances from Jill Hennessy as Jenny Rohr and Lauren E. Banks as Siobhan Quays, the cast collectively makes City on a Hill a must-see crime series.
City on a Hill openly follows the blueprint established by The Wire, depicting the interconnected corruption eroding public trust and calling attention to the need for systemic reform. Fans who were drawn to the unpredictable twists and institutional drama of The Wire will likely find themselves engrossed in City on a Hill’s narrative complexity and emotional intensity.
The series is available to purchase on platforms including Apple TV and Prime Video, making it accessible for those looking to experience one of the most intense crime dramas since The Wire.
As television continues to produce new crime epics, City on a Hill stands out for its immersive depiction of Boston’s underbelly and the powerful performances of its ensemble, ensuring the show’s place in the legacy of influential American crime series.
