The Wire

The character of 'Bunk' Moreland is based on real-life Baltimore detective Oscar 'Rick'/'The Bunk' Requer. The real 'Bunk' also constantly chomped on a cigar.

According to Michael Kenneth Williams, he secretly struggled with a cocaine addiction during the third season. He never missed a day of work nor was he ever late. He also suffered with an identity crisis due to his popularity as Omar.

Many of the minor characters are played by real-life police officers, politicians and former criminals. In fact, many of the former criminals who act on the show were previously arrested by the real-life cops who act on the show.