HBO's Acclaimed Crime Thriller Series Is Perfect for a Weekend Binge

The limited series "We Own This City" features an all-star cast and a gritty look at police corruption in Baltimore.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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HBO's limited crime thriller series "We Own This City" is being hailed as one of the network's best shows in recent years. Based on the book of the same name, the series spotlights the rise and fall of the Baltimore Police Department's corrupt Gun Trace Task Force. With a talented cast led by Jon Bernthal, David Corenswet, and Wunmi Mosaku, the intense and thought-provoking series can be easily binged in a single weekend.

Why it matters

"We Own This City" provides a realistic and unflinching look at the systemic issues within law enforcement, making it a timely and relevant watch. The series has received critical acclaim, with a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and serves as a preview of the creative collaboration between star Jon Bernthal and director Reinaldo Marcus Green, who are set to work together on an upcoming Marvel project.

The details

The six-episode limited series follows the Baltimore Police Department's Gun Trace Task Force, a specialized unit that initially gained power and influence, but ultimately became embroiled in a corruption scandal. The show's gritty tone and constant flashbacks keep viewers engaged throughout the binge-worthy runtime.

  • "We Own This City" premiered on HBO on April 25, 2022.
  • The series is based on the 2021 book of the same name by Justin Fenton.

The players

Jon Bernthal

An acclaimed actor known for his roles in shows like "The Walking Dead" and "The Punisher", Bernthal stars as Sgt. Wayne Jenkins, the central figure in the Gun Trace Task Force corruption scandal.

David Corenswet

The rising star, who has been tapped to play Superman in an upcoming project, portrays David McDougall, a narcotics investigator.

Wunmi Mosaku

The recent Oscar nominee plays Nicole Steele, the attorney tasked with investigating the Gun Trace Task Force.

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What’s next

Viewers can look forward to seeing the creative collaboration between Jon Bernthal and director Reinaldo Marcus Green continue with an upcoming Marvel project on Disney+.

The takeaway

"We Own This City" stands out as one of HBO's best recent offerings, providing a gritty, realistic, and thought-provoking exploration of police corruption that can be easily binged in a single weekend.