Life on the Street May Stream Following Star's Death

May 2024 · 3 minute read

Homicide: Life on the Street fans have long given up on streaming their beloved series. But they may soon find renewed hope, according to former producer and writer, David Simon.

When streaming became the modern way of watching TV, most major and minor shows found a home on a platform such as Netflix or Hulu. However, the four-time Emmy-winning procedural never had such luck. While there were efforts, music rights created too many issues, so no one could get their hands on the show. The shocking death of star Andre Braugher has allegedly helped re-open the possibility of negotiations.

Braugher died on Dec. 11, following a brief battle with lung cancer. He was 61 years old. The actor was well-loved and successful in Hollywood, with two Primetime Emmys to his name, one of which he won while starring as Frank Pembleton in Homicide: Life on the Street.

Naturally, nostalgic fans have been wanting to watch Braugher in his best roles. So NBC is considering bringing Pembleton back to screens.

I have been informed by a reliable source that NBC/Universal is at last attempting, along with Fremantle on the overseas rights, to clear music rights on #Homicide for eventual streaming. Lot of work to do achieve that, however, I am also told.

Andre alone ought to rate such.

— David Simon (@AoDespair) December 17, 2023

“I have been informed by a reliable source that NBC/Universal is, at last, attempting, along with Fremantle on the overseas rights, to clear music rights on #Homicide for eventual streaming,” Simon wrote on X. “Lot of work to do achieve that, however, I am also told. Andre alone ought to rate such.”

“There is a lot of licensed music in the show from a vast array of artists,” Simon affirmed. And at the time of the drama’s 1993-’99 run, and even when it landed on DVD, “They didn’t pay for future platforms. And do you know what? Artists deserve to be paid for their work earning money for corporations on various platforms.”

‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ Negotiations Have Not Begun

Simon noted that “There is a lot of licensed music in the show from a vast array of artists,” and the whole situation got tricky when “They didn’t pay for future platforms” upfront. He agrees that the parties involved need to make it right before moving forward, but he hopes they can come to an understanding so fans can get what they want.

“Do you know what?” he asked in the comments. “Artists deserve to be paid for their work earning money for corporations on various platforms.”

Andre Braugher isn’t the only reason the creators and NBC are back to the drawing table, but as the highest-rated actor on the series, he’s brought a lot of attention back to the story.

As of now, there is no news on whether the bargaining will take flight. Simon wrote that “nothing [is] happening yet.”

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