By Karu F. Daniels, BlackVoices.com



Better late than never.

Although it has been off the air for a couple of months – after five, successful seasons – HBO's gritty drama series 'The Wire' garnered four nominations in this year's Television Critics Association Awards, tying with the AMCs series 'Mad Men.'

The Peabody Award winning show, which made stars out of Idris Elba, Michael K. Williams, Tristan Wilds, Snoop Pearson, Sonja Sohn (pictured) and Jamie Hector, was nominated in the categories of drama, program of the year, individual achievement in drama (for creator David Simon) and the TCA's Heritage Award, where it faces competition from ABC's 1977 mini-series 'Roots.'

Wow. 'Roots.' For real?The gritty material on 'The Wire' – which delved into inner city drug culture, white slavery, corrupt politics, hip-hop homosexuality, decaying public educational system,, and the media's outlook on urban culture – has had an indelible impact on the current generation of television viewers. It could possibly go down as TV that defined an era – ala Alex Hailey's masterful miniseries.

Also recognized this year: The Sean 'Diddy' Combs produced remake of 'A Raisin in the Sun,' which picked up a nod for outstanding achievement movies, mini-series and specials. The Kenny Leon-helmed tour-de-force, which recently arrived on DVD, will face competition in the category from HBO's 'John Adams,' and PBS programs 'Masterpiece: Cranford,' 'Masterpiece: Jane Austen Collection' and 'The War."

Winners will be revealed July 19 during the TCA Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

On August 12, HBO Home Video will release 'The Wire: The Complete Fifth Season' 4-disc set.