Fictional character of multiple U.S. television shows John Munch is a fictional character played by actor Richard Belzer. Munch first appeared on the American crime drama television series Homicide: Life on the Street on NBC. A regular through the entire run of the series from 1993 to 1999, Munch is a cynical detective in the Baltimore Police Department's Homicide unit, and a firm believer in conspiracy theories. He is originally partnered with Detective Stanley Bolander. Munch is based on Jay Landsman, a central figure in David Simon's 1991 true crime book Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets. 293,288 views on January 27, 2016 — Wikipedia's most-read article that day. Also most read: ITC Hotels, Abe Vigoda, Zika virus, Container deposit legislation in the United States. Wiki link