Fuck the Wire, HOMOCIDE. No cop show in the last 25 years has had such a profound and lasting influence IMO. Andre Braugher has gotta be one of the most underappreciated actors of our era, and the lo-fi camera work was totally ahead
That's what I wanted to bring up as an example w/ Law And Order. But HBO can do a whole alot more on cable than reg network tv. Sex in The City, Oz,The Wire,Sopranos, and DeadWood are all shows that Ive heard many cats revere as incredible shows.
The same dude that wrote HOMOCIDE also wrote the wire, he also wrote the corner miniseries on hbo. But even he will tell you that the wire is his fully realized vision.
Deadwood is good, but its really just entertaining, it doesnt really have any sort of social commentary like the wire. I really enjoy the show though.
Law and Order, Sopranos, Oz, whatever, im telling you they are not even in the same category as the wire. I can see how people might think that if they've only seen a couple episodes, but if you can get through a whole season, any of them, you will see how its a totally different type of show.
Homocide was about the cops.
The Corner was about the streets.
The wire is really about everything. Theres no good guys or bad guys, its just about how everyone plays their own role in ths system and how each role contributes to the larger problem. Every charachter is therefore easily relatable and realistic and you really get to see the situation from all sides.
Best t.v. show ever by a long shot.
also, not in the same category, but alot of people are still sleeping on battlestar galactica. Once you get past the stupid name you will see that its also a pretty great show.