Way OT - The Wire or The Shield?

Submitted by Jeff on
I've never seen either of these shows. I will probably start Netflixing one of them soon. Which one should I choose?

Drill

February 11th, 2009 at 8:11 PM ^

Having never seen The Shield and having only seen maybe 2 episodes of the Wire, I say go with The Wire definitely. All of my housemates are in love with that show.

Craven Morehead

February 11th, 2009 at 8:38 PM ^

Both are different but excellent shows. The Wire is more intellectual than the Shield. But both are worth the time to watch. Too bad neither are coming back. If I only had one choice, i'd go with the Wire.

Saluki

February 12th, 2009 at 2:02 AM ^

The Wire is smarter, more social commentary, more realistic. But I don't think I've ever seen a show that keeps the intensity cranked up like The Shield. Multi faceted plots, great characters... I'm in the minority here, but if I had to choose just one, I'd go with The Shield.

readyourguard

February 12th, 2009 at 9:13 AM ^

I was an avid fan of the Shield. The first few season were the best. The last season kinda sucked and I hated the series finale. Nonetheless, Vic Mackey and the Strike team could carve out your son's heart right in front of you, look you in the eye, and dare you to do something about it. I'm hoping Sons of Anarchy is worth waiting for the second season.

RONick

February 12th, 2009 at 9:48 AM ^

have been limited in my viewing of The Wire, I did like what I saw. Having said that, the Shield was perhaps the tv show i have ever actually been childishly excited to come on every week. So intense...

marco dane

February 12th, 2009 at 10:59 AM ^

In fact,the best series of this decade. What I did was bought the series and watch a different one every weekend. Popcorn and a warm body next to you are a good option to consider while watching.

blueblueblue

February 12th, 2009 at 11:20 AM ^

Do you want an over-the-top, fast-paced sensationalistic portrayal or a more realistic and thus mundane portrayal? (which seems to be the difference between many network and HBO series). Like many have said, at some level the two are very different shows. But if you have to choose, go with the Wire.

Callahan

February 12th, 2009 at 1:01 PM ^

Piling on for The Wire. The Wire was on a whole other level than any TV show I've ever seen, including The Sopranos. It's a shame it never had the following that so many other HBO shows had.