The Wire, explained

The Hater summarizes the critical consensus:

It’s the show that’s done more for art and humanity than all art and every human ever. In addition, it’s the only show that is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, and everything that you want it to be. The Wire can inspire, move, and cure most ailments if applied directly. If you are barren, The Wire will give you child. If you are hungry, The Wire will give you bread. And if you are lost, The Wire will find you and hold you to its breast until someone who isn’t a television show comes along to claim you.