The wire is very realistic, has continuity, is very well crafted and is ahead of its time.
This was aired in 2002, years before netflix, before binge watching.
In Law and Order, I never saw the level of complexity and continuity this show (the wire) had on its first season. Cases were solved by the time the episode was finished. That doesn't take place in the wire.
Stories begin and end after several episodes or seasons which is impressive for a show with so many characters and storylines. Also, you see the good and the bad side of the city of Baltimore through the perspective of so many characters it's incredible.