The two shows are obviously very different in tone and intent, but is it really like comparing apples and oranges?
Both shows offer clever, intelligent stories about crime and detective work, and both feature top notch acting (Peter Falk won multiple Emmys as Columbo) and writing.
Certainly one is a fantasy (COLUMBO) and one is scrupulously realistic (THE WIRE), but the question is, which show at its best is the most enjoyable?
I'll tell you this much right now - Columbo was damn good! So far beyond most TV level stuff of that era. Falk was perfection in the role. So well written, produced, and acted, with a really different take on the mystery format. One of my all time faves.
I was just a tween when it ran and I thought it was boring as hell back then but now I have learned how to appreciate quality. You have to mature to appreciate this quality stuff, same lesson a lot of people learn when they attune to the stately pace of The Wire and acquire some taste.
Hard to compare because they're so different. Columbo is pretty great though. If you wanted to compare a similar show from the 70s check out Police Story although it doesn't really have an overall story that ties all the episodes together
shareI own both the Columbo series and the Wire; it's like saying which child you love better. Both are the top of their types.
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