BB, I've never watched TW nor J

I've never seen Justified. If the remaining three here is how I rank them.

1. The Wire - A simply stunning achievement.
2. The Sopranos - Groundbreaking and set the table for anti-hero shows.
3. Breaking Bad - Brilliant in every way.

To me they are like 1. 1a. and 1b. They are all amazing in their own ways, but I give the slight edge to The Wire.

The Shield > The Wire. Maybe because I'm from the west coast.


No mention of Sons of Anarchy!?! Can we count Californication or is this strictly a 60 minute action/drama discussion...

Having just finished Breaking Bad, watched every episode from start to finish, I can be positively sure that Justified is just as good or better. In fact, I would say Boardwalk Empire is just as good or better, too. These shows are all in the same category of quality, to say they aren't is absurd. Ray Donovan (just finished the first season) should also be in the same list, and is better written that BB.

dont forget The Shield

Actually i liked the Shield as well

as for Justified its a great example of a show that is great because of amazing character development, Elmore leonard is absolutely the best american writer of my generation...he is missed already.

The wire had its moments in character development but it was outstanding storytelling AND film making a great example of people working way above their heads and pulling it off.

The thing about Justified to me is that Walron Googins seems to carry the show more than Olyphant, Boyd crowder is a much more entertaining character and without him the show wouldnt be nearly as great.

and is it just me or does it seem like Olyphant should be billy bob thorntons kid

I've never seen The Wire.

I couldn't get into Breaking Bad... But loved the wire!! :)

The Wire > Breaking Bad > Sopranos > Justified

The Wire
Breaking Bad
The Sopranos
Justified

All 4 are outstanding though. Honor mentions from me to:

The Shield
Game of Thrones
Homeland
Deadwood
Sons of Anarchy

I loved Deadwood and think Homeland is pretty damn good.

I recently watch the Shield on Hulu and loved it. I thought it was a very well done show and had a great series ending.