When it comes to the debate of whether Breaking Bad or The Wire is the superior TV show, one crucial factor settles the argument. Both shows are considered game-changers in the television landscape, offering a nuanced look at crime, morality, and antiheroes. The Wire, created by David Simon, delves into the relationships between Baltimore's institutions, law enforcement, and the community. On the other hand, Breaking Bad, created by Vince Gilligan, follows the transformation of high school teacher Walter White into a drug-dealing kingpin in New Mexico.

Both shows explore characters making impossible decisions and prioritizing survival over the law. They have contributed to the "Golden Age of Television." Interestingly, both Breaking Bad and The Wire have five seasons, but it is the final season of The Wire that differentiates it from Breaking Bad. The Wire's fifth season is considered weaker than the rest of the series, while Breaking Bad maintains its top-notch quality throughout all five seasons.

Though Breaking Bad has its flaws, such as the divisive "Fly" episode, it still surpasses The Wire's final season in terms of overall quality and consistency.

The Wire's season 5 deviates from its commitment to realism and turns towards a fictionalized depiction of The Baltimore Sun and its impact on the city. This shift makes the season less grounded in reality and lacks the emotional core and insight of the show's best seasons.

However, the title of "best TV show of all time" is not as significant as the fact that both Breaking Bad and The Wire, airing consecutively in the mid-2000s, solidify the notion of the "Golden Age of TV." These shows, alongside HBO's The Sopranos, demonstrate that prestige dramas were not just one-offs but a significant trend in television. They continue to influence future series and remain culturally relevant.