The thing is, Oz had sort of a cult-following. The Wire was a little more popular. Neither had the impact that The Sopranos did.
The Wire will never be as popular as the Sopranos. Both are the very top of the cream of outstanding television series, but unfortunately mainstream Americans do not like watching a show that is 90% black. Sad but true. Plus, Americans are obsessed with the mob. You put on a half decent show about wiseguys and it would be a hit. Don't get me wrong, I love the Sopranos and I am not trying to shit on it.
Face it, mainstream Americans do not want to watch television shows that are too realistic. That is why Prison Break will always get more ratings than excellent drama series like Oz.
