The Wire is a great show and probably in my top 10 of all drama shows. That said as with all shows and how hype plays a role, you're bound to be disappointed when first watching it. I kept hearing how transcending and amazing and orgasmic the show is when I watched it and was very disappointed on my first watch. This show is a very slow burn type of show. It's very heavy at times and deals with some real problems of society. Each season takes on a different societal aspect, eg season 1 is mainly about the gang culture and its prevalence in Baltimore, another season deals with the education system etc.. The show isn't judgmental about who is right or wrong, it just shows how things are in life, complicated and very multi-layered. If I remember correctly some of the actors on the show got very involved with social work in the city to help out.
There a lot of famous actors on the show but at the time they were nobodys.
On my first watch I wasn't really hooked at all, I kept watching for the greatness to come. IMO what makes the show great is how well fleshed out the characters are, the show is very layered. It shows police and detective work at a very down to the nuts levels and shows how a ton of it is boring procedural just waiting around for nothing type of work. There are a lot of characters and the changing power dynamics are a great watch.
I would highly recommend people to watch the show but know that it's not flashy or boombastic or has a ton of action or super binge worthy. I probably am making it sound boring but it truly isn't, I've seen it 3-4 times and with each viewing it gets better and better.