but because it exposed how every facet of life turned its back on the black community in bmore was a big reason. Most people that are not minorities have a problem seeing that in their face.

It was too real, so much so that I had a hard time with it when the show ended and you knew shit was just going to go bad. But that is what I loved about the show it showed the crust of life in America. That its not all about waving flags, etc. That there is a bad side of it.

While I also loved the Sopranos, it glorified criminal activity even when it showed how things could go wrong. It tapped into the infatuation with the italian mob - ala the godfather, etc, etc.

Besides "Homicide Life - On the Streets" there was not reference point for this show. And remember that show was criticaly acclaimed with also low viewership.