Actually, I’ve seen The Wire on a number of occasions. No need to worry about spoilers! 
You say your wife likes British stuff.
How about Inspector Morse ?
Its about an intellectual police detective based in the university town of Oxford, who solves murders.
Some of the surroundings the episodes are set in are astounding, filmed in the actual very old colleges.
Also the episodes are feature length, so that you can really get your teeth into them.
I’m working my way through Battlestar Gallactica right now. So far so good, but it’s very dark. Nothing goes right for those guys!
I always recommend Firefly. I’s just that good. And have youseen Pushing Daisies? It’s funny and sweet and quirky.
StG