Do HBO shows count?

Should HBO shows count as regular tv shows? I am reading reviews of "The Wire" that gush about how amazing it is. I have heard equally good things about "Deadwood" and "Rome." But HBO has a lot more leeway in the kind of gritty show it can produce. TV shows on networks deal with some constraints that just do not allow you to show the true real world scenarios. HBO can use swearing and sex as much as they want and therefore end up with realistic shows. I guess you have to ask yourself whether you really desire to use an hour in front of the tv to watch real life or to watch a surreal fantasy world where cool things are happening every moment. I know which one I would pick.