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Even with great dramas like Succession and The Wire, The Sopranosremains one of the best TV drama shows of all time. From its iconic opening credits song to its deep examination of masculinity, culture and mental health – which TV rarely discussed openly in 1999 – The Sopranos redefined TV storytelling and character studies, inspiring later greats like Mad Men and Breaking Bad.

At the heart of The Sopranos is the concept of family and relationships, and the series puts its dynamic and deep characters into extraordinary situations. Whether it be mob boss family man Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) or Tony's erratic nephew Christoper Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli), The Sopranos has had some incredible episodes exploring its well-developed characters over its six-season run.

Updated on March 25, 2025, by Arthur Goyaz: The best episodes in The Sopranos stand out as brilliant character studies and dark fables of the criminal underworld. As one of the best TV dramas of all time,...

HBO’s The Sopranos is widely regarded as one of the greatest television series of all time, shaping the landscape of modern TV storytelling. With the prequel film The Many Saints of Newark, fans received a fresh yet familarly tragic perspective on the beloved crime drama, once again.

Michael Imperioli and James Gandolfini in The Sopranos (Credit: HBO).

However, for Michael Imperioli, who portrayed Christopher Moltisanti, the experience of revisiting his iconic character brought an unsettling revelation about Christopher’s fate. It was related to his father, Dickie Moltisanti, who died in the way any fan of the show would edxpect.

Michael Imperioli realized his character was doomed from the start, due to The Many Saints of Newark The Sopranos – a still from Season 6 [Credit: HBO]

In The Many Saints of Newark, Imperioli reprised his role as Christopher, not in a traditional sense, but as the film’s eerie narrator from beyond the grave.

It’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role of Dr. Jennifer Melfi other than the brilliant Lorraine Bracco. Creator David Chase initially sought Bracco for the lead role, something she easily fit into with her Italian-American descent and her accent. Interestingly, she had played the wife of a mob boss in Goodfellas and didn’t want to play the same role again in The Sopranos.

Lorraine Bracco as Dr. Jennifer Melfi in The Sopranos | Credits: HBO

The female lead, Carmela Soprano, went to Edie Falco who was phenomenal in the role. However, she later admitted that if it were up to her she would’ve cast herself in the role of Dr. Melfi. While it is easy to see Falco’s reasoning for such a casting decision, the switched roles wouldn’t have worked for me.

The Sopranos star Edie Falco would’ve cast herself as Dr. Jennifer...

The critically revered Matthew Weiner’s Mad Men was subjected to several controversies during its run due to the absence of people of color. Although the show primarily takes place during the civil rights era and attempts to serve as a reflection of that period’s culture, the absence of African Americans rubbed many viewers the wrong way.

Dawn and Shirley in Mad Men | Credit: AMC

While the decision to tell the story of the civil rights era from the lens of an upper-class white world was certainly polarizing for many, it was a deliberate choice on Weiner’s part, who was adamant about making a statement.

Matthew Weiner wanted to depict the ’60s for what it was Jon Hamm in Mad Men | Credit: AMC

Although the ’60s were a significant period in American history, which was spearheaded by several social movements and cultural shifts, amidst the notion of peace and progress,...

Some of the greatest stories ever told were told on "The Sopranos."

For six seasons, HBO broadcast the lives and deaths of the titular New Jersey family, led by mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), his conflicted and complicit wife Carmela (Edie Falco), his aimless, hot-headed nephew Christopher (Michael Imperioli), and his scheming uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese). While other crime shows portrayed criminals like these as cowboys conquering the new American frontier, series creator David Chase imagined them as tragic antiheroes, clinging to a fading world as the mundane and universal realities of life knocked them off their horses and into jail cells, nursing homes, and early graves.

Chase and co. made their series even more striking by having "The Sopranos" eschew serial-storytelling conventions of constantly progressing overarching plots and regular cliffhangers, instead approaching each episode as though it were a standalone story. The result was not only a monumental...

One of the most polarizing aspects of Mad Men remains its depiction of people of color, as the Civil Rights era is mostly told through the eyes of the white, upper class. In its defense, creator Matthew Weiner argued that he was making a statement, stressing that he wanted to showcase the ’60s for what it was, tumultuous and still struggling with its prejudice and institutional racism.

Mad Men | Credit: AMC

Although the show premiered in the late 2000s, a period when prestige TV was starting to take off, thanks to the phenomenon that was The Sopranos, Weiner was putting in the work long before the show was officially greenlit.

Matthew Weiner kept Mad Men in the oven for a better part of a decade Mad Men | Credit: AMC

Amidst all its strength, it’s the depiction of the ’60s that propels Mad Men to a whole new height, and...

In Seasons 1 and 2 of The Sopranos, the biggest threat to Tony Soprano's continued hold on his mafia enterprise wasn't the feds or rival bosses. It was his mother, Livia Soprano, masterfully played by veteran stage and screen actress Nancy Marchand. Tony and Livia's fraught (to say the least) relationship provided much of the emotional and psychological backbone of the first two seasons, as Tony worked in therapy to unravel the psychic hold his mother had on him. Marchand brilliantly embodied one of the most monstrous mothers in television history, effortlessly leaning on Tony's guilt and sense of familial duty to manipulate him for her own ends.

It was a performance that did its job almost too well, as frequent trips to Livia's world could be both darkly funny and deeply enraging to watch. Sadly, Livia's time tormenting Tony (at least on this earthly plane) was cut tragically short,...

Seldom do actors steal the spotlight quite like James Gandolfini did. The man’s presence was enough to attract all the eyes in the room. He wasn’t just an actor, he was a force of nature and on the unfortunate date of June 19, 2013, he left the world, leaving a dent James Gandolfini-shaped hole in Hollywood. While it has been over a decade since he passed, his fans have stayed loyal to him all these years, keeping his memory alive, one The Sopranos re-watch after the next.

James Gandolfini in The Sopranos (1999-2007) | Credits: HBO

When he was alive, James Gandolfini loved interacting with his fans, but if you believe he was a “gentle giant,” The Sopranos creator David Chase has some news for you.

James Gandolfini was a complex man A still from The Sopranos | Credits: HBO

David Chase last spoke on the phone with James Gandolfini a month prior to his death,...

Spoilers for "Daredevil: Born Again" to follow.

"Daredevil: Born Again" has introduced Michael Gandolfini as Daniel Blake, communications aide and fanboy to the now Mayor Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'Onofrio). He's one reason that watching "Born Again" might make you think of "The Sopranos" — Michael is, of course, the son of the late James. Gandolfini Jr.'s breakout part was playing a young Tony Soprano in "The Many Saints of Newark," literally stepping into his father's shoes.

Fisk himself is a Tony Soprano-ish character; a tall, overweight but imposing mob boss with some parental issues. Granted, Fisk's are about his abusive father who he murdered, while Tony is haunted most by his mother Livia. Tony also never had a masked vigilante like Matt Murdock aka Daredevil (Charlie Cox) to deal with. (But can you imagine?)

Tony can be all smiles and jokes, while Fisk is more awkward; what they do share is a scary temper.

If death comes in threes, as the age-old superstition suggests, then The Sopranos may have hinted at the fate of Tony Soprano back in Season 2. With HBO's watershed mob drama celebrating 25 years on air last year, fans revisiting the series have noticed the eerie recurrence of three o'clock, a time referred to as "The hour of mercy" in the Bible. In particular, fans have linked a single line of dialog from Season 2 to Tony Soprano's enigmatic final moments on the show, suggesting that he met his maker.

To assess whether the theory holds weight, revisiting the most significant moments at three o'clock relative to Tony's last moments onscreen should help clarify, if not prove beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Mr. Members Only Jacket whacked Tony. Of course, with creator David Chase remaining coy on the subject, there may never be a definitive answer. Even so, the three o'clock...

David Chase became one of the most influential people in TV after creating the crime drama series The Sopranos. Centered on the Italian mafia in North Jersey and its boss Tony Soprano, the show broke the standards of network TV at the time and paved the way for auteur-driven TV shows like Breaking Bad and Mad Men.

Chase was known to be eccentric to the levels of his lead star Tony Soprano. The writer was reportedly unhappy with the confines of network TV and was under constant pressure to make The Sopranos great. This quest for greatness reportedly led to him firing one of his proteges an hour after getting an Emmy nomination.

David Chase fired a young writer on The Sopranos an hour after receiving an Emmy nomination A still from The Sopranos | Credits: HBO

David Chase’s The Sopranos is one of the best written and directed TV series of all time.

Whether you’ve watched it firsthand or heard about it from a friend who just won’t shut up, The Sopranos has been a popular source of binge-watch among fans. And following the success of James Gandolfini’s Og show, a 2021 film The Many Saints of Newark rose to popularity, detailing the early days of the titular character Tony Soprano.

Michael Gandolfini in The Many Saints of Newark | image: Warner Bros.

To people’s surprise and excitement, the young role of James Gandolfini’s Tony Soprano was played by his real-life son Michael Gandolfini. Meanwhile, now that a reboot of The Sopranos or possibly a prequel is in talks, the Daredevil: Born Again star was asked about his chances of reprising his role. Guess what his response was?

Will Michael Gandolfini reprise his father’s young role in further Sopranos projects?

For fans of James Gandolfini’s iconic show The Sopranos,...

There are many familiar faces returning to Hell's Kitchen in "Daredevil: Born Again." Charlie Cox, Vincent D'Onofrio, and Jon Bernthal are all heading back to where it all began for more wince-inducing comic book action that we've come to expect from this particular corner of the MCU, which doesn't pull its punches and breaks plenty of bones while doing so. Besides the major players once again entangled in the affairs of the Man Without Fear, there are also some newcomers. Sneaking into the world of kings and devils is Daniel Blake, a supporter of Wilson Fisk (D'Onofrio) who's aiding the former convict's campaign for Mayor of New York. But who is this young upstart who believes the former kingpin has what it takes? Well, if anyone in the cast is familiar with the concept of maintaining a front while engaging in criminal activity, it's Michael Gandolfini.

Highlights of his career...

James Gandolfini’s portrayal of Tony Soprano revolutionized television, but behind the scenes, the actor waged a battle against HBO that nearly derailed The Sopranos. His stand against the network not only secured a better deal for himself but also ensured his co-stars received fair compensation.

James Gandolfini and Edie Falco in The Sopranos | Credits: HBO

Without Gandolfini, HBO might have shortchanged the cast, as Edie Falco herself admitted she was too hesitant to protest. Things, however, eventually turned for the best.

The Sopranos cast wanted more money after the 4th season Edie Falco and James Gandolfini as Carmela and Tony Soprano in The Sopranos | Credit: HBO

By the end of The Sopranos’ fourth season, tension had grown over cast salaries. Despite the show’s massive success, actors felt their earnings did not reflect HBO’s soaring profits. A sit-in protest emerged on set, with many cast members demanding a pay raise.

Michael Imperioli, alongside James Gandolfini, is one of the biggest stars to have come out of The Sopranos. However, the former, who played the role of Christopher Molisanti on the show, seems to believe that recreating such a series in the modern era may prove to be a much bigger challenge than back when the series first came out, in 1999.

Michael Imperioli and James Gandolfini in The Sopranos (Credit: HBO).

Comparing The Sopranos with the likes of Mad Men and Breaking Bad, Imperioli claimed that the three shows changed the landscape of storytelling. He also believes that similar series will be packaged with ‘big stars,’ in the modern era.

Imperioli believes The Sopranos cannot be recreated in the modern era James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano in The Sopranos (Credits: HBO).

James Gandolfini, alongside the rich cast of actors who grew famous due to The Sopranos, were not as huge stars before the show began.

Don't look now, but something supernatural may be afoot within The Sopranos. With the watershed HBO mob drama celebrating its 25th anniversary, the show's multi-faceted complexity has been spotlighted in a wild Reddit fan theory that will alter how ardent and casual fans may view the series on repeat viewings. The theory suggests that the supernatural activity in The Supernatural is real rather than just a stylistic quirk of the show.

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The SopranosTV-MACrimeDrama10/10Release Date1999 - 2006NetworkHBO MaxShowrunnerDavid ChaseCastSee All

James Gandolfini

Lorraine Bracco

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ExpandCollapse 'The Sopranos' Changed the Face of Television HBO

David Chase created The Sopranos, a landmark mob drama for HBO that radically changed how stories were told on television. As legend goes, Fox famously passed on...

One of the most entertaining arcs of The Sopranos is definitely the sub-plot about New York's Lupertazzi Crime Family in season five. Many fans will often refer to the final season when discussing their favorite mafia-related conflict, in which New York and New Jersey went to war with each other. However, season five's inner conflict of the Lupertazzi Family is right up there with some of the best drama of the series. Tony and his family get caught in the middle of the only other true mob war that is depicted throughout the course of the series. During this season five arc, the sudden passing of Carmine Lupertazzi has sparked a power grab for control of the crime family. The two factions that go to war over who is going to be the next boss, break up the Lupertazzi family into supporters of either John Sacrimoni or Carmine Lupertazzi Jr.

Robert Iler had sworn off acting after The Sopranos, but life had other plans – specifically, jury duty. The former A.J. Soprano found himself summoned to court, and instead of arguing his way out like a true mob boss’ son, he took a hilariously creative detour.

Robert Iler in The Sopranos | Credits: HBO

How? By booking a guest role on Law & Order. Iler’s post-Sopranos retirement wasn’t so final after all – at least when legal loopholes were involved.

From The Sopranos to jury duty dodging, Robert Iler’s hilarious acting comeback James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, and Robert Iler in The Sopranos | Credits: HBO

Robert Iler had no plans to return to acting after The Sopranos. But when jury duty came knocking, he got creative – by taking a gig on Law & Order.

Iler, best known as A.J. Soprano, has mostly stayed out of Hollywood since The Sopranos ended...

The Sopranos quickly became one of the most influential shows of all time. And while crime dramas are a common genre, David Chase’s show proved that it had what it takes to make its own name in the industry. Before Breaking Bad, before every iconic TV show out there that made you root for a protagonist with questionable morals, there was The Sopranos.

It is safe to say that it changed television for good and instead of one-dimensional villains, we got Tony Soprano. A ruthless mob boss who could order a hit on just about anyone and have a panic attack the very next minute.

The Sopranos (1999-2007) | Credits: HBO

However, if there is one thing that really sets Tony apart from his fellow villains and anti-heroes, it is his therapy sessions. While his sessions with Dr. Jennifer Melfi didn’t really turn him into a good man, they...

James Gandolfini's son Michael Gandolfini has downplayed the likelihood of returning for another Sopranos sequel. Michael played a younger version of his father's iconic character Tony Soprano in the 2021 spinoff The Many Saints of Newark.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight recently, Michael wouldn't completely rule out the possibility of Tony Soprano returning but insisted the decision was entirely up to franchise creator David Chase.

Michael Gandolfini Addresses The Likelihood of New Sopranos Prequel

20 Storylines in The Sopranos That Went Nowhere

The Sopranos is one of the greatest TV shows ever, but even it features some plotlines that never received a proper conclusion.

"[Let's set] the record straight. You know, it's David's universe, it's up to David ultimately," he clarified. "I know that David's working on some other things, not Sopranos related, which would be exciting."

Michael added that he remained hopeful he would have the chance to work with Chase again someday,...

The Sopranos, created by David Chase, aired on HBO for six seasons and helped to redefine the television landscape as we know it. The story of New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano (brought to life by the late James Gandolfini) changed what audiences expect from the series' main lead. Rather than having a clean-cut, righteous person at the story's center, Tony captivated audiences with his moral bankruptcy. He became a multi-layered character, earning Gandolfini critical acclaim and several Emmy Awards. Now, the late actor's son has briefly discussed the possibility of returning to the world of The Sopranos.

Series creator David Chase would follow up the hit television show with The Many Saints of Newark, casting Gandolfini's son Michael as a young Tony Soprano during the 1960s and '70s. The film received mixed to positive reviews, with many praising Michael Gandolfini's performance and how he captured the same...

During the six-season run of The Sopranos, chief protagonist Tony Soprano entered a series of affairs. This was despite the mob boss sharing a generally happy marriage with Carmela, played by the quintessential Edie Falco.

Edie Falco and James Gandolfini as Carmela and Tony Soprano in The Sopranos | Credit: HBO

And while the series broke down a number of conventions, showrunner David Chase never allowed Carmela to actually have an affair. One notable instance in Season 1’s College teased the possibility of an affair, but Chase made sure it never materialized—intentionally proving a point about her character.

David Chase never wanted Carmela Soprano to sleep with Father Phil James Gandolfini and Edie Falco in The Sopranos | Credits: HBO

College proved to be an iconic episode for multiple reasons. Tony would kill a mob informant in cold blood after taking his daughter Meadow on a college trip. However, back at home,...

Michael Gandolfini has spoken about whether he’d be open to returning as a young Tony Soprano in a potential prequel series. The son of the late James Gandolfini, who portrayed the iconic mob boss in The Sopranos, addressed the speculation in a recent interview.

When asked if he’d consider stepping back into the role, Michael made it clear that the decision isn’t up to him. “Look, it’s David’s universe,” he said, referring to the show’s creator, David Chase. “It’s up to David, ultimately. I know that David’s working on some other things, not Sopranos-related, which would be exciting.”

While he’d love to collaborate with Chase again, Michael doesn’t see Tony making a return. “I think Tony’s probably set to rest now for good, but who knows, who knows — but my guess would be, that character [has] now closed the book on that,...

Michael Gandolfini has addressed speculation about whether he would return as a young Tony Soprano in another Sopranos prequel project. While expressing appreciation for the role he played in The Many Saints of Newark, he suggested that the character’s story may have already been fully explored.

“Look, it’s David’s universe,” he said, referring to Sopranos creator David Chase. “It’s up to David, ultimately. I know that David’s working on some other things, not Sopranos-related, which would be exciting.” Though interested in working with Chase again, Gandolfini did not see another appearance as Tony in his future. “I think Tony’s probably set to rest now for good, but who knows,” he said.

Gandolfini first portrayed Tony in The Many Saints of Newark, a 2021 prequel film written and produced by Chase. The story, set during the Newark riots of the 1960s, followed a young Tony...

James Gandolfini‘s son Michael is sharing his thoughts on the rumored The Sopranos prequel series.

If you forgot, the late James, who passed away in 2013, starred as Tony Soprano on the Emmy-winning HBO series, which ran from 1999 to 2007. Michael, 25, then played a younger version of Tony in the 2021 movie The Many Saints of Newark.

In a new interview, Michael addressed the possibility of playing Tony again in the rumored prequel series from Sopranos creator David Chase, who also co-wrote the movie.

Keep reading to find out more…“Look, it’s David’s universe,” Michael told Entertainment Tonight. “It’s up to David, ultimately. I know that David’s working on some other things, not Sopranos-related, which would be exciting.”

Michael went on to say that he would “love” to work with David again, but doesn’t not as Tony.

“I think Tony’s probably set to rest now for good,...

Michael Gandolfini, the son of the late James Gandolfini, is opening up about reprising the Tony Soprano role in a potential Sopranos prequel series.

In a new interview, Michael Gandolfini clarified if he was down to reprise the younger version of the character his father played in the HBO drama series.

“Look, it’s David’s universe,” he told Entertainment Tonight, mentioning the show’s creator. “It’s up to David, ultimately. I know that David’s working on some other things, not Sopranos-related, which would be exciting.”

Michael Gandolfini added that he would “love” to work with David Chase again but didn’t think the character of Tony would return.

“I think Tony’s probably set to rest now for good, but who knows, who knows — but my guess would be, that character [has] now closed the book on that,” he said.

James Gandolfini played mobster Tony Soprano for all six seasons of The Sopranos.

James Gandolfini left behind a stellar legacy in the form of The Sopranos, before his untimely demise in 2013. The life of the show, Gandolfini starred as Tony Soprano opposite Eddie Falco, who took on the role of Edie Falco.

Edie Falco and James Gandolfini as Carmela and Tony Soprano in The Sopranos | Credit: HBO

While a range of his colleagues on The Sopranos have said only good things about the late actor, Falco, as one would expect, had special memories with her on-screen husband. The actress even revealed that she can no longer watch the show due to the emotional weight of losing her co-star, James Gandolfini.

Edie Falco could not watch The Sopranos again after Gandolfini’s death! Edie Falco in The Sopranos | HBO

Falco admitted in a 2021 interview with The Irish Times that she recently attempted to rewatch The Sopranos with her friend and former co-star Aida Turturro,...

James Gandolfini can easily be one of the most celebrated actors out there, with a slew of noteworthy projects to his name. But out of the lot, his portrayal of the mob boss Tony Soprano definitely stands the tallest. While it brought him immense fame and made him one of television’s greatest actors, behind the scenes, his lifestyle became a major concern for HBO executives.

The network came to the rescue of the show when all the major networks stepped back from running it on their platform.

James Gandolfini in The Sopranos | Credits: HBO

While it brought them a lot of revenue, given its popularity, it also became a major point of concern as Gandolfini’s struggles started to have a bad impact on everyone. Plus, given that he was the heart of the show, they couldn’t even fire him—which even the actor knew himself.

James Gandolfini...

James Gandolfini’s portrayal of Tony Soprano redefined television, cementing The Sopranos as one of the greatest TV shows of all time. However, behind the scenes, a fierce contract dispute between Gandolfini and HBO nearly derailed the series, costing the network millions.

James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano. | Credits: The Sopranos / HBO.

As the show transitioned between its fourth and fifth seasons, negotiations between the actor and the network escalated into lawsuits. This delayed production and resulted in significant financial consequences for HBO.

James Gandolfini sued HBO due to a minor hindsight! James Gandolfini in The Sopranos / Credits: HBO

By 2003, The Sopranos was HBO’s crown jewel, making it imperative for the network to secure its key players. They locked in series creator David Chase with a lucrative $20 million per season deal. However, in what would prove to be a costly oversight, HBO failed to notify Gandolfini of this new arrangement...

The late Hollywood star Ray Liotta once revealed that he turned down the offer to star in the hit TV crime drama The Sopranos. Released in 1999, the groundbreaking mafia series became a massive success and is widely regarded as one of the most influential TV shows of all time.

Ray Liotta in Unlawful Entry | Credit: 20th Century Fox

However, while the actor did eventually star in a prequel film of the show, Liotta admitted that he initially turned down the Emmy-winning series, admitting that his decision was largely driven by his own ego.

Ray Liotta explained why he turned down the offer to star in The Sopranos

Considered one of the greatest TV shows of all time, The Sopranos follows the life of Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss, as he navigates the challenges of his personal life while dealing with organized crime.

Ray Liotta, known for playing the...

The passing of James Gandolfini left a huge dent in the acting industry as he was one of the most sought-after and respected stars in Hollywood. Best known for his role as Tony Soprano, he created a lasting legacy not only in the world of television but also an everlasting influence on the people he has worked with.

James Gandolfini in The Sopranos / Credits: HBO

This is why The Sopranos creator David Chase only has great things to say about his former colleague, whom he treated like a brother. Despite the challenges in their friendship, which were mostly brought by the strain of work, they still had that intuitive connection.

David Chase on his real relationship with James Gandolfini

James Gandolfini was not the most chill person on set, according to his former cast mates and crew members, but this was mostly brought by the pressure to deliver an exceptional...

Michael Imperioli was one of the slew of stars who made a name for themselves via The Sopranos. Imperioli was seen in the series playing the trigger-happy young mobster, Christopher Moltisanti, who undergoes an incredible arc through the six seasons, before being killed off by James Gandolfini’s Tony Soprano.

The Sopranos star Michael Imperioli. (Credit: HBO).

However, long before his arc culminated in a resounding death in the season 6 episode Kennedy and Heidi, Imperioli flirted with the idea of leaving the series. It was all due to tensions with co-star Tony Sirico, who played Paulie “Walnuts” Gualtieri. Sirico’s real-life connections to organized crime and his intimidating demeanor initially made Imperioli uneasy. However, this rocky start eventually transformed into a deep and lasting friendship.

Michael Imperioli was well aware of Tony Sirico before The Sopranos Michael Imperioli and James Gandolfini in The Sopranos. | Max

Before joining The Sopranos, both actors had crossed paths,...

The Sopranos is a series that didn’t just break the mold but shattered it. The concept of a mob boss in therapy, carrying emotional baggage was bold and groundbreaking. It was unlike anything that we had seen on TV, and people even compared it to The Godfather.

A still from The Sopranos | HBO

But the show wouldn’t stand a chance in today’s landscape, and we’re not the ones with this claim, creator David Chase says so himself. So let’s understand why he believed that the mafia drama would never see the light of the day in this era, and what made it a prestigious show in the first place.

Why David Chase believes that The Sopranos couldn’t be made today David Chase | Late Night with Seth Meyers / YouTube

One can’t deny that the standard of what one considers to be a good TV...

Note: This story contains spoilers from “Yellowjackets” Season 3, Episode 3.

In this week’s episode of “Yellowjackets,” Shauna (Sophie Nélisse), Akilah (Nia Sondaya) and Van (Liv Hewson) are plunged into a surreal dreamworld when they enter the cave where Coach Ben (Steven Krueger) has been living, seemingly from a strange substance emanating from a specific section of the cave.

Shauna has visions of her son, Van ends up in a cabin in the woods and Akilah ends up talking to a llama. That’s right, a talking llama.

TheWrap spoke to series showrunners Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson and Jonathan Lisco about their inspiration for the trippy hallucinations: That dream sequence in “The Sopranos” where Big Pussy (Vincent Pastore) appears to Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) as a talking fish.

They also addressed the intriguing theory Mari (Alexas Barajas) told Ben while he held her captive in his cave.

TheWrap: Let’s talk about the crazy dream sequence.

Growing up on the set of a mob drama like The Sopranos can’t be easy. You’ve got fake wise guys yelling, directors demanding more authentic anger, and craft services serving up cannolis like they’re going out of style. But for one young actor, life on set was surprisingly peaceful, mostly because nobody wanted to cross the one guy who could make their lives very, very difficult.

While Hollywood sets can be full of drama both on and off camera, this particular actor had zero horror stories about bullies, pranks, or inappropriate behavior. Not because the industry magically turned wholesome overnight, but because his unofficial bodyguard was someone you wouldn’t dare mess with, even in real life.

James Gandolfini in The Sopranos | Credits: HBO

Turns out, having a man with a real-life criminal past as your protector has its perks. And on this legendary TV show, one...

James Gandolfini’s The Sopranos was an influential television series that marked the beginning of the Second Golden Age of television. After Gandolfini’s Soprano family patriarch, one other character whom fans loved the most was Michael Imperioli’s Christopher Moltisanti. The two actors struck a friendship on the set of the show and the duo’s bond proved a little challenging for the makers of the series.

Michael Imperioli and James Gandolfini in The Sopranos | Credits: HBO

Imperioli revealed that during the filming of one scene, they were both so out of control that the crew feared for the actors’ safety on the set. Despite their little nuisances, both Gandolfini and Imperioli proved to be exceptional performers and garnered a huge fanbase for their respective roles.

James Gandolfini and Michael Imperioli caused the crew of The Sopranos to fear for their safety Michael Imperioli and James Gandolfini as Christopher...

James Gandolfini’s portrayal of Tony Soprano in HBO’s The Sopranos cemented his legacy as one of television’s greatest actors. A slow burn across six seasons, fans got to witness an extraordinary breakdown of character when it came to Tony Soprano, in the end.

The Sopranos cast. (Credit: HBO).

One scene, in particular, completely personified this transformation. However, its sheer brutality meant that HBO executives were initially hesitant, yet show creator David Chase refused to back down.

The scene occurred in season 1, episode 5, College, in which Tony Soprano takes his daughter Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) to various college open days while tracking a known FBI informant.

David Chase fought for this scene to be included in The Sopranos James Gandolfini in a still from The Sopranos | Credits: HBO

The scene in question was the moment Tony Soprano, a charismatic antihero, transformed from a troubled but relatable family man into a cold-blooded killer.

James Gandolfini’s performance as Tony Soprano is easily one of the most impressive and intense TV arcs ever seen. The sheer intensity and range that Gandolfini offered during the show’s six-season run made The Sopranos one of the most popular series of all time.

James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano in The Sopranos | Credits: HBO Entertainmenet

However, behind the scenes, the intensity sometimes led to real-life confrontations. One such moment occurred between Gandolfini and his on-screen sister, Aida Turturro, during an emotional scene that blurred the lines between fiction and reality.

Aida Turturro fell in love with James Gandolfini the moment they met! Aida Turturro and James Gandolfini. | HBO

Turturro, who played Tony’s sister, Janice, had a close relationship with James Gandolfini long before The Sopranos aired. The two actors, just like on-screen, shared a sibling-like relationship off it as well. She shared (via Slash Film)

I knew...

It’s often said that the best things in life are free, but James Gandolfini proved that sometimes, the best things come with a hefty price tag—and that price was part of his paycheck. The beloved star of The Sopranos, who embodied the iconic Tony Soprano, had a knack for playing the tough guy, but in real life, he was anything but.

When production of The Sopranos was on the brink of collapse due to a contract dispute, Gandolfini pulled a move so generous that it practically made the mob boss’ code of loyalty look small time.

Edie Falco and James Gandolfini as Carmela and Tony Soprano in The Sopranos | Credit: Max

Faced with a salary issue that nearly shut down the show, he chose to fork out a chunk of his own paycheck—$33,000 per person—for each of his 16 co-stars. Gandolfini wasn’t just playing the role of...

"Breaking Bad" creator Vince Gilligan was this year's recipient of the Writers Guild of America's Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for Television Writing Achievement — an annual lifetime achievement award that honors the best of the best in television writing.

In his acceptance speech (reported on by Variety), Gilligan shared some mixed thoughts on the legacy of his most famous work so far. Citing the prevalence of bad guys in the current political landscape, he feels it's time to take a break from antihero protagonists like his own teacher-turned-meth cook lead, Walter "Heisenberg" White (brilliantly played by Bryan Cranston). Gilligan explained:

"Walter White is one of the all time great bad guys. But all things being equal, I think I'd rather be celebrated for creating someone a bit more inspiring. In 2025 it's time to say that out loud, because we are living in an era where bad guys, the real life kind,...

In a past interview, David Chase, the creator of The Sopranos, shared his thoughts on the widely discussed finale of the series. The ending, which left Tony Soprano’s fate up in the air, created a storm of debate among fans. People were split, with some believing that Tony survived, while others felt that his death was the inevitable conclusion.

James Gandolfini in a still from The Sopranos | Credits: HBO

However, for Chase, there was a different part of the reaction that left him frustrated. Chase was particularly bothered by how many fans wanted to see Tony die, despite following his journey for seven seasons.

Why did David Chase feel bothered by fans wanting tony to die?

Creator David Chase has always shared his thoughts on The Sopranos’s big moments. He did the same on the Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast and talked about the 2007 finale and how...

The late James Gandolfini is often looked as the single biggest reason why The Sopranos is considered one of the most iconic shows of all time. As the mob boss Tony Soprano, Gandolfini brought to life one of the most favored anti-heroes of all time, on the HBO series.

James Gandolfini and Edie Falco in The Sopranos | Credits: Max

And while he pulled off a range of difficult-to-watch actions during his time on the show, it seems as if Gandolfini was firmly a hero, off-screen. A new HBO documentary, Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos, revealed that the actor went ahead and paid more than $30k each to each of his castmates on the show.

James Gandolfini paid fellow The Sopranos cast members $30,000 each James Gandolfini in The Sopranos | Credit: HBO

Series creator David Chase recalled James Gandolfini’s generosity in the documentary, stating, (via NY Post)

He was great to that crew.

They say that luck is where preparation meets opportunity, but sometimes, even the most prepared can find themselves standing at a crossroads, ready to walk away from something that could change their lives forever. Michael Imperioli, the actor who played the unpredictable and ambitious Christopher Moltisanti in The Sopranos, knows this better than anyone.

It’s hard to believe that the show, which is often dubbed the greatest TV series of all time, almost lost one of its key players before it even started. But Imperioli was never one to blindly chase fame; he wanted something more.

Michael Imperioli in The Sopranos | Credits: HBO

What would have happened if he had chosen a different path? If, instead of embracing the role of a hot-headed, aspiring scriptwriter, Imperioli had walked away from the role that defined him? Well, the world of The Sopranos was not about to let him go that easily.

The Sopranos is easily one of the best television shows of all time with actor James Gandolfini’s performance as Tony Soprano receiving universal acclaim. In the series, Gandolfini played the role of a mob boss seeking therapy while trying to manage his violent professional life. However, Gandolfini never attended therapy in real life.

The Sopranos cast remembered James Gandolfini in the docuseries Wise Guy (Credit: HBO).

In the docuseries Wise Guy, Gandolfini’s co-star and on-screen therapist Lorraine Bracco revealed her chemistry with the late actor. Bracco played Dr. Jennifer Melfi in the series and shared plenty of emotionally riveting scenes with Gandolfini. As a result, Bracco enjoyed manipulating her co-star, and here is what she had to say about the experience.

The Sopranos star Lorraine Bracco enjoyed manipulating James Gandolfini

Actress Lorraine Bracco played the role of Dr. Jennifer Melfi in the critically acclaimed HBO crime-drama series The Sopranos.

Throughout his Hollywood run, James Gandolfini preferred to stay out of the spotlight and wanted his acting roles to do the talk. But this isn’t to say everything was sunshine and roses on set, as the actor shared a tumultuous bond with The Sopranos creator David Chase, which only aggravated as the series progressed.

James Gandolfini in The Sopranos | Credit: HBO

Although there wasn’t an exact beginning to their years-long rift, the filmmaker did point out one moment that made him hate Gandolfini for years after The Sopranos concluded.

David Chase and James Gandolfini’s feud reached the boiling point at the Emmys The Sopranos | Credit: HBO

While The Sopranos revolutionized the anti-hero genre and paved the way for more prestige TV shows, it came at the cost of James Gandolfini‘s psyche. Per reports, the late actor struggled with the brutality of his character in the latter seasons,...

It turns out Game of Thrones fans should’ve seen the Season 8 disaster coming from miles away, because one of the showrunners basically foreshadowed it years ago. David Benioff once shared his very strong (and kinda controversial) take on The Sopranos ending, admitting he’d gotten into plenty of arguments about it.

Daniel Weiss, David Benioff and Emilia Clarke on the set of Game of Thrones | Credits: HBO

Now, looking back, his thoughts on the HBO classic feel like an early red flag for what was about to happen in Westeros.

Game of Thrones showrunner’s take on The Sopranos finale warned us about season 8’s disaster A still from The Sopranos | Credits: HBO

When Game of Thrones crashed and burned in its final season, many fans felt blindsided. But maybe the warning signs were always there? especially in showrunner David Benioff’s past take on The Sopranos finale.

Benioff...

The Sopranos may be one of the greatest television shows of all time but David Chase never had plans to make six seasons of a network TV show. The show, starring James Gandolfini, was initially planned as a movie. It was supposed to be a mob comedy centered around a mob boss and his problematic mother, much similar to Tony and Livia Soprano.

Lorraine Bracco with James Gandolfini in The Sopranos | Credits: HBO

However, Chase was told that a mob comedy wasn’t exactly the crowd-puller in the theaters. But he was then approached for creating a TV series based on Mario Puzo’s The Godfather, which became a classic hit as a movie. Chase wasn’t ready to rehash the story for television, but he had another storyline in his mind.

David Chase’s The Sopranos happened after he turned down The Godfather TV show pitch Al Pacino as...

John Magaro is the kind of actor you discover, like a personal secret. Maybe he first caught your eye in The Big Short, as the geeky stand out among a pack of slick, self-interested traders; grabbed you as Yael Stone’s dreamy prison pen pal in Orange Is the New Black love story, or won you over as Arthur, in Celine Song’s Past Lives, as the husband on the outside looking in as his wife Nora (Greta Lee) reunites and rekindles with her childhood friend from Korea. I first spotted him playing a New Jersey drummer desperate to make it big in David Chase’s Not Fade Away (2012), but my come-to-Magaro moment was his performance as Cookie in Kelly Reichardt’s First Cow. His quietly devastating depiction of male friendship and quiet yearning was the on-screen standout of 2019.

More recently, Magaro has been getting attention for Oscar contender September 5, where he plays a U.

The Sopranos changed television forever with its unique mix of drama and complex characters. The show broke all the rules and set a new standard for television. At the heart of its success was James Gandolfini, whose portrayal of Tony Soprano became legendary. His performance brought the character to life in a way that no one expected.

James Gandolfini and Edie Falco in The Sopranos | Credits: HBO

But the path to making The Sopranos a reality wasn’t easy. Despite its groundbreaking potential, the show faced many obstacles. In fact, it was almost canceled before it even began until HBO came to the rescue.

What made The Sopranos a risk worth taking for HBO?

The Sopranos nearly didn’t make it to television. David Chase’s groundbreaking idea for the show which centered on a mob boss seeking therapy was too unconventional for traditional network television. This unique premise didn...

James Gandolfini’s portrayal of Tony Soprano in HBO’s The Sopranos remains one of television’s most iconic performances. But while his character wrestled with the burdens of being a mob boss, his on-screen wife, Carmela Soprano (Edie Falco), had her own battles.

James Gandolfini and Edie Falco in The Sopranos | Credits: Max

As it turns out, Falco, just like Gandolfini, had a difficult past when it came to drugs and alcohol. Although a teetotaler as a kid, she, for years, found herself treating alcohol as the solution to her problems.

Edie Falco struggled with both drugs and alcohol! Edie Falco and James Gandolfini as Carmela and Tony Soprano in The Sopranos | Credit: Max

Falco’s journey to becoming one of television’s most celebrated actresses was far from smooth. She grew up around theater, with her mother often bringing her to rehearsals. Though she showed talent early, she struggled with confidence,...