The Sopranos

The Sopranos (1999–2007), created by David Chase, revolutionized television as one of the most groundbreaking dramas in TV history. This HBO masterpiece follows Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a New Jersey mob boss balancing criminal enterprises with family life while attending therapy—a first for the gangster genre. Blending brutal violence with dark humor and psychological depth, the series explored themes of identity, morality, and the American Dream through its complex characters. With its cinematic quality, morally ambiguous storytelling, and iconic finale, The Sopranos paved the way for prestige TV, earning 21 Emmys and enduring acclaim as a cultural touchstone that redefined what television could achieve.