The Sopranos Remains One of HBO's Greatest Shows 19 Years Later

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Nearly two decades after the series finale, HBO's The Sopranos is still widely regarded as one of the greatest television shows of all time. The show's innovative approach to character development, its talented ensemble cast led by James Gandolfini's iconic performance as Tony Soprano, and its exploration of timeless themes like the American dream and moral self-deception have cemented its status as a cultural touchstone that continues to captivate audiences.

Why it matters

The Sopranos redefined what a lead character could be on television, moving beyond predictable archetypes to create a multidimensional antihero in Tony Soprano. The show's willingness to trust viewers to empathize with a morally compromised protagonist paved the way for more complex and psychologically honest portrayals of characters on television. Additionally, the show's themes around consumerism, masculinity, and the decay of generational values remain deeply relevant today.

The details

The Sopranos follows the life of Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss who struggles to balance his criminal enterprises with the demands of his family life. The show's innovative approach to character development allowed James Gandolfini to deliver a career-defining performance, portraying Soprano as a complex figure who is at once terrifying, pitiful, funny, and deeply insecure. The show's ensemble cast, including Edie Falco as Soprano's wife Carmela, also contributed richly layered performances that brought the world of the series to life.

• The Sopranos first aired in 1999.
• The series finale aired in 2007.