James Gandolfini’s The Sopranos has taken first place in Collider’s ranking of the best shows in HBO history. The crime drama also won 21 Emmys, according to the Television Academy, giving that praise an awards record.
First aired on January 10, 1999, the series follows New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano as he starts seeing a therapist. Meanwhile, his home life adds pressures that violence and money cannot solve.
The Sopranos broke an Emmy barrier for cable television
Beyond its acting prizes, the series became the first cable show to win the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series. That breakthrough came in 2004, before another victory in the same category followed in 2007.
Across six seasons, HBO aired 86 episodes, ending the story with its cut to black. Yet the show’s reach started small, with fewer than four million people watching its premiere.
Later, its influence stretched into other dramas built around flawed men. Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan put the connection plainly: “Without Tony Soprano, there would be no Walter White.”
David Chase questioned whether James Gandolfini seemed threatening enough
Before Gandolfini became Tony, creator David Chase had a concern about casting him. According to Jason Bailey’s book Gandolfini: Jim, Tony, and the Life of a Legend, Chase admired his talent but hesitated.
After watching the actor’s reel, Chase told manager Nancy Sanders, “I think he’s brilliant.” Then he added, “I have one concern, and that is, is he threatening enough?”
Instead of backing down, Sanders supported Gandolfini for the part, as did the show’s casting directors.
Eventually, Chase changed his mind after seeing him read: “When he finally settled down and really did a reading, it was just obvious.”
