The mafia drama The Sopranos premiered its first episode in the United States on January 10, 1999. The series is recognized for its influence on television programming and HBO's status within the industry.
Audience Reception
The premiere attracted 3.5 million viewers, with subsequent episodes reaching over 10 million in aggregate. New York restaurant owners reportedly experienced a "Soprano effect" due to decreased Sunday night business as patrons watched the show.
Series Overview
The Sopranos aired for 86 episodes across six seasons and received critical acclaim. Vanity Fair referred to it as "one of the masterpieces of American popular culture," and The Guardian's critics ranked it as the top television drama of all time.
The initial episode introduced New Jersey mobster Tony Soprano, portrayed by James Gandolfini, seeking therapy from Dr. Jennifer Melfi due to panic attacks. Tony's profession was depicted as a waste management consultant, though his true occupation was implied.
Actors Lorraine Bracco, Michael Imperioli, and Tony Sirico, who appeared in the film Goodfellas, were also featured in The Sopranos. Despite sharing cast members with Goodfellas, the series balanced its depiction of violence and drama with the challenges of suburban family life.
Creator's Perspective and Criticism
Series creator David Chase stated he drew inspiration from his personal life for the show, basing the character of Jennifer Melfi on his psychiatrist and his own relationship with his mother. Chase also expressed a desire to portray Italian-Americans on screen.
Some Italian-Americans criticized the portrayal in the series. A New Jersey congresswoman reportedly attempted to have the House of Representatives condemn the show, citing concerns about "discriminatory" mobster stereotypes and "denigrating" depictions of women.
Chase reportedly did not anticipate the show's groundbreaking impact, stating his aim was to achieve a cinematic quality. Following its first season, The New York Times described the show as "hyper-realist" and noted its attunement to "cultural and social nuances," suggesting it could be "the greatest work of American popular culture of the last quarter century."
Conclusion of Series
The series concluded in June 2007. James Gandolfini, the Emmy-winning lead actor, died in 2013 from a heart attack. He was widely recognized for his portrayal in The Sopranos, with The Guardian noting his ability to make a "violent" and "bullying" character sympathetic to television audiences.