The Sopranos: Still Great After 15 Years

It was during the pandemic when The Soprano's popularity skyrocketed amongst the new and younger audiences. As people were trapped in their houses, many turned to binge watching classic shows and The Sopranos seemed to be a huge hit. The Rolling Stone magazine released a list of the "Top 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time" in September 2022 and put The Sopranos in the number 1 spot.

The show aired in 1999 and told the story of Tony Soprano, a mob boss in New Jersey who had problems at work and at home. When people think about the Italian mafia they think about the Corleone family in The Godfather, who had great amount of power and influence. But this show tells the story of the mafia in the 21st century. A mafia which is very small scale and not as influential as they were back in the day.

The Sopranos is hailed as the first TV show to introduce the concept of an "anti-hero" (the main character who lacks the conventional heroic traits). Tony is a ruthless mob boss, an unfaithful husband and a father figure who sets the wrong role model for his children. He has all the qualities for people to hate him, yet we don't. Even after his putrid character, Tony faces the same problems at work and at home as we all do, Tony suffers from depression as well. He is merciless to his enemies but overprotective of his loved ones. These qualities appeal to the audience. Vince Gilligan, the creator of the successful show Breaking Bad said that there would be no Walter White without Tony Soprano. The Sopranos paved the way for shows like Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Deadwood and many more.

The most distinctive feature which makes this show is its comedic genius. The Sopranos for some might be the funniest show they have ever seen, even beating some popular sitcoms. The show is about a gang of mobsters who are not very educated and learned. This makes them say the most stupid things and malapropisms with full confidence, which the audience finds hilarious. 

The comedy, the gloom, the intricate and deep characters, the darkening story line, the feuds between mafia families and the family drama makes The Sopranos most definitely the best show ever made.