The first episode of was released on January 10, 1999 The Sopranos and it changed the television landscape forever. 25 years later, the influential mafia series is still one of the best series ever made and we give 7 reasons why this crime classic should be on your viewing list again.
1. The story of The Sopranos
You think about The Sopranos, then you think of the mafia. But that’s not all the series is about, and that’s what makes it so good. It’s about family, the marriage between Tony and his wife Carmella and the therapy sessions Tony goes through to live with himself. The Sopranos shows that even brutal gangsters have feelings.
2. James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano
The Sopranos = James Gandolfini, we might say. To this day, his Tony Soprano remains one of TV’s most iconic anti-heroes. From vulnerable househusband to ruthless mafia boss in just a few seconds: there are not many actors who can play both sides so convincingly. You feel guilty because you understand why Tony does what he does and you even sympathize with him. While he is actually a ruthless killer.
3. The Sopranos is one of the best series ever
Even though the series is already 25 years old, it is still one of the best series of all time. And not only we think so, but the rest of the world too! Among other things Rolling Stone and TV Guide call it the best series ever. As many as 21 Emmys and five Golden Globes are possible The Sopranos write in his name. And on IMDb it is at number 9 of the Top 250 best series.
4. The Sopranos was very influential
The Sopranos already was hot before streaming services even existed. The mafia series is surely the founder of series as we know them today. For that time it was actually for an actor not done to star in a series, that’s what you did when you were waiting for your big break in a movie or when Hollywood was looking out for you. Tony Soprano was also one of the first anti-heroes in a series and influenced later anti-heroes such as Don Draper in Mad Men and Breaking Bads Walter White.
5. The Sopranos contains drama and humor
One moment you are in shock because someone is brutally slaughtered, the next moment you have to scream at a dry comment from Tony. You might not say it in a series about a mafia boss, but The Sopranos has just the right balance between humor and drama. A violent world, a damaged character, a rotten society, but also very funny moments that do not feel inappropriate. Especially through characters like Junior Soprano and one of our favorites: Paulie Walnuts.
6. The Many Saints of Newark
The series ended in 2007, but you can’t get rid of Tony Soprano that easily. In the crime movie The Many Saints of Newark shows how a young Tony Soprano (played by Michael Gandolfini) begins his criminal career. He starts as an assistant to his uncle Dickie Moltisanti and learns the tricks of the trade from this mafia boss. The film does not reach the level of the iconic series, but it is worth seeing just to see how Michael Gandolfini follows in the footsteps of his late father.
7. The intro song to The Sopranos
The importance of a good intro should not be underestimated The Sopranos has one of the best. The camera sits next to Tony who is driving back home with New York in the background. You immediately get a good idea of the setting, but it is the music that completes it. Of Woke Up This Morning from Alabama 3 we want to wake up every day.
The Sopranos can be seen on HBO Max.
Want to read more of our reviews? Search for a series below or browse the articles.
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss anything from the stars.