The Sopranos - wikipedia The Sopranos This article is about the television series. For the pilot episode of the series, see The Sopranos ( episode ). For the novel unrelated to the series, see The Sopranos ( novel ). The Sopranos Genre Crime drama Created by David Chase Written by David Chase ( 30 episodes ) Terence Winter ( 25 ) Robin Green ( 22 ) Mitchell Burgess ( 22 ) Matthew Weiner ( 12 ) Starring James Gandolfini Lorraine Bracco Edie Falco Michael Imperioli Dominic Chianese Steven Van Zandt Tony Sirico Robert Iler Jamie - Lynn Sigler Opening theme `` Woke Up This Morning '' ( Chosen One Mix ) by Alabama 3 Ending theme Various Country of origin United States Original language ( s ) English No. of seasons 6 No. of episodes 86 ( list of episodes ) Production Executive producer ( s ) David Chase Brad Grey Robin Green Mitchell Burgess Ilene S. Landress Terence Winter Matthew Weiner Production location ( s ) New Jersey ( primarily in Essex, Bergen, and Hudson counties ) Silvercup Studios Cinematography Phil Abraham ( 47 episodes ) Alik Sakharov ( 38 episodes ) Editor ( s ) Sidney Wolinsky ( 33 episodes ) William B. Stich ( 28 episodes ) Conrad M. Gonzalez ( 20 episodes ) Camera setup Single camera Running time Approximately 50 minutes Production company ( s ) Chase Films Brad Grey Television HBO Entertainment Release Original network HBO Picture format Film shown as NTSC or PAL depending of the country 480i / 576i ( SDTV ) 720p / 1080i ( HDTV ) Audio format Stereo Dolby Digital 5.1 Original release January 10, 1999 ( 1999 - 01 - 10 ) -- June 10, 2007 ( 2007 - 06 - 10 ) External links Website The Sopranos is an American crime drama television series created by David Chase. The story revolves around fictional New Jersey - based, Italian American mobster Tony Soprano ( James Gandolfini ). The series portrays the difficulties that he faces as he tries to balance his home life and his criminal organization. These are often highlighted during his therapy sessions with psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi ( Lorraine Bracco ). The series features Tony 's family members, mafia colleagues, and rivals in prominent roles and story arcs, most notably his wife Carmela ( Edie Falco ) and protégé Christopher Moltisanti ( Michael Imperioli ). The pilot was ordered in 1997, and the show premiered on HBO in the United States on January 10, 1999. HBO ran the six seasons totalling 86 episodes until June 10, 2007. Broadcast syndication followed in the United States and internationally. The Sopranos was produced by HBO, Chase Films, and Brad Grey Television. It was primarily filmed at Silvercup Studios, New York City, and on location in New Jersey. The executive producers throughout the whole run were David Chase, Brad Grey, Robin Green, Mitchell Burgess, Ilene S. Landress, Terence Winter, and Matthew Weiner. The Sopranos is widely regarded as one of the greatest television series of all time. The series also won a multitude of awards, including Peabody Awards for its first two seasons, 21 Primetime Emmy Awards, and five Golden Globe Awards. It has been the subject of critical analysis, controversy, and parody, and it has spawned books, a video game, soundtrack albums, and assorted merchandise. Several members of the show 's cast and crew were largely unknown to the public but have since had successful careers. In 2013, the Writers Guild of America named The Sopranos the best - written TV series of all time, while TV Guide ranked it the best television series of all time. In March 2018, New Line Cinema announced that they have purchased a film detailing the Sopranos background story, set in the 1960s during the Newark riots. Titled The Many Saints of Newark, it is written by David Chase and Lawrence Konner and will be directed by Alan Taylor. Contents 1 Production 1.1 Conception 1.1. 1 Baer v. Chase 1.2 Casting 1.3 Crew 1.4 Music 1.5 Sets and locations 1.6 Title sequence 2 Cast and characters 3 Episodes 3.1 Season 1 3.2 Season 2 3.3 Season 3 3.4 Season 4 3.5 Season 5 3.6 Season 6 4 Reception, effect, and legacy 4.1 Ratings 4.2 Critical response 4.3 Awards and nominations 4.4 Influence on television industry 4.5 Depiction of stereotypes 4.6 Video game 5 Home media 6 References 6.1 Further reading 7 External links Production Conception David Chase had worked as a television producer for more than 20 years before creating The Sopranos. He had been employed as a staff writer or producer for several television series, including Kolchak : The Night Stalker, Switch, The Rockford Files, I 'll Fly Away, and Northern Exposure. He had also co-created the short - lived original series Almost Grown in 1988. He made his television directorial debut in 1986 with the `` Enough Rope for Two '' episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. He also directed episodes of Almost Grown and I 'll Fly Away in 1988 and 1992, respectively. In 1996, he wrote and directed the television film The Rockford Files : Punishment and Crime. He served as showrunner for I 'll Fly Away and Northern Exposure in the 1990s. Chase won his first Emmy Award in 1978 for his work on The Rockford Files ( shared with fellow producers ) and his second for writing the 1980 television film Off the Minnesota Strip. By 1996, he was a coveted showrunner. I want to tell a story about this particular man. I want to tell the story about the reality of being a mobster -- or what I perceive to be the reality of life in organized crime. They are n't shooting each other every day. They sit around eating baked ziti and betting and figuring out who owes who money. Occasionally, violence breaks out -- more often than it does in the banking world, perhaps. David Chase, creator and showrunner of The Sopranos The story of The Sopranos was initially conceived as a feature film about `` a mobster in therapy having problems with his mother. '' Chase got some input from his manager Lloyd Braun and decided to adapt it into a television series. He signed a development deal in 1995 with production company Brillstein - Grey and wrote the original pilot script. He drew heavily from his personal life and his experiences growing up in New Jersey, and has stated that he tried to `` apply ( his own ) family dynamic to mobsters. '' For instance, the tumultuous relationship between series protagonist Tony Soprano and his mother Livia is partially based on Chase 's relationship with his own mother. He was also in psychotherapy at the time and modeled the character of Dr. Jennifer Melfi after his own psychiatrist. Chase had been fascinated by organized crime and the mafia from an early age, witnessing such people growing up. He also was raised on classic gangster films, such as The Public Enemy, and the crime series The Untouchables. The series is partly inspired by the Boiardo family, a prominent New Jersey organized crime family when Chase was growing up, and partly on New Jersey 's DeCavalcante family. He has mentioned American playwrights Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams as influences on the show 's writing, and Italian director Federico Fellini as an important influence on the show 's cinematic style. The series was named after high school friends of his. I said to myself, this show is about a guy who 's turning 40. He 's inherited a business from his dad. He 's trying to bring it into the modern age. He 's got all the responsibilities that go along with that. He 's got an overbearing mom that he 's still trying to get out from under. Although he loves his wife, he 's had an affair. He 's got two teenage kids, and he 's dealing with the realities of what that is. He 's anxious ; he 's depressed ; he starts to see a therapist because he 's searching for the meaning of his own life. I thought : the only difference between him and everybody I know is he 's the Don of New Jersey. Chris Albrecht, president of HBO Original Programming, 1995 -- 2002. Chase and producer Brad Grey pitched The Sopranos to several networks ; Fox showed interest but passed on it after Chase presented them the pilot script. They eventually pitched the show to Chris Albrecht, president of HBO Original Programming, who decided to finance a pilot episode which was shot in 1997. Chase directed it himself. They finished the pilot and showed it to HBO executives, but the show was put on hold for several months. During this time, Chase considered asking HBO for additional funding to shoot 45 more minutes of footage and release The Sopranos as a feature film. In December 1997, HBO decided to produce the series and ordered 12 more episodes for a 13 - episode season. The show premiered on HBO on January 10, 1999 with the pilot episode. The Sopranos was the second hour - long television drama series produced by HBO, the first being the prison drama Oz. Baer v. Chase North Jersey prosecutor and municipal judge Robert Baer filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Chase in Trenton, New Jersey federal court, alleging that he helped to create the show. Baer lost the suit, but he won a ruling that a jury should decide how much he should be paid for services as a location scout, researcher, and story consultant. Baer argued that he had introduced Chase to Tony Spirito ( a restaurateur and gambler with alleged mob ties ) and Thomas Koczur ( a homicide detective for the Elizabeth Police Department ), with whom Chase had conducted interviews and tours which strongly inspired some characters, settings, and storylines portrayed in The Sopranos. Casting James Gandolfini ( right ) and Tony Sirico ( left ) visit the U.S. Air Force during a USO visit to Southwest Asia. Like the characters they portray on the show, many of the actors on The Sopranos are Italian American. Many cast members had appeared together in films and television series before joining the cast of The Sopranos. The series shares a total of 27 actors with the 1990 Martin Scorsese gangster film, Goodfellas, including main cast members Lorraine Bracco, Michael Imperioli, and Tony Sirico. The main cast was put together through a process of auditions and readings. Actors often did not know whether Chase liked their performances or not. Michael Imperioli, who beat out several actors for the part of Christopher Moltisanti, recalls `` He 's got a poker face, so I thought he was n't into me, and he kept giving me notes and having me try it again, which often is a sign that you 're not doing it right. I thought, I 'm not getting this. So he said, ' Thank you, ' and I left. I did n't expect to hear back. And then they called. '' Chase also said he wanted Imperioli because he had been in Goodfellas. James Gandolfini was invited to audition for the part of Tony Soprano after casting director Susan Fitzgerald saw a short clip of his performance in the 1993 film True Romance. Lorraine Bracco, who had played the role of mob wife Karen Hill in Goodfellas, was originally asked to play the role of Carmela Soprano. She took the role of Dr. Jennifer Melfi instead because she wanted to try something different and felt the part of the highly educated Dr. Melfi would be more of a challenge for her. Tony Sirico, who has a criminal background, signed on to play Paulie Walnuts as long as his character was not to be a `` rat ''. Chase invited musician Steven Van Zandt, a guitarist in Bruce Springsteen 's E Street Band to audition for a part in his series after seeing him live at the 1997 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony and being impressed with his appearance and presence. Van Zandt, who had never acted before, originally auditioned for the role of Tony Soprano but HBO felt the role should go to an experienced actor. Van Zandt eventually agreed to star on the show as mob consigliere Silvio Dante and his real - life spouse Maureen was cast as his on - screen wife, Gabriella. With the exception of Oscar nominee Bracco ( Goodfellas ), Dominic Chianese ( The Godfather Part II, along with stage work ) and Emmy - winner Nancy Marchand ( Lou Grant ), the cast of the debut season of the series consisted of largely unknown actors. After the breakthrough success of the show, many cast members were noted for their acting ability and received mainstream attention for their performances. Subsequent seasons saw established actors, Joe Pantoliano, Robert Loggia, Steve Buscemi, Frank Vincent join the starring cast along with well - known actors in recurring roles such as Peter Bogdanovich, John Heard, Robert Patrick, Peter Riegert, Annabella Sciorra, and David Strathairn. Several well - known actors appeared in just one or two episodes, such as Lauren Bacall, Daniel Baldwin, Annette Bening, Polly Bergen, Sandra Bernhard, Charles S. Dutton, Jon Favreau, Janeane Garofalo, Hal Holbrook, Tim Kang, Elias Koteas, Ben Kingsley, Linda Lavin, Ken Leung, Julianna Margulies, Sydney Pollack, Wilmer Valderrama, Alicia Witt and Burt Young. Crew Series creator and executive producer David Chase served as showrunner and head writer for the production of all six seasons of the show. He was deeply involved with the general production of every episode and is noted for being a very controlling, demanding, and specific producer. He wrote or co-wrote between two and seven episodes per season, and would oversee all the editing, consult with episode directors, give actors character motivation, approve casting choices and set designs, and do extensive but uncredited rewrites of episodes written by others. Brad Grey served as executive producer alongside Chase but had no creative input on the show. Many members of the creative team behind The Sopranos were handpicked by Chase, some being old friends and colleagues of his ; others were selected after interviews conducted by producers of the show. Many of the show 's writers worked in television prior to joining the writing staff of The Sopranos. Writing team and married couple Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess worked on the series as writers and producers from the first to the fifth season ; they had previously worked with Chase on Northern Exposure. Terence Winter joined the writing staff during the production of the second season and served as executive producer from season five onwards. He practiced law for two years before deciding to pursue a career as a screenwriter, and he caught the attention of Chase through writer Frank Renzulli. Matthew Weiner served as staff writer and producer for the show 's fifth and sixth seasons. He wrote a spec script for the series Mad Men in 2000. The script was passed on to Chase who was so impressed that he immediately offered Weiner a job as a writer for The Sopranos. Cast members Michael Imperioli and Toni Kalem portray Christopher Moltisanti and Angie Bonpensiero respectively, and they also wrote episodes for the show. Imperioli wrote five episodes of seasons two through five, and Kalem wrote one episode of season five. Other writers included Frank Renzulli, Todd A. Kessler ( co-creator of Damages ), writing team Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider ( worked with Chase on Northern Exposure ), and Lawrence Konner, who co-created Almost Grown with Chase in 1988. In total, 20 writers or writing teams ( 22 people ) are credited with writing episodes of The Sopranos. Of these, Tim Van Patten and Maria Laurino receive a single story credit, and eight others are credited with writing a sole episode. The most prolific writers of the series were Chase ( 30 credited episodes, including story credits ), Winter ( 25 episodes ), Green and Burgess ( 22 episodes ), Weiner ( 12 episodes ), and Renzulli ( 9 episodes ). Many of the directors had previously worked on television series and independent films. The most frequent directors of the series were Tim Van Patten ( 20 episodes ), John Patterson ( 13 episodes ), Allen Coulter ( 12 episodes ), and Alan Taylor ( 9 episodes ), all of whom have a background in television. Recurring cast members Steve Buscemi and Peter Bogdanovich also directed episodes of the series intermittently. Chase directed the pilot episode and the series finale. Both episodes were photographed by the show 's original director of photography Alik Sakharov, who later alternated episodes with Phil Abraham. The show 's photography and directing is noted for its feature film quality. This look was achieved by Chase collaborating with Sakharov. `` From the pilot, we would sit down with the whole script and break the scenes down into shots. That 's what you do with feature films. '' Music Main article : Music on The Sopranos The Sopranos is noted for its eclectic music selections and has received considerable critical attention for its effective use of previously recorded songs. Chase personally selected all of the show 's music with producer Martin Bruestle and music editor Kathryn Dayak, sometimes also consulting Steven Van Zandt. The music was usually selected once the production and editing of an episode was completed, but on occasion sequences were filmed to match preselected pieces of music. The show 's opening theme is `` Woke Up This Morning '' ( Chosen One Mix ), written by, remixed and performed by British band Alabama 3. With few exceptions, a different song plays over the closing credits of each episode. Many songs are repeated multiple times through an episode, such as `` Living on a Thin Line '' by The Kinks in the season three episode `` University '' and `` Glad Tidings '' by Van Morrison in the season five finale `` All Due Respect ''. Other songs are heard several times throughout the series. A notable example is `` Con te partirò '', performed by Italian singer Andrea Bocelli, which plays several times in relation to the character of Carmela Soprano. While the show utilizes a wealth of previously recorded music, it is also notable for its lack of originally composed incidental music, compared to other television programs. Two soundtrack albums containing music from the series have been released. The first, titled The Sopranos : Music from the HBO Original Series, was released in 1999. It contains selections from the show 's first two seasons and reached # 54 on the U.S. Billboard 200. A second soundtrack compilation, titled The Sopranos - Peppers and Eggs : Music From The HBO Series, was released in 2001. This double - disc album contains songs and selected dialogue from the show 's first three seasons. It reached # 38 on the U.S. Billboard 200. Sets and Locations The majority of the exterior scenes taking place in New Jersey were filmed on location, with the majority of the interior shots -- including most indoor shots of the Soprano residence, the back room of the strip club Bada Bing !, and Dr. Melfi 's psychiatrist 's office -- filmed at Silvercup Studios in New York City. The pork store, a frequent hangout for the mobsters on the show, was in the pilot episode known as Centanni 's Meat Market, an actual butchery in Elizabeth, New Jersey. After the series was picked up by HBO, the producers leased a building with a store front in Kearny, New Jersey. For the remainder of the production period, this building served as the shooting location for scenes outside and inside the pork store, now renamed Satriale 's. After the series ended, the building was demolished. Bada Bing !, a strip club owned and operated by the character Silvio Dante on the show, is an actual strip club on Route 17 in Lodi, New Jersey. Exteriors and interiors ( except for the back room ) were shot on location. The club is called Satin Dolls and was an existing business before the show started. The club continued to operate during the eight years the show was filmed there. As such, a business arrangement was worked out with the owner. Locations manager Mark Kamine recalls that the owner was `` very gracious '' as long as the shooting did not `` conflict with his business time. '' Scenes set at the restaurant Vesuvio, owned and operated in the series by character Artie Bucco, were in the first episode filmed at a restaurant called Manolo 's located in Elizabeth. After the destruction of Vesuvio within the context of the series, Artie opened a new restaurant called Nuovo Vesuvio ; exterior scenes set there were filmed at an Italian restaurant called Punta Dura located in Long Island City. All the exterior and some interior shots of the Soprano residence were filmed on location at a private residence in North Caldwell, New Jersey. Title sequence Tony Soprano is seen emerging from the Lincoln Tunnel and passes through the tollbooth for the New Jersey Turnpike. Numerous landmarks in and around Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey, are then shown passing by the camera as Tony drives down the highway. The sequence ends with Tony pulling into the driveway of his suburban home. Chase has said that the goal of the title sequence was to show that this particular mafia show was about New Jersey, as opposed to New York, where most similar dramas have been set. In the first three seasons, between Tony leaving the tunnel and passing through the toll plaza, the show had a shot of the World Trade Center towers in Tony 's rear - view mirror. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, this shot was removed and replaced with a more generic shot, beginning with the show 's fourth season. In a 2010 issue of TV Guide, the show 's opening title sequence ranked # 10 on a list of TV 's top 10 credits sequences, as selected by readers. Cast and characters Further information : List of The Sopranos characters The Sopranos features a large cast of characters, many of whom get significant amounts of character development -- regardless of level of importance. Some only appear in certain seasons, while others appear ( sporadically or constantly ) throughout the entire series. All characters were created by David Chase, unless otherwise noted. Tony Soprano ( James Gandolfini ) is the series ' protagonist. Tony is one of the capos ( and the unofficial underboss ) of the New Jersey - based DiMeo crime family, at the beginning of the series ; he eventually becomes its undisputed boss. He is also the patriarch of the Soprano household. Throughout the series, Tony struggles to balance the conflicting requirements of his family -- wife Carmela, daughter Meadow, son A.J., and mother Livia -- with those of the Mafia family he controls. Because he is prone to bouts of clinical depression, after a fainting spell ( triggered by a panic attack ), Tony 's physician refers him for treatment from psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Melfi ( Lorraine Bracco ), in the show 's first episode. She treats Tony to the best of her ability despite the fact that they routinely clash over various issues. Melfi is usually thoughtful, rational and humane -- a stark contrast to Tony 's personality. Tony, a serial womanizer, occasionally divulges his sexual attraction to Dr. Melfi ; Melfi harbors some degree of attraction to Tony, too, but never admits or acts on it. Melfi is far more attracted to Tony 's dangerousness and power. She is drawn to the challenge of helping such an unusual client, and naively assumes that their doctor - patient relationship will not affect her personal life in any way. Adding to Tony 's complicated life is his relationship with his wife Carmela ( Edie Falco ), which is strained by his constant infidelity and her struggle to reconcile the reality of Tony 's business ( which she is often in denial of ), with the affluent lifestyle and higher social status it brings her. Both have up - and - down relationships with their two children : the intelligent - but - rebellious Meadow ( Jamie - Lynn Sigler ), and underachiever A.J. ( i.e., Anthony Jr. ) ( Robert Iler ), whose everyday teenage issues are further complicated by their eventual knowledge of their father 's criminal activities and reputation. The starring cast includes members of Tony 's extended family, including : his disapproving, manipulative mother, Olivia `` ' Livia '' Soprano ( Nancy Marchand ) ; his aimless, histrionic older sister, Janice ( Aida Turturro ) ; his paternal uncle Corrado `` Junior '' Soprano ( Dominic Chianese ), nominal boss of the crime family following the death of then - acting boss Jackie Aprile Sr. ; cousin Tony Blundetto ( Steve Buscemi ) ; and, Christopher Moltisanti ( Michael Imperioli ), often referred to as Tony 's `` nephew '' ( but is actually his cousin by marriage ). Both ' Livia and Janice are scheming, treacherous, shrewd manipulators with major - yet - unaddressed psychological issues of their own. The single - mindedly ambitious Uncle Junior is chronically frustrated by having not been made boss of the DiMeo family, despite old - school mob traditions entitling him to the position by virtue of seniority. He feels his authority is perpetually undermined by Tony 's greater influence in the organization, and barely contains his seething jealousy at having to watch both his younger brother ( Tony 's father ) and now Tony, himself, leapfrog him in the organization. As their professional tensions escalate, Uncle Junior employs increasingly desperate, behind - the - scenes measures to solve his problems with Tony, who still idolizes his uncle, and wants to retain Junior 's affection and approval. Uncle Junior and Christopher are fixtures in Tony 's real family, as well as his crime family, so their actions in one realm often create further conflicts in the other. Christopher, an entitled, insecure DiMeo associate who is as ambitious as he is insubordinate and incompetent, is also a chronic substance abuser. Tony Blundetto is a well - respected DiMeo family soldier who returns after completing a lengthy prison sentence ; he leaves prison committed to `` going straight '' ( to Tony 's dismay ), but also has an intense violent streak. Those in Tony 's closest circle within the DiMeo crime family include Silvio Dante ( Steven Van Zandt ). Silvio is Tony 's consigliere and best friend. He runs the family 's strip club headquarters, and other businesses. Paulie `` Walnuts '' Gualtieri ( Tony Sirico ), a tough, short - tempered, aging soldier who is fiercely loyal to Tony and Salvatore `` Big Pussy '' Bonpensiero ( Vincent Pastore ), a veteran gangster who runs an automotive body shop. Paulie `` Walnuts '' and `` Big Pussy '' ( often called just, `` Pussy '' ) have worked with Tony and his father. Also in Tony 's criminal organization are : Patsy Parisi ( Dan Grimaldi ), and Furio Giunta ( Federico Castelluccio ). Patsy is a soft - spoken soldier with a head for figures ; Furio, an Italian national who joins the family later in the series, serves as Tony 's violent enforcer and bodyguard. Other significant characters in the DiMeo family include : Bobby `` Bacala '' Baccalieri ( Steven R. Schirripa ) ; Richie Aprile ( David Proval ) ; Ralph Cifaretto ( Joe Pantoliano ) ; Eugene Pontecorvo ( Robert Funaro ) ; and Vito Spatafore ( Joseph R. Gannascoli ). Bobby is a subordinate of Uncle Junior 's whom Tony initially bullies, but later accepts into his inner circle. Ralph is a clever, ambitious top - earner ; but his arrogant, obnoxious, disrespectful, and unpredictably violent tendencies turn Tony resentful. Richie Aprile is released from prison in season 2, and quickly makes waves. Pontecorvo is a young soldier who becomes a `` made '' man alongside Christopher. Spatafore works his way up through the ranks to become top earner of the Aprile crew, but is secretly homosexual. Friends of the Soprano family include : Herman `` Hesh '' Rabkin ( Jerry Adler ) ; Adriana La Cerva ( Drea de Matteo ) ; Rosalie Aprile ( Sharon Angela ) ; Angie Bonpensiero ( Toni Kalem ), along with Artie ( John Ventimiglia ) and Charmaine Bucco ( Kathrine Narducci ). Hesh is an invaluable adviser and friend to Tony, as he was when Tony 's father ran things. Adriana is Christopher 's loyal and long - suffering girlfriend ; the two have a volatile relationship, but appear destined to stay together. Christopher often ignores Adriana 's advice, and winds up regretting it. Rosalie is the widow of previous DiMeo boss Jackie Aprile Sr., and a very close friend of Carmela. Angie is Salvatore Bonpensiero 's wife ; she later goes into `` business '' for herself, and quite successfully. Artie & Charmaine are childhood friends of the Sopranos, and owners of the popular restaurant, Vesuvio. Charmaine wishes to have no association with Tony and his crew due to fears that Tony 's criminal ways will ultimately ruin everything she and Artie have achieved. Artie, however -- a law - abiding, hard - working man -- is drawn to his childhood friend Tony 's glamorous, seemingly carefree lifestyle. Charmaine bitterly resents Artie 's chronic tendency to disregard her wishes while catering to Tony 's ; their marriage suffers greatly, as a result. Charmaine also had a brief sexual encounter with Tony ( when he and Carmela had temporarily broken - up ) when all four were teenagers. John `` Johnny Sack '' Sacramoni ( Vince Curatola ), Phil Leotardo ( Frank Vincent ) and `` Little '' Carmine Lupertazzi Jr. ( Ray Abruzzo ) are all significant characters from the New York City - based Lupertazzi crime family, which shares a good amount of its business with the Soprano organization. Although the Lupertazzis ' and DiMeos ' interests are often at odds, Tony maintains a cordial, business - like relationship with `` Johnny Sack '', preferring to make mutually beneficial deals, not war. Johnny Sack 's second - in - command and eventual successor, Phil Leotardo, is less friendly and harder for Tony to do business with. Little Carmine is the son of the family 's first boss, and vies for power with its other members. Episodes Main article : List of The Sopranos episodes Season Episodes Originally aired First aired Last aired 13 January 10, 1999 ( 1999 - 01 - 10 ) April 4, 1999 ( 1999 - 04 - 04 ) 13 January 16, 2000 ( 2000 - 01 - 16 ) April 9, 2000 ( 2000 - 04 - 09 ) 13 March 4, 2001 ( 2001 - 03 - 04 ) May 20, 2001 ( 2001 - 05 - 20 ) 13 September 15, 2002 ( 2002 - 09 - 15 ) December 8, 2002 ( 2002 - 12 - 08 ) 5 13 March 7, 2004 ( 2004 - 03 - 07 ) June 6, 2004 ( 2004 - 06 - 06 ) 6 21 12 March 12, 2006 ( 2006 - 03 - 12 ) June 4, 2006 ( 2006 - 06 - 04 ) 9 April 8, 2007 ( 2007 - 04 - 08 ) June 10, 2007 ( 2007 - 06 - 10 ) Season 1 Main article : The Sopranos ( season 1 ) When Tony Soprano collapses after suffering a panic attack, he begins therapy with Dr. Jennifer Melfi. Details of Tony 's upbringing -- with his father 's influence looming large on his development as a gangster, but more so that Tony 's mother, Livia, was vengeful and possibly psychopathic -- are revealed. His complicated relationship with his wife Carmela is also explored, as well as her feelings regarding her husband 's cosa nostra ties. Meadow and Anthony Jr. -- Tony 's children -- gain increasing knowledge of their father 's mob dealings. Later, federal indictments are brought as a result of someone in his organization talking to the FBI. Tony 's uncle Corrado `` Junior '' Soprano orders the murder of Brendan Filone and the mock execution of Chris Moltisanti, associates of Tony, as reprisal for repeated hijackings of trucks under Corrado 's protection. Tony defuses the situation by allowing his uncle to be installed as boss of the family ( following the death of previous boss Jackie Aprile Sr. from cancer ), while Tony retains actual control of most things from behind the scenes. Corrado discovers the artifice, however, and orders an attempt on Tony 's life. The assassination is nevertheless botched and Tony responds violently, before confronting his mother for her role in plotting his downfall ; she appears to have a psychologically - triggered stroke. `` Junior '' is arrested by the FBI on non-related charges. Season 2 Main article : The Sopranos ( season 2 ) Jackie 's brother Richie Aprile is released from prison, proving to be uncontrollable in the business arena, starts a relationship with Janice, Tony 's sister, who has arrived from Seattle. `` Big Pussy '' returns to New Jersey after a conspicuous absence. Christopher Moltisanti becomes engaged to his girlfriend Adriana La Cerva. Matthew Bevilaqua and Sean Gismonte, two low - level associates dissatisfied with their perceived lack of success in the Soprano crew, try to make a name for themselves by attempting to kill Christopher. Their plan backfires ; Christopher kills Sean and, though critically wounded, survives their attack. Tony and Big Pussy locate Matthew and kill him. However, a witness goes to the FBI and identifies Tony. Junior is placed under house arrest as he awaits trial. Richie, frustrated with Tony 's authority over him, entreats Junior to have Tony killed. Junior feigns interest, then informs Tony of Richie 's intentions, leaving Tony with another problem to address. However, the situation is defused unexpectedly when Janice kills Richie in a violent argument ; Tony and his men conceal all evidence of the murder, and Janice returns to Seattle. Tony, realizing Big Pussy is an FBI informant, kills him on board a boat ( with assistance from Silvio Dante and Paulie Gualtieri ), then wraps his corpse in chains and throws it overboard. Season 3 Main article : The Sopranos ( season 3 ) Following the `` disappearance '' of Aprile crew capo Richie Aprile, the return of the ambitious Ralph Cifaretto, having spent an extended period of leisure time in Miami, marks the third season. He renews a relationship with Rosalie Aprile, the widow of the deceased acting boss Jackie Aprile Sr., and former capo of the Aprile crew, which bears his name. With Richie assumed to have joined the Witness Protection Program, Ralph unofficially usurps control over the Aprile crew, proving to be an exceptionally dexterous earner for the crew. While Ralph 's competitive merit would seemingly have him next in line to ascend to capo, his insubordination inclines Tony not to promote him and instead gives the promotion to the unqualified, but complacent, Gigi Cestone, causing much resentment and tension between him and Ralph. Livia dies of a stroke. Jackie Aprile Jr. becomes involved with Meadow and then descends into a downward spiral of recklessness, drugs and crime. Tony initially attempts to act as a mentor to Jackie but becomes increasingly impatient with his escalating misbehavior, particularly as Jackie 's relationship with Meadow begins to become serious. Inspired by a story from Ralph about how Tony, Jackie Sr., and Silvio Dante got made, Jackie and his friends Dino Zerilli and Carlo Renzi make a similar move and attempt to rob Eugene Pontecorvo 's Saturday night card game, so they can gain recognition from the family, possibly getting them respected and made as well. The plan takes a turn for the worse when Jackie panics due to the heckling of the card dealer `` Sunshine '' and shoots him to death. Dino and Carlo are killed during the robbery, but Jackie manages to escape. Tony decides to give Ralph the decision regarding Jackie Jr. 's punishment. Despite his role as a surrogate father, Ralph decides to have Jackie Jr. killed. Ralph ultimately crosses the line when, in a cocaine - induced rage, he gets into a confrontation with girlfriend Tracee and beats her to death. She may have been pregnant with his child at the time. This infuriates Tony to the point where he violates traditional mafia code by striking him repeatedly in front of the entire family. Bad blood temporarily surfaces between the two but is shortly resolved after Gigi Cestone dies of an heart attack, thereby forcing Tony to reluctantly promote Ralph to capo. Tony begins an affair with Gloria Trillo, who is also a patient of Dr. Melfi. Their relationship is brief and tumultuous. Meanwhile, Dr. Melfi is raped. Junior is diagnosed with stomach cancer ; following chemotherapy, it goes into remission. A.J. continues to get in trouble at school -- despite success on the football team -- which culminates in his expulsion. Season 4 Main article : The Sopranos ( season 4 ) Tony and Christopher stake out the retirement party of Detective Lieutenant Barry Haydu, the man who murdered Christopher 's father. Tony gives Christopher Haydu 's address. When Christopher asks why he had been allowed to live all these years, Tony says that he had been valuable, but that he has outlived his worth. Christopher waits inside Haydu 's home and ambushes him as he returns from his party. Haydu vehemently denies murdering Christopher 's father, but struggles to get away, yelling `` I 'm sorry ! '' when Christopher goes to shoot him. New York underboss Johnny Sack becomes enraged after learning Ralph Cifaretto made an inappropriate joke about his wife 's weight. He seeks permission from boss Carmine Lupertazzi to have Ralph clipped, but is denied. Johnny orders the hit anyway. Tony receives the okay from Carmine to hit Johnny Sack for insubordination. Junior Soprano tips Tony to use an old outfit in Providence for the work. After catching his wife eating sweets secretly, instead of following the diet plan, Johnny Sack gives in, and bloodshed is averted. Tony and Ralph invest in a race horse named Pie - O - My, who wins several races and makes them both a great deal of money. However, when Ralph 's 12 - year - old son Justin is severely injured when an arrow plunges into his chest, Tony comes to believe Ralph burned Pie - O - My in a stable fire to collect $200,000 in insurance money. Tony confronts Ralph the following morning and Ralph denies setting the fire. The two engage in a violent brawl, culminating in Tony strangling Ralph to death. Tony and Christopher dispose of the body ; they bury his head and hands at Mikey Palmice 's father 's farm and throw his body into a quarry. While he is leaving court, Uncle Junior is hit in the head with a boom mic and falls down several steps. Tony advises him to take advantage of the opportunity, act mentally incompetent, and employ it as a ruse for not continuing the trial. Later, Eugene Pontecorvo intimidates a juror, resulting in a deadlocked jury, forcing the judge to declare a mistrial. Following the death of Bobby Baccalieri 's wife, Janice pursues a romantic relationship with him. Christopher 's addiction to heroin deepens, prompting his associates and family to organize an intervention, after which he enters a drug rehabilitation center. Adriana befriends a woman who is an undercover FBI agent. When the friendship ends, the woman reveals herself as an FBI agent and tells Adriana the only way to stay out of prison is to become an informant. Adriana agrees and starts sharing information with the FBI. Carmela, whose relationship with Tony is tense due to financial worries and Tony 's infidelities, develops a mutual infatuation with Furio Giunta. Furio, incapable of breaking his own moral codes and that of the Neapolitan mafia, clandestinely returns home to Italy. After Tony 's former mistress calls their home, Carmela throws Tony out. Tony is approached by Johnny Sack with a proposal to murder Carmine, which Tony turns down. Season 5 Main article : The Sopranos ( season 5 ) A string of new characters are introduced, including Tony 's cousin Tony Blundetto, who simultaneously along with other mafiosi, is released from prison. Among the others released are former DiMeo crime family capo Michele `` Feech '' La Manna, Lupertazzi family capo Phil Leotardo, and semi-retired Lupertazzi consigliere Angelo Garepe. Tony offers Tony B. a job, but he respectfully declines, as he is determined to lead a straight life. He initially begins to take courses to earn a degree in massage therapy and aspires to open up his own massage parlor. After Carmine Lupertazzi dies of a stroke, his death leaves a vacancy for boss of the Lupertazzi family, which will soon be fought over by underboss Johnny Sack and Carmine 's son Carmine Lupertazzi Jr. After Feech proves to be an insubordinate presence, Tony arranges for him to be sent back to prison by setting him up with stolen property, violating his parole. The war between Johnny Sack and Carmine Jr. begins when Johnny has Phil kill `` lady shylock '' Lorraine Calluzzo. Tony B. 's attempt to stay straight comes to a head when he gets into a brawl with his employer Sungyon Kim. Tony informs Tony B. that `` it 's hard working with strangers. '' Angelo, who was a good friend to Tony B. in prison, and Lupertazzi capo Rusty Millio offer Tony B. the job of taking out Joey Peeps in retaliation for Lorraine 's death. Tony B. initially declines but, desperate to earn, accepts the job. He catches Joey outside a bordello, shoots him, and quickly flees the scene. Johnny believes Tony B. is involved, and retaliates by having Phil and his brother Billy Leotardo kill Angelo. Tony B. finds the Leotardo brothers and opens fire, killing Billy and wounding Phil. Still separated from Carmela, Tony is living at his parents ' house. Carmela, now the sole authority figure in the home, becomes frustrated as her rules lead A.J. to resent her ; eventually she allows him to live with his father. She has a brief relationship with Robert Wegler, A.J. 's guidance counselor ; he breaks it off abruptly when he suspects that she is manipulating him to improve A.J. 's grades. Tony and Carmela reconcile ; Tony promises to be more loyal and agrees to pay for a piece of real estate Carmela wishes to develop. Tony gets Meadow 's boyfriend Finn De Trolio a summer job at a construction site, which is run by Aprile crew capo Vito Spatafore. Finn comes in early one morning and catches Vito performing fellatio on a security guard. Vito tries to buddy up to Finn so that he does not say anything to anybody else. He even asks Finn to a Yankees game, which Finn does not attend. Finn soon quits the job out of fear. After covering up a murder that occurred at The Crazy Horse, Adriana is arrested and pressured by the FBI to wear a wire to avoid being charged as an accomplice. She refuses to wear a wire and informs the FBI that she may be able to persuade her fiancé Christopher to co-operate and become an informant against Tony. She confesses to Christopher that she has been informing and that the FBI would give them new identities if they would testify. Christopher is grief - stricken and nearly kills her. He leaves the apartment, saying he needs time to think. Tony has Silvio pick up Adriana under the pretense of taking her to see Christopher, but instead drives her out to the woods and executes her. Adriana 's betrayal and subsequent execution is too much for Christopher to handle and he briefly returns to drug abuse to deal with the pain. Phil Leotardo and his henchmen beat Benny Fazio while trying to acquire the whereabouts of Tony B. ; Phil also threatens to have Christopher taken out if Tony B. 's whereabouts are not disclosed soon. To avoid any more of his guys getting hurt and to pacify New York, Tony tracks Tony B. to their Uncle Pat 's farm and shoots him. Phil, however, is furious that he did not get the opportunity to do it himself. Tony and Johnny meet at Johnny 's house in a reconciliatory manner, but Johnny is arrested by Federal agents, while Tony escapes. Season 6 Main article : The Sopranos ( season 6 ) Uncle Junior, now senile and confused, shoots Tony at the beginning of the season. Rendered comatose, Tony dreams he is a salesman on a business trip, where he mistakenly exchanges his briefcase and identification with a man named Kevin Finnerty. Tony 's recovery from the shooting changes his outlook, and he tries to mend his ways. However, he is faced with more problems in his business life. Once out of the hospital, Johnny Sack 's daughter gets married and the Soprano family attends. There, Tony is shown very exhausted when taking off his shoes through security. In the process, he collapses to the ground, but is not hurt. Before the wedding, Johnny Sack is approved to leave prison for six hours to see his daughter get married, but has to pay for the metal detectors and the presence of the U.S. marshals at the event. As his daughter is about to drive away, the SUV that was escorting Johnny to the wedding blocks the car from leaving and an altercation begins in the driveway. In a moment of weakness and despair, Johnny Sack cries as he is put back into handcuffs and driven back to prison, greatly diminishing the respect his crew and Tony 's crew have for him. Vito Spatafore is outed as homosexual after running into a friend at a New York gay night club. The rumor spreads quickly, and once word gets to Meadow that everyone else knows, she tells Tony and Carmela about the incident between Finn and Vito with the security guard. Finn then has to sit in front of Tony 's entire crew and tell them what happened with the guard, solidifying their thoughts on Vito 's sexuality. Tony is urged to deal with the problem by Phil Leotardo, now acting boss of New York with Johnny Sack in prison. Once Vito is outed, he runs away from the city and hides out in a New Hampshire town where he claims to be writing a book and meets with the locals. Vito also starts a romantic relationship with a male cook at a local diner. Eventually, Vito returns to New Jersey and asks Tony to allow him to return to work, albeit in Atlantic City. He continues to maintain that he is not a homosexual. Tony mulls over the decision to let him work, as well as whether to let him live. When Tony fails to act, Phil intervenes and kills Spatafore. When one of the members of the New York family, Fat Dom Gamiello, pays a visit to the Jersey office and wo n't stop making jokes about Vito and his death, Silvio and Carlo kill Fat Dom out of anger at the disrespect he has shown. Once more, it appears that the families are on the verge of all - out war. During the first half of the season Chris and Carmine head to Los Angeles to try to sign Ben Kingsley for a film they are trying to make called Cleaver, which is basically a mix of The Godfather and Saw. But Kingsley passes on the picture. While in Los Angeles Chris goes back to using cocaine for a short period of time. Tony considers killing several of his associates for relatively minor infractions. Christopher is unable to leave the mob, deflecting his problems by relapsing into drug addiction and kills his friend from Narcotics Anonymous, J.T. Dolan. He is then seriously injured in a car accident while driving under the influence of narcotics. Tony, the sole passenger, is not badly hurt, and suffocates Christopher to death. A.J. is dumped by his fiancée and slips into depression, culminating in a failed suicide attempt in the backyard pool. Dr. Melfi is convinced by friends that Tony is making no progress and may even be using talking therapy for his own sociopathic benefit. She drops him as a patient. Johnny Sack dies from lung cancer while imprisoned, and Leotardo then consolidates his position in the Lupertazzi family by having his rivals for the leadership killed. Phil then officially takes over, igniting a resumption of the past feud with Tony and refusing to compromise with Tony on a garbage deal. When Tony assaults a Lupertazzi soldier for harassing Meadow while she is on a date, Phil decides it 's time to decapitate the Soprano crew. He orders the executions of Bobby Baccalieri, who is shot to death ; Silvio, who ends up comatose ; and Tony, who goes into hiding. A deal is brokered whereby the rest of the Lupertazzi family agrees to ignore the order to kill Tony, giving Tony an opportunity to go after Phil. An FBI agent informs Tony of Phil 's location, allowing Tony to have him killed. Tony suspects that Carlo, a capo from New Jersey, has become an informant in an attempt to help out his son, who has recently been caught for dealing ecstasy. Tony meets his lawyer, who informs him that subpoenas are being given to New Jersey and New York crews alike. Tony, arriving first, and while waiting for Carmela, and AJ to meet for dinner, the Little Feat song `` All That You Dream '' plays in the background on the jukebox, Tony keys into the juke box the Journey song `` Do n't Stop Believin ' '' and it begins to play. The camera cuts away from the Soprano family and presents vignettes of other diners. As the tension increases, Meadow is shown struggling with parking then crossing the street to the restaurant. A man, who had been previously shown at the counter specifically taking notice of Tony, is shown entering the restroom, the door of which is directly facing and approximately 90 degrees to the table at which Tony and his family are sitting. As Meadow walks up to the door, the screen goes to Tony. The diner door opens with a bell ringing, Tony looks up and the show smash cuts to black and after a few seconds the credits roll in silence. Chase 's decision to end the last episode abruptly with just a black screen was controversial. While Chase has insisted that it was not his intention to stir controversy, the ambiguity over the ending and question of whether Tony was murdered has continued for years after the finale 's original broadcast and has spawned numerous websites devoted to finding out his true intention. Reception, effect, and legacy Ratings The Sopranos was a major ratings success, despite being aired on premium cable network HBO which is available in significantly fewer American homes than regular networks. The show frequently attracted equal or larger audiences than most popular network shows of the time. Nielsen ratings for the first four seasons are not entirely accurate, however, as Nielsen reported aggregate numbers for cable networks prior to January 2004, meaning that people who were included in the ratings estimates were actually watching HBO channels other than the main one on which The Sopranos aired. Season Originally aired Nielsen ratings ( in millions ) Time slot Season premiere Season finale Season average January 10 -- April 4, 1999 3.45 5.22 3.46 Sunday 9 : 00 pm January 16 -- April 9, 2000 7.64 8.97 6.62 March 4 -- May 20, 2001 11.26 9.46 8.87 September 15 -- December 8, 2002 13.43 12.48 10.99 5 March 7 -- June 6, 2004 12.14 10.98 9.80 6 ( Part 1 ) March 12 -- June 4, 2006 9.47 8.90 8.60 6 ( Part 2 ) April 8 -- June 10, 2007 7.66 11.90 8.23 Critical response Many critics have asserted that The Sopranos is the greatest and most groundbreaking television series of all time. The writing, acting, and directing have often been singled out for praise. The show has also received considerable attention from critics and journalists for its mature and artistic content, technical merit, music selections, cinematography, and willingness to deal with difficult and controversial subjects including crime, family, gender roles, mental illness, and American and Italian American culture. The Sopranos is credited for creating a new era in the mafia genre deviating from the traditional dramatized image of the gangster in favor of a simpler, more accurate reflection of ordinary day - to - day mob life in a suburb. The series sheds light on Italian family dynamics through the depiction of Tony 's tumultuous relationship with his mother. Edie Falco 's character Carmela Soprano is praised in Kristyn Gorton 's essay `` Why I Love Carmela Soprano '' for challenging Italian - American gender roles. New Yorker editor David Remnick described The Sopranos as mirroring the `` mindless commerce and consumption '' of modern America. The Sopranos has been called `` perhaps the greatest pop - culture masterpiece of its day '' by Vanity Fair contributor Peter Biskind. Remnick called the show `` the richest achievement in the history of television. '' In 2002, TV Guide ranked The Sopranos fifth on their list of the `` Top 50 TV Shows of All Time, '' while the series was only in its fourth season. In 2007, Channel 4 ( UK ) named The Sopranos the greatest television series of all time. The first season of the series received overwhelmingly positive reviews. Following its initial airing in 1999, The New York Times stated, `` ( The Sopranos ) just may be the greatest work of American popular culture of the last quarter century. '' In 2007, Roger Holland of PopMatters wrote, `` the debut season of The Sopranos remains the crowning achievement of American television. '' Time Out New York ' s Andrew Johnston had high praise for the series, stating : `` Together, Chase and his fellow writers ( including Terence Winter and Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner ) produced the legendary Great American Novel, and it 's 86 episodes long. '' Johnston asserted the preeminence of The Sopranos as opposed to The Wire and Deadwood in a debate with television critics Alan Sepinwall and Matt Zoller Seitz, both of whom would later include The Sopranos in their 2016 book titled TV ( The Book ) as the 2nd greatest American television series of all time, behind only The Simpsons and ahead of The Wire, with Seitz considering the show 's ending to be the greatest ending for any television show. In November and December 2009, a large number of television critics named The Sopranos the best series of the decade and all time in articles summarizing the decade in television. In numbered lists over the best television programs, The Sopranos frequently ranked first or second, almost always competing with The Wire. In 2013, TV Guide ranked The Sopranos No. 2 in its list of The 60 Greatest Dramas of All Time, In the same year, the Writers Guild of America named it the best - written television series of all time and TV Guide ranked it as the greatest show of all time. In 2016, Rolling Stone ranked The Sopranos first on its list of 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time. Certain episodes have frequently been singled out by critics as the show 's best. These include the pilot, titled `` The Sopranos '', `` College '' and `` I Dream of Jeannie Cusamano '' of the first season ; `` The Knight in White Satin Armor '' and `` Funhouse '' of the second ; `` Employee of the Month '', `` Pine Barrens '' and `` Amour Fou '' of the third ; `` Whoever Did This '' and `` Whitecaps '' of the fourth ; `` Irregular Around the Margins '' and `` Long Term Parking '' of the fifth and `` Members Only '', `` Join the Club '', `` Kennedy and Heidi '', `` The Second Coming '' and `` The Blue Comet '' of the sixth season. Awards and nominations Main article : List of awards and nominations received by The Sopranos The Sopranos won and was nominated for a large number of awards over the course of its original broadcast. It was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series in every year it was eligible, and is the first cable TV series to receive a nomination for the award. After being nominated for and losing the award in 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2003 ( losing the first time to The Practice and the last three to The West Wing ), The Sopranos won the award in 2004, and again in 2007. Its 2004 win made The Sopranos the first series on a cable network to win the award, while its 2007 win made the show the first drama series since Upstairs, Downstairs in 1977 to win the award after it had finished airing. The show earned 21 nominations for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series and won the award six times, with creator David Chase receiving three awards. The Sopranos won at least one Emmy Award for acting in every eligible year except 2006 and 2007. James Gandolfini and Edie Falco were each nominated six times for Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress, respectively, both winning a total of three awards. Joe Pantoliano won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 2003, and Michael Imperioli and Drea de Matteo also won Emmys in 2004 for their supporting roles on the show. Other actors who have received Emmy nominations for the series include Lorraine Bracco ( in the Lead Actress and Supporting Actress categories ), Dominic Chianese, Nancy Marchand, Aida Turturro, Tim Daly, John Heard, Annabella Sciorra and Steve Buscemi, who was also nominated for directing the episode `` Pine Barrens ''. In 1999 and 2000, The Sopranos earned two consecutive George Foster Peabody Awards. Only three other series have won the award in consecutive years : Northern Exposure, The West Wing, and Breaking Bad. The show also received numerous nominations at the Golden Globe Awards ( winning the award for Best Drama Series in 2000 ) and the major guild awards ( Directors, Producers, Writers, and Actors ). Influence on television industry The Sopranos had a significant impact on the shape of the American television industry. It has been characterized by critics as one of the most influential artistic works of the 2000s ( decade ) and has been cited as helping to turn serial television into a legitimate art form on the same level as feature films, literature, and theater. Time Magazine editor James Poniewozik wrote in 2007, `` This mafia saga showed just how complex and involving TV storytelling could be, inspiring an explosion of ambitious dramas on cable and off. '' Maureen Ryan of PopMatters described The Sopranos as the most influential television drama ever. `` No one - hour drama series has had a bigger impact on how stories are told on the small screen, or more influence on what kind of fare we 've been offered by an ever - growing array of television networks. '' Hal Boedeker stated in PopMatters in 2007 that the series was `` widely influential for revealing that cable would accommodate complex series about dark characters. The Sopranos ushered in Six Feet Under, The Shield, Rescue Me, and Big Love. '' The series helped establish HBO as producers of critically acclaimed and commercially successful original television series. Michael Flaherty of The Hollywood Reporter has stated that The Sopranos `` helped launch ( HBO 's ) reputation as a destination for talent looking for cutting - edge original series work. '' Depiction of stereotypes The show has frequently been criticized for perpetuating negative stereotypes about Italian Americans. Several major organizations have voiced their concern that The Sopranos presents a very distorted and harmful stereotype of Italian Americans and their cultural values, including the National Italian American Foundation, Order Sons of Italy in America, Unico National, and the Italic Institute of America. In 2000, officials in Essex County, New Jersey denied producers permission to film on county - owned property, arguing that the show depicts Italian Americans in a `` less than favorable light. '' In 2002, organizers of the New York City Columbus Day Parade won an injunction preventing Mayor Michael Bloomberg from inviting cast members of The Sopranos to participate in the parade. Fairleigh Dickinson University 's PublicMind conducted a national survey in August 2001 which polled 800 people. 37 % said that they watched the show regularly, and 65 % of this group ( 192 people, or 24 % of the total ) disagreed that the show portrayed Italian Americans in a negative way. Professor William Roberts was associated with the poll, and is the author of several books on modern Italian history ; he commented that : `` The show 's inflated image of organized crime casts a shadow over both the state and its Italian American community. '' At the end of the series, the PublicMind conducted a second national survey on The Sopranos. In this poll, 41 % of the 776 people polled said that they watched the show regularly, and 61 % of this group ( 194 people, or 25 % of the total ) disagreed with the idea that the show portrayed Italian Americans in a negative light. Professor Roberts stated : `` The show helped to perpetuate one of the more problematic and stereotypical images of Italian Americans. Both Italian and Italian American cultures have much more diverse and interesting heritages than the American public generally realizes. '' Humanities professor Camille Paglia, herself an Italian American, has spoken negatively about The Sopranos, arguing that its depiction of Italian Americans was inaccurate, inauthentic, and dated. Chase has defended his show, saying that it is not meant to stereotype all Italian Americans, only to depict a small criminal subculture. Video game Main article : The Sopranos : Road to Respect A video game based on the series titled The Sopranos : Road to Respect was released for the PlayStation 2 by THQ in November 2006. Home media All six seasons were released as DVD box sets, with the final season released in two parts ; two different versions of the complete series were also released. The sixth season ( both parts 1 and 2 ) was also released on Blu - ray Disc and HD DVD in 2006 and 2007, respectively. The first season was released on Blu - ray in 2009. A complete series box set was released on Blu - ray on November 4, 2014. Season Release dates No. of episodes Special features Discs Region 1 Region 2 Region 4 December 12, 2000 November 24, 2003 November 24, 2003 13 A 77 - minute interview with series creator David Chase, conducted by film historian and director Peter Bogdanovich. `` Family Life '' featurette. `` Meet Tony Soprano '' featurette. One audio commentary by David Chase and Peter Bogdanovich for the pilot episode, `` The Sopranos ''. November 6, 2001 November 24, 2003 November 24, 2003 13 `` The Real Deal '' featurette. `` A Sit Down With Tony Soprano '' featurette. Four audio commentaries by crew members for the episodes `` Commendatori '', `` From Where to Eternity '', `` The Knight in White Satin Armor '', and `` Funhouse ''. August 27, 2002 November 24, 2003 November 24, 2003 13 `` A Day On The Set Of The Sopranos '' featurette. Three audio commentaries by crew members for the episodes `` The Telltale Moozadell '', `` Pine Barrens '', and `` Amour Fou ''. October 28, 2003 November 3, 2003 November 3, 2003 13 Episodic previews and recaps. Cast and crew biographies. Four audio commentaries by crew members for the episodes `` The Weight '', `` Everybody Hurts '', `` Whoever Did This '', and `` Whitecaps ''. 5 June 7, 2005 June 20, 2005 August 17, 2005 13 Five audio commentaries by cast and crew members for the episodes `` All Happy Families... '', `` Sentimental Education '', `` In Camelot '', `` Cold Cuts '', and `` Long Term Parking ''. 6 ( Part 1 ) November 7, 2006 November 27, 2006 March 7, 2007 12 Four audio commentaries by cast and crew members for the episodes `` Join the Club '', `` Luxury Lounge '', `` The Ride '', and `` Kaisha ''. 6 ( Part 2 ) October 23, 2007 November 19, 2007 January 31, 2008 9 `` Making Cleaver : Behind the scenes of Christopher 's horror film '' featurette. `` The Music of The Sopranos '' -- Creator David Chase, cast, and crew discuss the songs from the show. Four audio commentaries by cast members for the episodes `` Soprano Home Movies '', `` Remember When '', `` The Second Coming '', and `` The Blue Comet ''. Complete HBO Seasons 1 -- 6 Box set November 19, 2007 86 Collects the previously released box - sets. 28 Complete Series -- Deluxe Edition November 11, 2008 November 24, 2008 86 Includes all special features from the previously released box - sets. Never before seen scenes from all six seasons. Exclusive interviews with David Chase conducted by actor Alec Baldwin. Supper with The Sopranos : Two sit - down dinners with the cast and crew of the show as they discuss the series finale. Lost scenes from all six seasons of The Sopranos. Panel Center Seminar : Discussions featuring `` whacked '' characters. Extra Gravy : Spoofs and Parodies, including The Simpsons and Saturday Night Live. 30 References Jump up ^ Steinberg, Jacques ( May 9, 2006 ). `` Sopranos Undergoes Cosmetic Surgery for Basic Cable ''. The New York Times. Retrieved December 6, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Lusher, Tim ( January 12, 2010 ). `` The Guardian 's top 50 television dramas of all time ''. The Guardian. Retrieved May 31, 2012. ^ Jump up to : Rorke, Robert ( April 27, 2008 ). `` THE 35 BEST SHOWS ON TV -- EVER ''. New York Post. Retrieved May 31, 2012. ^ Jump up to : Mann, Bill ( December 14, 2009 ). `` Bill Mann : TV Critic 's Call : Here Are The Decade 's 10 Best Series ''. The Huffington Post. Retrieved May 31, 2012. Jump up ^ Johnston, Andrew ; Sepinwall, Alan ( March 5, 2008 ). `` David vs. David vs. David ; or Which Is the Greatest TV Drama Ever, Simon 's The Wire, Milch 's Deadwood, or Chase 's The Sopranos ? ''. Slant Magazine. Retrieved March 31, 2014. ^ Jump up to : Sheffield, Rob ( September 21, 2016 ). `` 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time ''. Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 22, 2016. Jump up ^ `` The Sopranos books at HBO Store ''. HBO. Archived from the original on September 13, 2007. Retrieved September 22, 2007. Jump up ^ `` The Sopranos : Road to Respect at IGN ''. IGN. Retrieved September 22, 2007. Jump up ^ `` HBO Store -- The Sopranos ''. HBO. Retrieved September 22, 2007. Jump up ^ Witchel, Alex ( June 22, 2008 ). `` ' Mad Men ' Has Its Moment ''. The New York Times. Retrieved September 4, 2010. Jump up ^ Sepinwall, Alan ( September 9, 2010 ). `` Interview : ' Boardwalk Empire ' creator Terence Winter ''. HitFix. Retrieved September 18, 2010. Jump up ^ Adams, Taylor ( June 1, 2009 ). `` The Sopranos : Where are they now ? ''. The Boston Globe. Retrieved September 4, 2010. Jump up ^ `` The Sopranos : Where are they now ? ''. The Daily News. March 23, 2009. Retrieved September 4, 2010. Jump up ^ `` ' 101 Best Written TV Series Of All Time ' From WGA / TV Guide : Complete List ''. Deadline.com. June 2, 2013. Retrieved July 15, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Fretts, Bruce ; Roush, Matt ( December 23, 2013 ). `` TV Guide Magazine 's 60 Best Series of All Time ''. TV Guide. Retrieved December 23, 2013. Jump up ^ Fleming Jr., Mike ( March 8, 2018 ). `` David Chase Revives ' The Sopranos ' With New Line Prequel Movie ' The Many Saints Of Newark ' ''. Deadline. Retrieved March 8, 2018. Jump up ^ McNary, Dave ( July 3, 2018 ). `` ' Sopranos ' Prequel Movie Taps Director Alan Taylor ''. Variety. Retrieved July 4, 2018. ^ Jump up to : `` David Chase profile at HBO.com ''. HBO. Retrieved November 14, 2007. ^ Jump up to : Biskind, Peter ( April 2007 ). `` An American Family ''. Vanity Fair. Retrieved August 19, 2012. Jump up ^ Ehrmann, Bert ( March 20, 2006 ). `` The Sopranos -- `` Oh Poor You ! '' ``. Fort Wayne Reader. Retrieved September 22, 2007. ^ Jump up to : `` David Chase Biography ( 1945 -- ) ''. Film References. Retrieved November 14, 2007. ^ Jump up to : Lee, Mark ( May 2007 ). `` Wiseguys : A conversation between David Chase and Tom Fontana ''. Writers Guild of America, west. Archived from the original on November 16, 2007. Retrieved November 14, 2007. Jump up ^ Baker, Kathryn ( November 23, 1988 ). `` Almost Grown : tells story of growing up ''. Wichita Eagle. pp. 9A. ^ Jump up to : Oxfeld, Jesse ( 2002 ). `` Family Man ''. Stanford Magazine. Retrieved September 22, 2007. ^ Jump up to : `` David Chase at Hollywood.com ''. Hollywood.com. Retrieved November 14, 2007. ^ Jump up to : The Sopranos -- The Complete Series : Alec Baldwin interviews David Chase ( DVD ). HBO. 2008. ^ Jump up to : Dougherty, Robin ( January 20, 1999 ). `` Chasing TV ''. Salon.com. Retrieved December 6, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Chase, David ; Bogdanovich, Peter ( 1999 ). The Sopranos -- The Complete First Season : David Chase interview ( DVD ). HBO. ^ Jump up to : Dana, Will ( March 10, 2006 ). `` '' Sopranos '' Creator Shoots Straight ``. Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on November 8, 2008. Retrieved December 6, 2013. Jump up ^ Malanga, Steven ( May 13, 2007 ). `` Da Jersey boys who inspired The Sopranos ''. Chicago Sun - Times. Archived from the original on May 16, 2007. Jump up ^ Levine, Stuart ( April 23, 2008 ). `` '' The Sopranos `` : David Chase fesses up ''. Variety. Retrieved November 23, 2008. Jump up ^ Martin 2007, p. 160. Jump up ^ Topcik, Joel ( October 22, 2006 ). `` Chris Albrecht : A former standup comic found his true calling : turning HBO into an Emmy magnet ''. Broadcasting & Cable. Retrieved August 17, 2011. Jump up ^ It was originally referred to as `` Pilot '' but was renamed to `` The Sopranos '' on the DVD release. ^ Jump up to : Flaherty, Michael ( June 8, 2007 ). `` Sopranos signoff marks end of era ''. The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on September 21, 2007. Retrieved November 11, 2007. Jump up ^ Martin 2007, p. 16. Jump up ^ Whelan, Jeff S. ( December 14, 2007 ). `` Jury hears from alleged real - life model for Tony Soprano ''. New Jersey Star Ledger. Retrieved January 27, 2015. Jump up ^ Beatty, Jeffrey F. & Samuelson, Susan S.S. `` Chapter 9 : Baer v. Chase ''. Introduction to Business Law ( 4th ed. ). Cengage Advantage Books. p. 152. ISBN 978 - 1 - 133 - 18815 - 5. 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January 12, 2000. Retrieved May 3, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Official Statement on the New York Columbus Day Parade with Soprano Cast and Mayor Bloomberg 's Inappropriate Choice of Guests '' ( Press release ). National Italian American Foundation. October 10, 2002. Retrieved May 3, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Italian American Coalition Applauds ' Sopranos Dis - Invite ' '' ( Press release ). The National Italian American Foundation. September 18, 2000. Retrieved May 3, 2016. Jump up ^ Schuppe, Jonathan ( December 16, 2000 ). `` Essex officials tell ' The Sopranos ' : Fuhgeddabout filming around here ''. The Star - Ledger. Retrieved July 31, 2008. Jump up ^ Susman, Gary ( October 14, 2002 ). `` Marching Banned ''. Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 31, 2008. Jump up ^ `` New Jersey and The Sopranos : Perfect Together ? ''. Fairleigh Dickinson University. August 15, 2001. Retrieved December 6, 2013. Jump up ^ `` New Jersey and Nation in Tune with The Sopranos ''. Fairleigh Dickinson University. 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Penguin Press. ISBN 978 - 1594204197. Suskind, Alex ( May 1, 2014 ). `` David Chase Ca n't Escape ' The Sopranos ' Finale ''. The Daily Beast. External links Wikiquote has quotations related to : The Sopranos Official website The Sopranos at Curlie ( based on DMOZ ) The Sopranos at TV.com The Sopranos on IMDb The Sopranos Episodes Season 1 `` The Sopranos '' `` 46 Long '' `` Denial, Anger, Acceptance '' `` Meadowlands '' `` College '' `` Pax Soprana '' `` Down Neck '' `` The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti '' `` Boca '' `` A Hit Is a Hit '' `` Nobody Knows Anything '' `` Isabella '' `` I Dream of Jeannie Cusamano '' Season 2 `` Guy Walks into a Psychiatrist 's Office... '' `` Do Not Resuscitate '' `` Toodle - Fucking - Oo '' `` Commendatori '' `` Big Girls Do n't Cry '' `` The Happy Wanderer '' `` D - Girl '' `` Full Leather Jacket '' `` From Where to Eternity '' `` Bust Out '' `` House Arrest '' `` The Knight in White Satin Armor '' `` Funhouse '' Season 3 `` Mr. Ruggerio 's Neighborhood '' `` Proshai, Livushka '' `` Fortunate Son '' `` Employee of the Month '' `` Another Toothpick '' `` University '' `` Second Opinion '' `` He Is Risen '' `` The Telltale Moozadell '' ``... To Save Us All from Satan 's Power '' `` Pine Barrens '' `` Amour Fou '' `` Army of One '' Season 4 `` For All Debts Public and Private '' `` No Show '' `` Christopher '' `` The Weight '' `` Pie - O - My '' `` Everybody Hurts '' `` Watching Too Much Television '' `` Mergers and Acquisitions '' `` Whoever Did This '' `` The Strong, Silent Type '' `` Calling All Cars '' `` Eloise '' `` Whitecaps '' Season 5 `` Two Tonys '' `` Rat Pack '' `` Where 's Johnny ? '' `` All Happy Families... '' `` Irregular Around the Margins '' `` Sentimental Education '' `` In Camelot '' `` Marco Polo '' `` Unidentified Black Males '' `` Cold Cuts '' `` The Test Dream '' `` Long Term Parking '' `` All Due Respect '' Season 6 Part I `` Members Only '' `` Join the Club '' `` Mayham '' `` The Fleshy Part of the Thigh '' `` Mr. & Mrs. John Sacrimoni Request... '' `` Live Free or Die '' `` Luxury Lounge '' `` Johnny Cakes '' `` The Ride '' `` Moe n ' Joe '' `` Cold Stones '' `` Kaisha '' Part II `` Soprano Home Movies '' `` Stage 5 '' `` Remember When '' `` Chasing It '' `` Walk Like a Man '' `` Kennedy and Heidi '' `` The Second Coming '' `` The Blue Comet '' `` Made in America '' Characters Primary Tony Soprano Jennifer Melfi Carmela Soprano Christopher Moltisanti Junior Soprano Big Pussy Bonpensiero Silvio Dante Paulie Gualtieri Anthony Soprano Jr. Meadow Soprano Adriana La Cerva Bobby Baccalieri Janice Soprano Livia Soprano Secondary Richie Aprile Johnny Sack Furio Giunta Vito Spatafore Tony Blundetto Carmine Lupertazzi Jackie Aprile Jr. Mikey Palmice Ray Curto Dwight Harris Larry Barese Fictional universe Soprano crime family Lupertazzi crime family Friends and family Satriale 's Pork Store Bada Bing Cleaver FBI Related articles Awards and nominations Music The Sopranos : Road to Respect Pinball game David Chase Awards for The Sopranos Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series Pulitzer Prize Playhouse ( 1951 ) Studio One ( 1952 ) Robert Montgomery Presents ( 1953 ) The United States Steel Hour ( 1954 ) The United States Steel Hour ( 1955 ) Producers ' Showcase ( 1956 ) Gunsmoke ( 1958 ) Alcoa - Goodyear Theatre ( 1959 ) Playhouse 90 ( 1960 ) Hallmark Hall of Fame ( 1961 ) The Defenders ( 1962 ) The Defenders ( 1963 ) The Defenders ( 1964 ) The Fugitive ( 1966 ) Mission : Impossible ( 1967 ) Mission : Impossible ( 1968 ) NET Playhouse ( 1969 ) Marcus Welby, M.D. ( 1970 ) The Bold Ones : The Senator ( 1971 ) Elizabeth R ( 1972 ) The Waltons ( 1973 ) Upstairs, Downstairs ( 1974 ) Upstairs, Downstairs ( 1975 ) Police Story ( 1976 ) Upstairs, Downstairs ( 1977 ) The Rockford Files ( 1978 ) Lou Grant ( 1979 ) Lou Grant ( 1980 ) Hill Street Blues ( 1981 ) Hill Street Blues ( 1982 ) Hill Street Blues ( 1983 ) Hill Street Blues ( 1984 ) Cagney & Lacey ( 1985 ) Cagney & Lacey ( 1986 ) L.A. Law ( 1987 ) thirtysomething ( 1988 ) L.A. Law ( 1989 ) L.A. Law ( 1990 ) L.A. Law ( 1991 ) Northern Exposure ( 1992 ) Picket Fences ( 1993 ) Picket Fences ( 1994 ) NYPD Blue ( 1995 ) ER ( 1996 ) Law & Order ( 1997 ) The Practice ( 1998 ) The Practice ( 1999 ) The West Wing ( 2000 ) The West Wing ( 2001 ) The West Wing ( 2002 ) The West Wing ( 2003 ) The Sopranos ( 2004 ) Lost ( 2005 ) 24 ( 2006 ) The Sopranos ( 2007 ) Mad Men ( 2008 ) Mad Men ( 2009 ) Mad Men ( 2010 ) Mad Men ( 2011 ) Homeland ( 2012 ) Breaking Bad ( 2013 ) Breaking Bad ( 2014 ) Game of Thrones ( 2015 ) Game of Thrones ( 2016 ) The Handmaid 's Tale ( 2017 ) Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series -- Drama Marcus Welby, M.D., season 1 ( 1969 ) Medical Center, season 1 / season 2 ( 1970 ) Mannix, season 4 / season 5 ( 1971 ) Columbo, season 1 / season 2 ( 1972 ) The Waltons, season 1 / season 2 ( 1973 ) Upstairs, Downstairs, season 3 / season 4 ( 1974 ) Kojak, season 2 / season 3 ( 1975 ) Rich Man, Poor Man ( 1976 ) Roots ( 1977 ) 60 Minutes ( 1978 ) Lou Grant, season 2 / season 3 ( 1979 ) Shōgun ( 1980 ) Hill Street Blues, season 1 / season 2 ( 1981 ) Hill Street Blues, season 2 / season 3 ( 1982 ) Dynasty, season 3 / season 4 ( 1983 ) Murder, She Wrote, season 1 ( 1984 ) Murder, She Wrote, season 1 / season 2 ( 1985 ) L.A. Law, season 1 ( 1986 ) L.A. Law, season 1 / season 2 ( 1987 ) thirtysomething, season 1 / season 2 ( 1988 ) China Beach, season 2 / season 3 ( 1989 ) Twin Peaks, season 1 / season 2 ( 1990 ) Northern Exposure, season 2 / season 3 ( 1991 ) Northern Exposure, season 3 / season 4 ( 1992 ) NYPD Blue, season 1 ( 1993 ) The X-Files, season 1 / season 2 ( 1994 ) Party of Five, season 1 / season 2 ( 1995 ) The X-Files, season 3 / season 4 ( 1996 ) The X-Files, season 4 / season 5 ( 1997 ) The Practice, season 2 / season 3 ( 1998 ) The Sopranos, season 1 ( 1999 ) The West Wing, season 1 / season 2 ( 2000 ) Six Feet Under, season 1 ( 2001 ) The Shield, season 1 ( 2002 ) 24, season 2 / season 3 ( 2003 ) Nip / Tuck, season 2 ( 2004 ) Lost, season 1 / season 2 ( 2005 ) Grey 's Anatomy, season 2 / season 3 ( 2006 ) Mad Men, season 1 ( 2007 ) Mad Men, season 2 ( 2008 ) Mad Men, season 3 ( 2009 ) Boardwalk Empire, season 1 ( 2010 ) Homeland, season 1 ( 2011 ) Homeland, season 2 ( 2012 ) Breaking Bad, season 5, part II ( 2013 ) The Affair, season 1 ( 2014 ) Mr. Robot, season 1 ( 2015 ) The Crown, season 1 ( 2016 ) The Handmaid 's Tale, season 1 ( 2017 ) Producers Guild of America Award for Best Episodic Drama Northern Exposure, season 1 ( 1991 ) I 'll Fly Away, season 1 ( 1992 ) NYPD Blue, season 1 ( 1993 ) ER, season 1 ( 1994 ) Frasier, season 2 ( 1995 ) Law & Order, season 6 ( 1996 ) The Practice, season 2 ( 1998 ) The Sopranos, season 1 ( 1999 ) The West Wing, season 1 ( 2000 ) The West Wing, season 2 ( 2001 ) 24, season 1 ( 2002 ) Six Feet Under, season 2 ( 2003 ) The Sopranos, season 5 ( 2004 ) Lost, season 1 ( 2005 ) Grey 's Anatomy, season 2 ( 2006 ) The Sopranos, season 6, part II ( 2007 ) Mad Men, season 1 ( 2008 ) Mad Men, season 2 ( 2009 ) Mad Men, season 3 ( 2010 ) Boardwalk Empire, season 1 ( 2011 ) Homeland, season 1 ( 2012 ) Breaking Bad, season 5, part I ( 2013 ) Breaking Bad, season 5, part II ( 2014 ) Game of Thrones, season 5 ( 2015 ) Stranger Things, season 1 ( 2016 ) The Handmaid 's Tale, season 1 ( 2017 ) Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series 1994 -- 1999 1994 : NYPD Blue, season 1 / season 2 Clapp Franz Lawrence McDaniel O'Grady Smits Turturro 1995 : ER, season 1 / season 2 Clooney Edwards La Salle Margulies Reuben Stringfield Wyle 1996 : ER, season 2 / season 3 Clooney Edwards Innes La Salle Margulies Reuben Stringfield Wyle 1997 : ER, season 3 / season 4 Bello Clooney Edwards Innes Kingston La Salle Margulies Reuben Wyle 1998 : ER, season 4 / season 5 Clooney Edwards Innes Kingston La Salle Margulies Martin McCrane Reuben Wyle 1999 : The Sopranos, season 1 Bracco Chianese Falco Gandolfini Iler Imperioli Marchand Pastore Sigler Sirico Van Zandt 2000 -- 2009 2000 : The West Wing, season 1 / season 2 Hill Janney Kelly Lowe Moloney Schiff Sheen Spencer Whitford 2001 : The West Wing, season 2 / season 3 Hill Janney Lowe Moloney Schiff Sheen Spencer Whitford 2002 : Six Feet Under, season 2 Ambrose Conroy Griffiths Hall Krause Rodríguez St. Patrick 2003 : Six Feet Under, season 3 Ambrose Conroy Foster Griffiths Hall Krause Macdissi Machado Rodríguez St. Patrick Taylor Wilson 2004 : CSI : Crime Scene Investigation, season 4 / season 5 Dourdan Eads Fox Guilfoyle Hall Helgenberger Petersen Szmanda 2005 : Lost, season 1 / season 2 Akinnuoye - Agbaje Andrews de Ravin Fox Garcia Grace Holloway Kelley D.D. Kim Y. Kim Lilly Monaghan O'Quinn Perrineau Rodriguez Somerhalder Watros 2006 : Grey 's Anatomy, season 2 / season 3 Chambers Dane Dempsey Heigl Knight Oh Pickens Pompeo Ramirez Walsh Washington Wilson 2007 : The Sopranos, season 6, part II Antonacci Bracco Falco Gandolfini Grimaldi Iler Imperioli Nascarella Schirripa Servitto Sigler Sirico Turturro Van Zandt Vincent 2008 : Mad Men, season 2 Batt Brie Gladis Hamm Hart Hendricks Jones Kartheiser Moses Moss Shipka Slattery Sommer Staton 2009 : Mad Men, season 3 Alemanni Batt Gilmore Gladis Hamm Harris Hendricks Jones Kartheiser Morse Moss Shipka Slattery Sommer Stanley Staton 2010 -- 2029 2010 : Boardwalk Empire, season 1 Antonacci Buscemi Coleman Graham de la Huerta Laciura Macdonald Mol Palladino Piazza Pitt Shannon Sparks Stuhlbarg Weiner Whigham 2011 : Boardwalk Empire, season 2 Buscemi Chianese Clohessy Coleman Cox J. Gallina L. Gallina Graham Huston Laciura Lind Macdonald D. McTigue R. McTigue Mol B. Noon C. Noon O'Rourke Palladino Pennewill Piazza Pitt Shannon Sparks Stuhlbarg Van Wagner Whigham Williams Yusef 2012 : Downton Abbey, series 2 Bonneville Boyle Carmichael Carter Coyle Dockery Findlay Finneran Froggatt Glen Howes James - Collier Leech Logan McGovern McShera Nicol Nuttall Robb Smith Stevens Wilton 2013 : Breaking Bad, season 5, part II Bowen Brandt Cranston Crawford Fletcher Fraser Gunn Metzler Mitte Norris Odenkirk Paul Plemons Quezada Rankin Sane 2014 : Downton Abbey, series 4 Bonneville Carmichael Carter Coyle Dockery Doyle Froggatt James James - Collier Leech Logan McGovern McShera Milne Robb Smith Speleers Theobold Wilton 2015 : Downton Abbey, series 5 Bonneville Carmichael Carter Cassidy Coyle Dockery Doyle Froggatt James James - Collier Leech Logan McGovern McShera Nicol Ovenden Smith Wilton 2016 : Stranger Things, season 1 M.B. Brown Buono Chrest Dyer Harbour Heaton Keery Matarazzo McLaughlin Modine Morgan Reynolds Ryder Schnapp Steger Wolfhard 2017 : This Is Us, season 1 / season 2 Baker Breckenridge S.K. Brown Chavis Hartley Herman Jones Metz Moore Sullivan Ventimiglia Watson Zeile Complete list ( 1994 -- 1999 ) ( 2000 -- 2009 ) ( 2010 -- present ) TCA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Drama The Jewel in the Crown ( 1985 ) Death of a Salesman ( 1986 ) L.A. Law, season 1 ( 1987 ) St. Elsewhere, season 6 ( 1988 ) Lonesome Dove ( 1989 ) Twin Peaks, season 1 ( 1990 ) thirtysomething, season 4 ( 1991 ) I 'll Fly Away, season 1 ( 1992 ) I 'll Fly Away, season 2 ( 1993 ) NYPD Blue, season 1 ( 1994 ) My So - Called Life, season 1 ( 1995 ) Homicide : Life on the Street, season 4 ( 1996 ) Homicide : Life on the Street, season 5 ( 1997 ) Homicide : Life on the Street, season 6 ( 1998 ) The Sopranos, season 1 ( 1999 ) The West Wing, season 1 ( 2000 ) The Sopranos, season 3 / The West Wing, season 2 ( 2001 ) Six Feet Under, season 1 / season 2 ( 2002 ) Boomtown, season 1 ( 2003 ) The Sopranos, season 5 ( 2004 ) Lost, season 1 ( 2005 ) Lost, season 2 ( 2006 ) The Sopranos, season 6, part II ( 2007 ) Mad Men, season 1 ( 2008 ) Mad Men, season 2 ( 2009 ) Breaking Bad, season 3 / Lost, season 6 ( 2010 ) Mad Men, season 4 ( 2011 ) Breaking Bad, season 4 ( 2012 ) Game of Thrones, season 3 ( 2013 ) The Good Wife, season 5 ( 2014 ) The Americans, season 3 ( 2015 ) The Americans, season 4 ( 2016 ) The Handmaid 's Tale, season 1 ( 2017 ) The Americans, season 6 ( 2018 ) TCA Award for Outstanding New Program Ally McBeal ( 1998 ) The Sopranos ( 1999 ) The West Wing ( 2000 ) Gilmore Girls ( 2001 ) 24 ( 2002 ) Boomtown ( 2003 ) Arrested Development ( 2004 ) Lost ( 2005 ) My Name is Earl ( 2006 ) Friday Night Lights ( 2007 ) Mad Men ( 2008 ) True Blood ( 2009 ) Glee ( 2010 ) Game of Thrones ( 2011 ) Homeland ( 2012 ) The Americans ( 2013 ) Orange Is the New Black ( 2014 ) Better Call Saul ( 2015 ) Mr. Robot ( 2016 ) This Is Us ( 2017 ) Killing Eve ( 2018 ) TCA Award for Program of the Year The Jewel in the Crown ( 1985 ) Death of a Salesman / The Vanishing Family : Crisis in Black America ( 1986 ) Eyes on the Prize ( 1987 ) Dear America : Letters Home from Vietnam ( 1988 ) Lonesome Dove ( 1989 ) Twin Peaks ( 1990 ) The Civil War ( 1991 ) Northern Exposure ( 1992 ) Barbarians at the Gate ( 1993 ) Late Show with David Letterman ( 1994 ) ER ( 1995 ) Homicide : Life on the Street ( 1996 ) EZ Streets ( 1997 ) From the Earth to the Moon ( 1998 ) The Sopranos ( 1999 ) The West Wing ( 2000 ) The Sopranos ( 2001 ) 24 ( 2002 ) American Idol ( 2003 ) Angels in America ( 2004 ) Desperate Housewives ( 2005 ) Grey 's Anatomy ( 2006 ) Heroes ( 2007 ) Mad Men ( 2008 ) Battlestar Galactica ( 2009 ) Glee ( 2010 ) Friday Night Lights ( 2011 ) Game of Thrones ( 2012 ) Breaking Bad ( 2013 ) Breaking Bad ( 2014 ) Empire ( 2015 ) The People v. O.J. Simpson : American Crime Story ( 2016 ) The Handmaid 's Tale ( 2017 ) The Americans ( 2018 ) TCA Heritage Award The Simpsons ( 2002 ) Buffy the Vampire Slayer ( 2003 ) 60 Minutes ( 2004 ) Nightline ( 2005 ) The West Wing ( 2006 ) The Sopranos ( 2007 ) The Wire ( 2008 ) ER ( 2009 ) M * A * S * H ( 2010 ) The Dick Van Dyke Show ( 2011 ) Cheers ( 2012 ) All in the Family ( 2013 ) Saturday Night Live ( 2014 ) Late Show / Late Night with David Letterman ( 2015 ) The Mary Tyler Moore Show ( 2016 ) Seinfeld ( 2017 ) Friends ( 2018 ) Writers Guild of America Award for Television : Dramatic Series Lost, season 1 ( 2005 ) The Sopranos, season 6, part I ( 2006 ) The Wire, season 4 ( 2007 ) Mad Men, season 2 ( 2008 ) Mad Men, season 3 ( 2009 ) Mad Men, season 4 ( 2010 ) Breaking Bad, season 4 ( 2011 ) Breaking Bad, season 5, part I ( 2012 ) Breaking Bad, season 5, part II ( 2013 ) True Detective, season 1 ( 2014 ) Mad Men, season 7, part II ( 2015 ) The Americans, season 4 ( 2016 ) HBO programming Former Series 1970s debuts Inside the NFL On Location Race for the Pennant Standing Room Only ( `` Vanities '' ) Tennis on HBO Time Was 1980s debuts 1st & Ten America Undercover ( `` Autopsy '', `` Real Sex '' and `` Taxicab Confessions '' ) Babar Braingames Encyclopedia Encyclopedia Brown Fraggle Rock The Ghost of Faffner Hall The Hitchhiker The Kids in the Hall Maximum Security Not Necessarily the News One Night Stand Philip Marlowe, Private Eye The Ray Bradbury Theater The Storyteller Tales from the Crypt Video Jukebox 1990s debuts The Adventures of Tintin Arliss The Chris Rock Show The Country Mouse and the City Mouse Adventures Crashbox Def Comedy Jam Dennis Miller Live Dream On George and Martha Happily Ever After : Fairy Tales for Every Child HBO Comedy Half - Hour Hotel Room The Larry Sanders Show Lifestories : Families in Crisis A Little Curious The Little Lulu Show Mokku of the Oak Tree Mr. Show with Bob and David The Neverending Story Oz Perversions of Science Pippi Longstocking Rainbow Fish Reverb Sex and the City The Sopranos Spicy City Tenacious D Todd McFarlane 's Spawn Tracey Takes On... 2000s debuts Animated Tales of the World Big Love Bored to Death Carnivàle Cathouse : The Series Classical Baby Costas Now Da Ali G Show Deadwood Def Poetry Jam Eastbound & Down The Electric Company Entourage Extras Flight of the Conchords G String Divas Harold and the Purple Crayon Hung I Spy In Treatment Joe Buck Live John from Cincinnati K Street Kindergarten KO Nation The Life & Times of Tim Little Britain USA Lucky Louie The Mind of the Married Man The No. 1 Ladies ' Detective Agency On the Record with Bob Costas Pinky Dinky Doo Pornucopia Project Greenlight Rome Six Feet Under Stuart Little : The Animated Series Summer Heights High Tales from the Neverending Story Tell Me You Love Me True Blood Tourgasm Unscripted The Wire 2010s debuts After the Thrones Angry Boys Any Given Wednesday with Bill Simmons Boardwalk Empire The Brink Doll & Em Enlightened Family Tree Funny or Die Presents Getting On Girls Hello Ladies Here and Now How to Make It in America Ja'mie : Private School Girl Jonah from Tonga The Leftovers Life 's Too Short Looking Luck Masterclass The Newsroom The Ricky Gervais Show Togetherness Treme Vice Principals Vinyl Miniseries All the Rivers Run Angels in America Assume the Position with Mr. Wuhl Band of Brothers The Casual Vacancy The Corner Elizabeth I Empire Falls From the Earth to the Moon Foo Fighters : Sonic Highways Generation Kill House of Saddam The Jinx : The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst John Adams Laurel Avenue Mildred Pierce Mosaic The Night Of Olive Kitteridge The Pacific Parade 's End Show Me a Hero Tanner ' 88 Current and upcoming Current All Def Comedy ( since 2016 ) Animals. ( since 2016 ) Ballers ( since 2015 ) Barry ( since 2018 ) Big Little Lies ( since 2017 ) Boxing After Dark ( since 1996 ) The Comeback ( 2005 ; since 2014 ) Crashing ( since 2017 ) Curb Your Enthusiasm ( since 2000 ) The Deuce ( since 2017 ) Divorce ( since 2016 ) Game of Thrones ( since 2011 ) Hard Knocks ( since 2001 ) HBO World Championship Boxing ( since 1973 ) High Maintenance ( since 2016 ) Insecure ( since 2016 ) Last Week Tonight with John Oliver ( since 2014 ) Random Acts of Flyness ( since 2018 ) Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel ( since 1995 ) Real Time with Bill Maher ( since 2003 ) Room 104 ( since 2017 ) Sesame Street ( since 2016 ) Sharp Objects ( since 2018 ) Silicon Valley ( since 2014 ) Succession ( since 2018 ) Tracey Ullman 's Show ( since 2016 ) True Detective ( since 2014 ) Veep ( since 2012 ) Vice ( since 2013 ) Vice News Tonight ( since 2016 ) Westworld ( since 2016 ) Wyatt Cenac 's Problem Areas ( since 2018 ) The Young Pope ( since 2017 ) Upcoming Camping ( TBA ) Chernobyl ( TBA ) Demimonde ( TBA ) Esme and Roy ( TBA ) Euphoria ( TBA ) Gentleman Jack ( TBA ) Los Espookys ( TBA ) Lovecraft Country ( TBA ) The Time Traveler 's Wife ( TBA ) The Undoing ( TBA ) See also HBO Storybook Musicals HBO Latin America original series HBO Canada original series 1990s portal 2000s portal television in the United States portal BNF : cb144425828 ( data ) GND : 4731244 - 0 Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Sopranos&oldid=849437582 '' Categories : The Sopranos 1999 American television series debuts 2007 American television series endings 1990s American crime television series 2000s American crime television series 1990s American drama television series 2000s American drama television series Best Drama Series Golden Globe winners Edgar Award - winning works English - language television programs HBO network shows Peabody Award - winning television programs Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Screen Actors Guild Award winners Serial drama television series Television series about organized crime Television series by Warner Bros. 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Question: how many seasons were the sopranos on tv
Answer: 6