The Sopranos

8.7
1999

Production

Logo for HBO

The story of New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster Tony Soprano and the difficulties he faces as he tries to balance the conflicting requirements of his home life and the criminal organization he heads. Those difficulties are often highlighted through his ongoing professional relationship with psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi. The show features Tony's family members and Mafia associates in prominent roles and story arcs, most notably his wife Carmela and his cousin and protégé Christopher Moltisanti.

Trailers & Videos

Thumbnail for video: The Sopranos - Official Trailer | HBO Series

The Sopranos - Official Trailer | HBO Series

Thumbnail for video: The Sopranos Dictionary | HBO

The Sopranos Dictionary | HBO

Seasons

13 Episodes • Premiered 1999

In Season 1, feeling his handle on his family and his business slipping away, mob boss Tony Soprano suffers a series of anxiety attacks that land him in the office of a psychiatrist. Opening up to his shrink, Tony relates the details of his life as a “waste-management consultant,” and tries to come to terms with the professional and private strains that have brought him to the brink of a breakdown.

Still image for The Sopranos season 1 episode 1: The Sopranos

1. The Sopranos

7.6

After suffering a series of mysterious anxiety attacks, New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano agrees to see a psychiatrist, Dr. Jennifer Melfi. As he opens up to the doctor, Tony reveals details about his problems at home and at work that involve his wife Carmela, his kids Meadow and Anthony Jr., his Uncle Junior and his domineering mother Livia.

Still image for The Sopranos season 1 episode 2: 46 Long

2. 46 Long

7.8

With acting boss Jackie Aprile dying of cancer, Tony prepares for a power struggle with Uncle Junior. Christopher and his associate Brendan make trouble for themselves when they jack a truck full of DVD players. Tony's mother Livia finally agrees to live in a retirement community. Big Pussy and Paulie Walnuts are sent to find a stolen car.

Still image for The Sopranos season 1 episode 3: Denial, Anger, Acceptance

3. Denial, Anger, Acceptance

7.9

Uncle Junior's associate Mikey Palmice stirs things up by making Junior think Tony wants to be next in line for boss. Meanwhile, Tony, Paulie and Silvio deal with Hasidic family problems.

Still image for The Sopranos season 1 episode 4: Meadowlands

4. Meadowlands

8.0

Jackie Aprile's health worsens, forcing Tony to make a tough decision. Meanwhile, Anthony Jr. learns the true nature of his father's job in 'waste management.' Also, Tony hires sleazy police lieutenant Vin Makazian to investigate Dr. Melfi's background.

Still image for The Sopranos season 1 episode 5: College

5. College

7.9

During a trip to Maine for Meadow's college interviews, Tony sees a man he believes is a relocated mob snitch. Back at home, Carmela receives comfort from Father Phil.

Still image for The Sopranos season 1 episode 6: Pax Soprana

6. Pax Soprana

7.6

At Tony's suggestion, Junior is made acting boss after Jackie dies. In therapy, Tony surprises Dr. Melfi with an admission. Carmela and Irina (Tony's mistress) both suffer as Tony's libido takes a nosedive.

Still image for The Sopranos season 1 episode 7: Down Neck

7. Down Neck

7.8

After stealing the 'sacramental wine' from the school chapel, Anthony Jr. is suspended. Tony is concerned that his bad influence is responsible for his son's behavior, and has a series of disturbing flashbacks in which he remembers learning that his own father was in the mob.

Still image for The Sopranos season 1 episode 8: The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti

8. The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti

7.9

At the wedding of Larry Boy's daughter, the 'boys' find out they're going to be indicted, and make a premature exit to get rid of incriminating evidence at home. Upset that he isn't getting the notoriety of other family members, an agitated Christopher has an ugly encounter with a bakery clerk.

Still image for The Sopranos season 1 episode 9: Boca

9. Boca

8.0

Uncle Junior enjoys a romantic tryst in Boca with his girlfriend Bobbi, not realizing that she's been gabbing to her beauty-parlor friends about his oral talents. Meanwhile, controversy arises when Meadow's soccer coach announces he's leaving the school.

Still image for The Sopranos season 1 episode 10: A Hit Is a Hit

10. A Hit Is a Hit

7.0

Christopher and Adrianna cut a deal with a famous gangsta rapper who claims that Hesh pocketed royalties belonging to a cousin who recorded several hit songs decades ago. Meanwhile, Tony plays golf with Cusamano and his white-bread friends.

Still image for The Sopranos season 1 episode 11: Nobody Knows Anything

11. Nobody Knows Anything

7.9

After Jimmy and Pussy are arrested in an FBI raid, Makazian tells a stunned Tony that Pussy may be wired for the Feds. Tony sends Paulie to find out for sure. Later, Tony learns that Makazian might be trying to frame Pussy to get out of his gambling debts.

Still image for The Sopranos season 1 episode 12: Isabella

12. Isabella

8.4

Hit men are sent out to whack Tony, who comes out of his depression when he meets Isabella, an Italian exchange student staying next door.

Still image for The Sopranos season 1 episode 13: I Dream of Jeannie Cusamano

13. I Dream of Jeannie Cusamano

8.2

In the Season One finale, Tony is stunned to discover that the attempt on his life may have been ordered by someone very close to him. Later, he must deal with the fact that everyone knows he is seeing a shrink. Christopher is sent to take care of Jimmy Altieri.

Cast

Photo of James Gandolfini

James Gandolfini

Tony Soprano

Photo of Edie Falco

Edie Falco

Carmela Soprano

Photo of Jamie-Lynn Sigler

Jamie-Lynn Sigler

Meadow Soprano

Photo of Robert Iler

Robert Iler

A.J. Soprano

Photo of Lorraine Bracco

Lorraine Bracco

Jennifer Melfi

Photo of Michael Imperioli

Michael Imperioli

Christopher Moltisanti

Photo of Steven Van Zandt

Steven Van Zandt

Silvio Dante

Photo of Tony Sirico

Tony Sirico

Paulie Gualtieri

Photo of Dominic Chianese

Dominic Chianese

Corrado 'Junior' Soprano

Photo of Aida Turturro

Aida Turturro

Janice Soprano

Photo of Steve Schirripa

Steve Schirripa

Bobby 'Bacala' Baccalieri

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Reviews

G

GenerationofSwine

10/10

I'm late to this, I know, but at the time it came out I was in college and working multiple jobs to pay for it. It came out in that stretch of time that I was practically blind to current culture.

But now I'm watching it, and honestly it's like all those other Mafia movies and TV shows that come around every decade or so. They never really get old.

The Mafia allows for a few things, stress, tension which are both great for drama...and then brutal violence and humor, which also pair wonderfully together.

The only time you're going to miss is when you don't do it well, but The Sopranos actually did it incredibly well. It was amazingly fun, amazingly dramatic, and beautifully acted...so, it's going to entertain.

And, unlike the movies, the episodic nature of a TV show plays well with the mafia shtick, especially when paired with a premium channel like HBO that can do whatever they want.

You've reached the end.