Sopranos, The

▪ American television program

 U.S. television drama considered a masterpiece by critics and audiences alike. Created and written by David Chase, The Sopranos aired for six seasons (1999–2007) on Home Box Office (HBO) and earned an international following as a result of its broadcasts abroad.

      Set in New Jersey, The Sopranos follows Mafia boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini (Gandolfini, James)) through regular sessions with a psychiatrist (Lorraine Bracco) to whom he goes for help after experiencing panic attacks that cause him to black out. His infidelity and the violent nature of a life in organized crime form the backdrop for the dysfunctional relationship he has with his own family. Beset by enemies and family difficulties, he struggles to come to terms with power, morality, and death.

      Christopher (Michael Imperioli), Paulie (Tony Sirico), and Sil (Steve Van Zandt) form Tony's trusted inner circle, through whom Tony's business deals are played out. The themes of identity, guilt, and denial are highlighted by the selective acknowledgment of the harsh realities of Tony's crime world by his wife, Carmela (Edie Falco), and the Sopranos' children, Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) and Anthony Jr. (Robert Iler). The masterful complexity of Gandolfini's portrayal of Tony Soprano and the uneasy juxtaposition of brutality and sensitivity on display challenge the viewer to step inside Tony's world and examine his choices from an intimate and personal perspective.

      During its six seasons, The Sopranos won many awards, including 21 Emmy Awards, 5 Golden Globes, and 2 Peabody Awards.

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