Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
The Sopranos was a TV series broadcast on the premium cable network HBO for six seasons between 1999 and 2007. During its run, The Sopranos broke down several previously taboo barriers for television, racking up numerous awards for both its creator, David Chase, and several of its actors, including James Gandolfini and Edie Falco in their roles as Tony and Carmella, the heads of TV's favorite mob family. More than one critic has proclaimed The Sopranos as one of the best series of all time. The show continues in reruns on the A&E Network.
What made the show unique — and what has garnered it a following still going strong today — was the unique way Gandolfini portrayed its main character, mob boss Tony Soprano as a very conflicted guy. In addition to the usual mob plots involving hit men and wise guys, Sopranos episodes explored such mafia taboos as Tony's visits to a psychiatrist and how the boss dealt with issues like having a closeted gay man amongst his crew.
When the screen faded to black to the strains of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" in 2007, the show may have died, but fans remain as devoted as ever. You'll find them on the blogosphere at sites like Sopranos Family Values and Sopranoland.
