10 Reasons The Sopranos Is Still The Best TV Show Of All Time
Thirteen years down the line, there's still nothing like it.
The Sopranos concluded its run in 2007, and since then there has been a smorgasbord of great TV offerings in a multitude of genres. From fantasy epics to long running horrors, insightful comedies, sports dramas and cop shows, this has, as we all know, been a golden age for great TV.
Really, though, none of it can hold a candle to the OG, David Chase’s unimpeachable crime drama. Over six seasons, The Sopranos took TV to bold new heights, and truly changed the game. So many shows owe it a debt of gratitude.
Beyond its influence, it’s endlessly rewatchable. Shows in its wake have openly aimed to capture a similar level of greatness, and in doing so have shown themselves up as try-hards. The Sopranos feels effortless - it didn’t set out to become the best show ever made, but from early doors, it clearly was.
Other shows of incredible quality have come and gone since that final episode, and there are some that could be in contention to topple The Sopranos as the GOAT. Really, though, none of them have ascended to quite the same heights, and perhaps they never will.
(Contains some spoilers for the finale and certain character arcs.)
10. Enduring Influence
The Sopranos wasn’t the first great modern hour long drama, but none of the efforts prior to it permeated pop culture in the same way. The Sopranos’ incredible influence can still be felt in most of the heavy, prestige dramas we watch today, whether that’s in obvious ways, like Boardwalk Empire or Mad Men, or more subtle ways, like Game Of Thrones.
The Sopranos shifted the tide in the big vs small screen battle. Before David Chase’s crime epic, the TV world was still seen as a slum for many actors. You worked on a series only for as long as you had to; at the first possible opportunity you made the jump to movies.
That all changed when it became clear that the best drama was being broadcast in homes, first in HBO, then on the likes of FX and AMC. Without the success of Tony, Carmella et al, it’s likely TV studios wouldn’t have the confidence to throw huge money into some of today’s favourite shows.
It also ushered in the age of the anti-hero. This had good effects and bad, but the best of Tony’s direct descendants - Don Draper, Walter White - are among the best TV characters of all time.