8. The Sopranos
First Episode: January 10th, 1999 Final Episode: June 10th, 2007 The show that changed an entire medium, the main character who shattered the concept of the television father. Towards the end of the nineties, HBOs need for content led to original programming (as opposed to sports and constantly recycled movies). Out of those first few shows, no one grabbed the spotlight like the Sopranos family. David Chase and company started a revolution. When The Sopranos was good, it was as good as television could get. But there was that giant gap between season four (2002) and season five (2004), and the writers strike broke the final season into two little seasons, separated by a year. Perhaps it was that gap that made the sixth season feel so different. Whatever the problem was, those last episodes dont have the same exquisite character building or beautiful structure that you find right up to the end of season five. Like with Seinfeld, The Sopranos finale resulted in much grumbling. The ambiguity and intentional lack of closure (though the exchange between Tony and Carmella makes it pretty clear what awaits Tony) was unsatisfying for folks who wanted a big ending for this saga. Over the years, the finale gained some respect. But still, at the time the ending tarnished the series in the publics eye, instead of reinforcing its legendary status. Vince Gilligan should learn from this.