20 TV Show Pilots That Are Totally Flawless
6. The Sopranos - The Sopranos
The Sopranos might just be the best TV show of all time, and it's place as an all-time classic was solidified long before its divisive (but brilliant) finale. In fact, it was clear the series was something special right from the very first episode, which introduces mob boss Tony Soprano in both violent and moving fashion.
Whilst the episode makes it clear Tony is a dangerous and violent man, it spends most of its run emphasising the fact that he's also stressed, worried, and suffering from panic attacks because of his work, so much so that he's starting attending therapy.
It's a stunning hour of character development that uses Tony's predicament to introduce audiences to his family, loyal acquaintances, enemies and scheming mother, all of which is boosted to greatness by James Gandolfini's unflinchingly honest performance and David Chase's sublime direction.