1999 Crime Classic, Considered the ‘Greatest TV Show of All Time’

• The Sopranos was named the greatest TV show of all time by Rolling Stone in 2022.
• The show, created by David Chase, aired its final episode, “Made in America,” in June 2007 after six seasons and 86 episodes.
• The Sopranos follows mob boss Tony Soprano, played by James Gandolfini, as he navigates personal and professional challenges, becoming an iconic series in television history.

When talking about the greatest movies of all time, it’s a much different conversation than discussing the greatest TV shows.

A TV show can have one tremendous season and then fall off a cliff. Being able to sustain a show over several episodes and seasons is difficult. Knowing when to end that show because the story has concluded is just as important.

While everyone has their own opinion on the best TV show ever created, one seems to be a popular choice in that debate — The Sopranos. The show first aired on HBO in 1999, was created by David Chase and spanned six seasons with 86 episodes. It ultimately aired its final episode, “Made in America,” in June 2007.

Back in 2022, Rolling Stone revealed its list of the100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time, and The Sopranos sat atop the list. The shows behind it were The Simpsons at No. 2 and Breaking Bad at No. 3.

The show centers around Tony Soprano, portrayed by James Gandolfini as an iconic mob boss, while his wife, Carmela Soprano, is played by Edie Falco.

It also stars Michael Imperioli, Lorraine Bracco, Tony Sirico, Steve Van Zandt and several others who had breakout roles in the show.

“Tony Soprano juggles the problems of his fractious family with those of a ‘Family’ of a different sort – the mob,” the shows plot reads.“He sees a therapist to deal with his professional and personal problems, which bring on panic attacks. He deals with personal and professional power struggles, affairs, violence, the threat of exposure and betrayal, and a whole bunch of people being whacked.”

David Chase Reflects on The Sopranos‘ Legacy Decades Later

In a 2024 interview with PEOPLE, Chase reflected on the impactThe Sopranos has had on television and its enduring popularity with viewers.

“I still feel this tremendous sense of gratitude that it’s still going on,” Chase told PEOPLE. “I can’t remember this happening with any other television show ever.”

“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” he added. “It’s probably the best thing I ever will do.”

This story was originally published byMen’s Journalon Sep 6, 2026, where it first appeared in theNewssection. Add Men’s Journal as aPreferred