The Sopranos is an American television drama series created by David Chase. It was originally broadcast in
the United States on the premium cable network HBO from January 10, 1999 to June 10, 2007, spanning six
seasons and 86 episodes. Since premiering on HBO, the show has been broadcast by many networks in dozens
of other countries.

Set and produced in New Jersey, the series revolves around mobster Tony Soprano and the difficulties he
faces as he tries to balance the often conflicting requirements of his home life and the criminal
organization he heads. The show is noted for Chase's multifaceted, symbolism-heavy style of writing. Over
the course of the series' six-season run, Chase and his co-writers have addressed a large number of
psychological, philosophical, and political themes and motifs.

A major commercial and critical success, The Sopranos is the most financially successful cable series in
the history of television and has frequently been described by critics as one of the greatest television
series of all time. The show has been credited for bringing a greater level of artistry to the television
medium and paving the way for many successful drama series that followed. It has also won numerous awards,
including twenty-one Emmys and five Golden Globes.

A staple of American popular culture, The Sopranos has been the subject of much parody and analysis, and
has spawned books, a video game, high-charting soundtrack albums, and a large amount of assorted
merchandise

he writing, acting, and directing have often been singled out for praise. The show has also received
considerable attention from critics and journalists for its music selections, cinematography, and
willingness to deal with difficult subjects.

The first season of the series received overwhelmingly positive reviews. Following its initial airing in
1999, The New York Times stated "[The Sopranos] just may be the greatest work of American popular culture
of the last quarter century."In 2007, PopMatters wrote "the debut season of The Sopranos remains the
crowning achievement of American television.

The Sopranos has been nominated for most Outstanding Drama Series every year of its run, including 2007,
its final season. James Gandolfini and Edie Falco have also been nominated every year but one and have
also been nominated in 2007. After being nominated for and losing the Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama
Series in 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2003 (losing the first time to The Practice, then the latter three to The
West Wing), The Sopranos finally won the award in 2004, and again in 2007, becoming the first and only
cable series to win the award. It also joined Sex and the City as the only cable show to pick up a best
series Emmy. In 2003, after picking up Emmys for Writing, Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Joe
Pantoliano), Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Edie Falco), and Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Gandolfini),
many experts thought the show would be a shoo-in for Drama Series. The show has dominated the writing
categories at the Emmys, picking up 17 nominations over five seasons and winning the award four times. It
is also a perennial nominee at the Golden Globes (winning the Best Drama Series in 2000) and the major
guild awards (Directors, Producers, Writers, and Actors)