Every year, I find myself returning to this extraordinary drama series. Its brilliance keeps me hooked, and I’m not alone-many fans hail it as “the greatest drama series ever made,” and I completely agree.

Actors Michael Imperioli and Drea De Matteo in scene from HBO cable TV series The Sopranos (Image: Anthony Neste, Getty Images)

I love re-watching TV shows. I have certain series I watch on repeat throughout the year, such as Friends and American Dad!, and others I tend to watch at specific times of year, such as Breaking Bad and Chernobyl. One of the shows that falls into the latter category is The Sopranos.

The Sopranos first arrived on TV screens in 1999 and has since achieved cult status thanks to its iconic characters, groundbreaking storytelling, and deep exploration into the American psyche. Yes, it’s violent, yes, it’s what most people would describe as a “slow burner” at the start, and yes, you could say that some parts of the show are extremely unpleasant, but these moments are what keep the show interesting, and unlike anything else I’ve ever seen.

Actors Tony Sirico, Steven Van Zandt and James Gandolfini in a publicity still for the HBO TV series The Sopranos (Image: Anthony Neste, Getty Images)

The show, which was created by David Chase, centres on Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a New Jersey mob boss who suffers from panic attacks. Seeking help, he starts therapy with Dr Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), who pushes him to confront the challenges of juggling family responsibilities with his criminal operations. The cast also features Tony’s wife Carmela (Edie Falco), his protégé Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli), and a host of family members, Mafia associates, and rivals.

While the plot sounds seemingly bland, as a viewer, I repeatedly find myself getting drawn into Tony’s family dynamics; his relationship with his wife, Carmela (Falco), is tense from the start as we hear of his infidelity and his ‘gumar’, Irina. Tony’s relationship with his elderly mother adds comedic relief but takes a dark turn as we learn of her true nature, and Chris, Tony’s ‘nephew’ (Imperioli), and Paulie ‘Walnuts’ Gualtieri’s (played by Tony Sirico), volatile friendship is downright hilarious at points, but is often splintered by resentment over money and status.

The late Gandolfini as the volatile Tony Soprano is probably the most memorable character in the series, but he doesn’t overshadow some of the show’s supporting characters. Falco’s portrayal of Tony’s wife is impressive as she shifts between being the loving mother, devout Catholic, and supportive wife to exploring her suppressed desires for independence and personal fulfilment.

James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano and Edie Falco as Carmela Soprano seek counselling in HBO’s hit television series, The Sopranos (Image: Getty Images, Getty Images)

Drea de Matteo plays Adriana La Cerva, the long-time girlfriend and, later, fiancée of Chris. Her shallow, materialistic portrayal of Adriana is perfect because, despite her many flaws, you can’t help but feel sorry for her. Matteo won an Emmy Award in 2004 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role.

One of my favourite dynamics in the show is between Tony’s children, AJ (Anthony John Jr.) and Meadow Soprano (played by Robert Iler and Jamie-Lynn Sigler). Their relationship is just like any other brother-sister dynamic — despite growing up in a dysfunctional crime family — with sibling squabbles, personal crises and teenage tantrums taking place among the violence and chaos of the mob.

The Sopranos ran for six series from 1999 to 2007, but is currently available to stream on NOW TV. The series has managed to retain an impressively high Rotten Tomatoes rating with an overall Tomatometer rating of 92%. Season three even clinched a rare 100% rating.

From left to right: Steven Van Zandt as Silvio Dante, James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano and Tony Sirico as Paulie Walnuts star in HBO’s hit television series, The Sopranos (Image: Getty Images, Getty Images)

One review said of the series: “There’s never been a Mafia drama like this on TV and it’s brilliant.”

While another reads: “Now, watching the show nearly 20 years after its original debut, it still stands up as one of the greatest dramas of all time.”

The show was praised not only by critics but also by viewers, which is increasingly uncommon in an era when critics and audiences rarely see eye to eye.

One viewer said of the first series: “The Sopranos is, without question, one of the greatest drama series ever made, transcending its surface depiction of mafia life to explore the full spectrum of human experience. While violence and organised crime are central elements, the show’s genius lies in its ability to intertwine these with heartwarming, heartrending stories that resonate long after viewing.”

Actors from left: Tony Sirico, Steven Van Zandt, James Gandolfini, Michael Imperioli & Vincent Pastore in a publicity still for TV series The Sopranos, circa 1999 (Image: Anthony Neste, Getty Images)

Another wrote: “I am a bit late to the party here in 2025, but just watched Season one, in fact binged it and absolutely one of the best series I have ever seen in my life, drama, humour, flawed human characters, excitement. It has it all.”

One aspect of the show that has left many critics and viewers divided is the ending. I won’t give too much away, but it’s abrupt and can leave you wondering whether you’ve just wasted 86 hours watching television.

The first time I watched it, I was shocked. I became so deeply invested in the family, the characters and their lives that I honestly found myself getting quite angry at David Chase. How dare he leave me hanging like this?!

But actually, the more I watch it, the more I relish the ending. There are hints and clues throughout the series that foreshadow what’s to come, and in the end, you can’t help but admire Chase’s ingenuity.

If you haven’t seen The Sopranos yet, stop reading and start watching it now.

The ending may leave you with more questions than answers, but the clues are there – you just have to look for them.