The series that put HBO on the map as creators of the best modern television, The Sopranos is the thinking man's mafia drama.

Centered on a fictional New Jersey crime family, the show breaks most stereotypes by stripping away much of the glamor, romanticism, and smoothness generally associated with 'mafia' material. With Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) as the show's central character and with Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) as his psychiatrist, the series also gives a brilliant glimpse into the mind and motivations of a man who makes his living off of crime. As Tony juggles his 'job', family, marriage, and life as a self-described 'fat crook from New Jersey who happened to have two semesters of community college', the result is one of the best television shows ever produced and winner of many awards.

The Sopranos has something for everyone, even those who don't generally care for the usual 'mafia' offerings. Producer, writer, and director David Chase's approach towards realistic, quality television has set the standard for many shows following it, and the ensemble cast is one of the finest ever assembled on tv.