The Sopranos – 25 Shocking Facts

The Sopranos is an American crime drama television series that aired on HBO from 1999 to 2007. The show follows the life of New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster, Tony Soprano, as he tries to balance his family life with his position as the leader of a criminal organization. Over the course of its six seasons, The Sopranos became a cultural phenomenon, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. Here are 25 shocking facts about the show:

1. The Sopranos was created by David Chase, who had previously worked on shows like The Rockford Files and Northern Exposure.
2. The character of Tony Soprano was based on real-life New Jersey mobster Vincent “Vinny Ocean” Palermo.
3. James Gandolfini, who played Tony Soprano, originally auditioned for the role of Uncle Junior.
4. The show’s opening credits feature various shots of New Jersey, including the famous view of the Manhattan skyline from the New Jersey Turnpike.
5. The Sopranos was filmed on location in New Jersey, with most of the indoor scenes shot at a studio in Queens.
6. The show’s use of music was a key component of its success, with songs by artists like The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, and Bruce Springsteen featured prominently in many episodes.
7. The series won a total of 21 Emmy Awards during its run, including two for Outstanding Drama Series.
8. The Sopranos is often credited with ushering in a new era of television drama, paving the way for shows like Mad Men, Breaking Bad, and The Wire.
9. The show’s controversial ending, which left many viewers wondering about the fate of Tony Soprano, continues to be debated and analyzed to this day.
10. Many real-life mobsters, including John Gotti Jr. and “Little Nicky” Scarfo, have claimed to have been inspiration for characters on the show.
11. The role of Carmela Soprano, Tony’s wife, was originally offered to Lorraine Bracco, who turned it down to play Dr. Jennifer Melfi instead.
12. Actor Joe Pantoliano was offered the role of Ralph Cifaretto but turned it down due to scheduling conflicts.
13. The character of Adriana La Cerva, played by Drea de Matteo, was originally only supposed to appear in a few episodes but proved to be so popular with fans that she became a series regular.
14. The show’s iconic opening credits sequence was designed by legendary graphic designer Saul Bass.
15. The Sopranos was the first cable series to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series.
16. James Gandolfini was reportedly paid $1 million per episode for the show’s final season.
17. The Sopranos has been credited with helping to boost tourism in New Jersey, with fans visiting locations featured on the show like the Bada Bing! strip club.
18. The character of Paulie “Walnuts” Gualtieri was based on real-life New Jersey mobster Anthony “Tony Pro” Provenzano.
19. Many famous actors made guest appearances on the show, including Steve Buscemi, David Lee Roth, and Annette Bening.
20. The show’s finale, which aired on June 10, 2007, was watched by over 11 million viewers.
21. The Sopranos has been parodied and referenced in countless other TV shows and movies, including The Simpsons, Family Guy, and The Departed.
22. The series’ famous final shot, which cuts to black as Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” plays, was controversial at the time but has since become one of the most iconic endings in television history.
23. The show’s creator, David Chase, has hinted that he may release a prequel movie or series, which would explore the early years of the Soprano family and the New Jersey mob scene.
24. The Sopranos has been praised for its realistic portrayal of organized crime, with many real-life FBI agents and Mafia members commending the show’s accuracy.
25. The series has been hailed as a masterpiece of television storytelling, with its complex characters, gripping plotlines, and themes of family, loyalty, and power resonating with viewers around the world.

Despite ending over 15 years ago, The Sopranos continues to captivate audiences and remains a timeless classic of the television medium. Its influence on pop culture and the television landscape is undeniable, with its complex characters, nuanced storytelling, and exploration of themes like family, loyalty, and morality still resonating with viewers today.