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Created by David Chase for HBO, The Sopranos has been one of the most prestigious shows ever created for television. Starring James Gandolfini, Michael Imperioli, Tony Sirico, and Edie Falco among others, the series not only embedded the viewers into the lives of the Soprano family but also made them invested in their day-to-day comings and goings like no other show did.

The Sopranos [Credit: HBO]

Without a basis for a mob drama and with only the Martin Scorsese movies as a reference point, The Sopranos quickly became a household favorite among the audiences of the new century. Amid the chatter of late-night television and the laugh tracks of countless sitcoms, The Sopranos hit a home run with its grounded and unique storyline.

The Sopranos Contains a Huge Meta Reference The Sopranos Season 4 Episode 10 – Christopher’s intervention “The Strong, Silent Type”[Credit: HBO]

The Sopranos might have redefined television drama, elevating the medium to...

Heard of strange Hollywood feuds? The Sopranos had one of its own. James Gandolfini didn’t just play a tough guy on the 1999 drama series—he was one, on and off-screen. But while he faced fictional foes on set, he was also wrestling with real-life demons.

James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano in The Sopranos | Credits: HBO Entertainment

And here’s the kicker: Gandolfini’s personal struggles took a surprising toll, sparking an unexpected grudge against a certain co-star. The reason? Odd as it gets!

Behind-the-Scenes Battles: James Gandolfini’s Addiction Sparked Tension with Edie Falco on The Sopranos Set James Gandolfini in the final scene of The Sopranos | Credits: HBO Entertainment

James Gandolfini wasn’t just The Sopranos’ brooding mob boss; behind the scenes, he was wrestling with real-life demons that bled into his work. Turns out, Gandolfini’s struggle with addiction led him to clash with his on-screen wife,...

The Sopranos is often praised for kickstarting the Second Golden Age of Television or Prestige TV. An extensive section of viewers and critics even consider it the greatest TV show ever. Even Steve Buscemi, the Tony B actor and one of the show’s significant directors, agreed to it. But he claimed that the HBO show had to end early as it took a toll on the late James Gandolfini.

James Gandolfini with Steve Buscemi in The Sopranos | Creative: HBO

It is notable that The Sopranos, with 86 episodes, is bigger than shows like Breaking Bad (62) and Game of Thrones (73). Still, many viewers wondered what forced the show to end when most of the co-stars wanted to continue the show. Steve Buscemi confessed that it was due to the late Tony Soprano actor who thought he had done more than enough with The Sopranos.

The late James Gandolfini could not withstand...

The Sopranos is one of the most critically acclaimed TV shows in history, ending its grand run in 2007 with season 6. Throughout its run, it set a benchmark for how crime drama series were supposed to be, enticing, chilling, exhilarating, and exasperating all at the same time.

Led by James Gandolfini as mob boss Tony Soprano, its finale still continues to spark debate and speculation despite all this time. A drama that ran successfully for six seasons, blending themes of brutal crime with deep psychological and family themes, The Sopranos was never destined for a seventh season it seems.

The Sopranos | Credit: HBO

The creator David Chase always had a clear vision of how the series was supposed to end despite the common belief that HBO might have something to do with its end. The series apparently had run its course and had reached its peak, so continuing it would have potentially negatively impacted the narrative.

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If you’re looking to revisit some of your favorite TV series or want to catch up on the classics to see what the hype is all about, you’ll want to take advantage of Amazon’s big DVD and Blu-ray sale right now. The site is blowing out box sets of some of the most popular shows of all time, with complete series available on DVD or...

When the screen went black and “Don’t Stop Believing” cut out, everybody watching The Sopranos wondered: Did my cable just cut out?! But after that, we wondered what happened to Tony Soprano. Was he whacked inside of an ice cream parlor or did he finish his onion rings? Did the man in the Members Only jacket do him in or will he constantly live in state of uncertainty? David Chase has given his final say before but that doesn’t stop the theories, be it from fans or Sopranos cast members. Now, Lorraine Bracco is giving her own hopeful ending for The Sopranos.

Bracco – who played therapist Dr. Jennifer Melfi throughout The Sopranos – said she thinks that Tony survived his tense night out with his family. And despite her final scene of closing the door on her patient of seven years, she imagines Melfi and Tony would have kept in touch.

The latter days of Upn, before it merged with The WB to become The CW, weren’t marked by many critical hits, but Everybody Hates Chris was one of them. The titular Chris was Chris Rock, who narrated the single-camera comedy about his life, starting when he turned 13, moved with his parents from New York housing projects to the Brooklyn neighborhood Bed-Stuy, and started attending a better school, far away in an all-white neighborhood. The show wasn’t coy about its influences: its title was a play on that of another long-running sitcom with a standup comic at its center, and the device of a sitcom narrator commenting on scenes of his childhood from later in life had been done decades earlier on The Wonder Years. When the time came for Everybody Hates Chris to end its run, it stole from the best, with a final scene directly inspired by...

Even if you’ve never seen more than a few episodes of The Sopranos, you’ll probably still get something from Alex Gibney’s affectionate, inquisitive exploration of the justly celebrated show. This isn’t just a ‘making-of’; it’s also the story of its creator, David Chase, working through many of his neuroses — not always consciously — via the life of a violent mobster. And Chase is a very engaging subject.

There’s much to be said for the nosy appeal of spying on somebody else’s therapy session.

Cutely, Gibney interviews Chase in a set-up that exactly mimics the room in which Tony Soprano unpacked his issues with his psychiatrist. Gibney doesn’t labour the symbolism, but it’s apt because Chase holds little back when talking through his connection to Tony. His hangdog expression may initially suggest he’d rather not be here, but he answers almost every question with a revealing anecdote,...

When director Matt Reeves was writing “The Batman,” and effectively taking the franchise reigns with what was expected to be the first of a trilogy of films featuring Robert Pattinson as the caped crusader, he knew he wanted his Gotham to be a more grounded cinematic world. Inspired by the tone of Frank Miller’s comicbook series “Batman: Year One,” in which the chaotic real world of 1970s New York was a recognizable underpinning, Reeves wanted his Gotham to be recognizable to a modern audience — a direct reflection of our own broken and divisive times. That tone, more so than interlocking narrative, would be the glue.

It’s a vision Reeves had always imagined could neatly spin-off into an HBO-like series, especially when switching out of Batman’s point-of-view in the movies, and exploring the world through the eyes of one of the Rogues Gallery villains.

“They are, even more than Batman,...

In the entertainment industry, “secrecy” and “confidentiality” have inevitably become some of the most problematic issues in making a project. The same was the case with The Sopranos, the critically lauded crime drama series, which had to deal with the problem of keeping things strictly under wraps as well. But creator David Chase found the perfect solution to this.

The Sopranos. | Credits: HBO.

Even back in the day when the show was still airing, “confidentiality issues” still loomed as a threat. This would have proven especially dangerous to the series because any last-minute leaks would have meddled badly with its crime thriller themes. However, mastermind Chase ensured the news didn’t get out, except that… the one made the guinea pig for this situation was Drea de Matteo.

How David Chase Dealt With Confidentiality Issues With The Sopranos

The Sopranos has unarguably gone down as one of the most interesting crime-drama series of all time,...

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The Penguin is a gritty crime drama series created by Lauren LeFranc. Based on the DC Comics character of the same name created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, the HBO series is set in the world of Matt Reeves‘ The Batman and it follows the story of Oswald “Oz” Cobb aka Penguin a few weeks after the events of The Batman as he tries to gain power after the death of Carmine Falcone, but Carmine’s daughter Sofia Falcone is also thinking of doing the same. The Penguin stars Colin Farrell in the lead role with Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Mark Strong, Michael Kelly, Deirdre O’Connell, and Clancy Brown starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the gritty criminal world, compelling characters, and a thrilling story in The Penguin here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Matthew Weiner has been in the television business for several decades now, involved in several high-acclaimed projects. While his initial journey as a writer was filled with struggles, he soon found a strong footing when he got on board The Sopranos. While James Gandolfini was the major highlight of the show, Weiner, with his creativity and innovation, left no stone unturned.

But during his time on the Gandolfini starrer, he also had Mad Men in his hands. While the latter also created its own magic on the screens, Weiner avoided its production during the same time as The Sopranos. Given that, this clash between one of the most sought-after shows on television would have been a major blow commercially.

The Reason Behind Matthew Weiner’s Decision to Steer Clear of The Sopranos and Mad Men Clash

Matthew Weiner’s journey to showbiz has seen remarkable growth filled with several pivotal moments.

When it comes to the greatest endings that do its respective show justice, Breaking Bad‘s Felina is often the first one to cross fans’ minds, and for good reason. But similar wasn’t the case with Jerry Seinfeld’s Seinfeld, which is notable for its polarizing finale that wasn’t received well among its viewers when it first aired.

Jerry Seinfeld | Credit: Seinfeld/NBC

Similar to AMC’s Breaking Bad, Jon Hamm’s Mad Men was successful in giving fans a satisfying conclusion, and the Unfrosted star too holds it in very high regard.

Mad Men’s Finale Is Jerry Seinfeld’s Pick for the Greatest Finale Ever Person to Person | Credit: Mad Men/AMC

While the general consensus towards Seinfeld‘s finale has wormed up over the years, when it originally aired, the episode left a sour taste in fans’ mouths, as the main cast ended up in jail in the finale.

Starring James Gandolfini, The Sopranos has been one of the most iconic TV series. Following the life of an Italian-American mafia boss balancing his criminal empire and family struggles, the show captivated millions and became a cultural phenomenon.

Tony Soprano | Credit: HBO

In a memorable instance, the show’s popularity became so overwhelming that an open casting call drew a massive 13,000 people, forcing the police to intervene due to the sheer size of the crowd.

David Chase Recalled the Overwhelming Response to The Sopranos Open Casting Call

As The Sopranos celebrates its 25th anniversary marks its 25th anniversary, David Chase has shared new insights into the show’s creation in Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos, revealing intriguing stories about the show and its impact.

The Sopranos | Credit: HBO

The show’s creator reflected on one such incident in his interview with Empire while discussing the show’s influence on the Italian-American community,...

The legacy of Mad Men makes it uniquely qualified to be ranked as one of the best television shows of all time. The AMC drama that launched the career of Jon Hamm also ushered in the second Golden Age of television at the same time. At its core, the hard-hitting and intense show may have left its viewers mollified in a lackluster era of bad TV but Mad Men helped launch a revolution that heralded scripts like Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, Boardwalk Empire, and The Walking Dead.

Mad Men [Credit: AMC]

For better or worse, Mad Men’s influence has created a teachable moment in both the real world as well as the high-end entertainment sector. While the series could have enjoyed a lavish stay at HBO, studio politics and a changing of the old guard led Matthew Weiner to take his script to the studio next door.

Ever wondered if Robert De Niro kicks himself every time he watches The Sopranos? Here’s the scoop: De Niro reportedly passed on the lead role in this mob masterpiece, and it’s got fans and critics alike speculating about his regrets. At the time, mob comedies were considered so last season, but boy, did Tony Soprano shake up the TV landscape.

Robert De Niro in Heat | Warner Bros. Pictures

Imagine De Niro in the iconic role of a conflicted mob boss—it’s a tantalizing what-if that’s been haunting the corners of Hollywood ever since. Was he too early to reject mob drama or just plain wrong? Either way, the missed opportunity’s as legendary as the show itself.

Robert De Niro’s Missed Shot: Passing on The Sopranos That Changed TV Forever James Gandolfini in the final scene of The Sopranos | HBO Entertainment

Robert De Niro’s...

Drea de Matteo has long been celebrated for her role in The Sopranos, a show that defined an era of television. While her portrayal of Adriana La Cerva won her critical acclaim and an Emmy award, the experience brought both exciting and unexpected challenges. However, beyond her flawless performances, de Matteo often reflects on moments that felt less effortless.

Michael Imperioli and Drea de Matteo in The Sopranos | Credits: HBO

From navigating her character’s deep connections to the mob world to working on a New York accent, every aspect of the role held significance. The actress’s honesty about her time on the show only adds to her charm, and her recalling certain quirks during filming truly offers a rare behind-the-scenes insight into an iconic performance.

Drea de Matteo Struggled With Her Accent in The Sopranos Drea de Matteo in The Sopranos | Credits: HBO

Drea de Matteo’s roots...

When Mad Men first burst onto the scene in 2007, it was a breath of fresh air in the television world. From the get-go, it won over both viewers and critics and by the time the final episode aired, it had become a global sensation.

The show was so universally adored that it’s hard to find anyone pointing out its flaws. With its sharp writing and period-perfect style, Mad Men became one of Matthew Weiner’s crowing jewels while racking up an impressive array of awards.

The cast of Mad Men Credits: AMC

What’s truly baffling to me, though, is how HBO, a network known for its daring and innovative shows, passed on it. It’s genuinely puzzling how such a groundbreaking series managed to slip through the cracks and go unnoticed.

How HBO Missed a Golden Opportunity!

Matthew Weiner, the mind behind Mad Men, thus finally shed light...

What really happened after the cut to black at the end of "The Sopranos"? It's a question that's plagued fans of the HBO mob drama for close to two decades now, but it sometimes seems like a question without an answer. The abrupt end to Tony Soprano's story, which came as he and his family sat down for a fairly normal-seeming dinner at Holston's, was for years presented by series creator David Chase as a sort of Schrodinger's Cat situation. Either Tony (James Gandolfini) is dead, or he's not, but we can't know since we weren't given that information. The end is what it is, and all we can do is make peace with it.

But the fact that so many "Sopranos" fans naturally took the cut to black to mean Tony could've been killed must mean something, right? This interpretation wasn't random, as there were details in the...

This past weekend, HBO released a two-part documentary called "Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos" that delves into the life of the creator of one of the most pivotal shows in television history and also covers the creation and production of the acclaimed series. By director Alex Gibney's own admission, it's not a definitive deep dive into every aspect of the sprawling mafia/family drama (there are books and podcasts that do that). But as someone who just watched "The Sopranos" for the first time a couple of years ago and never explored any behind the scenes materials or sought out any oral histories, this doc provided a bunch of cool revelations and fascinating, dramatic moments I'd never seen or heard about before.

It also makes some interesting decisions about how to present information visually, the most obvious being that the primary series of lengthy interviews between Gibney...

David Chase, the creator and writer of The Sopranos, reflected on his journey and creative process behind the award-winning show in HBO’s Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos, a two-part original documentary. Starring James Gandolfini, the television behemoth ran for six seasons from 1999 to 2007, and because of its popularity, a prequel came to life.

Credits: David Chase in Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos / HBO

Unlike the highly acclaimed series, 2021’s The Many Saints of Newark was slammed by critics and fans, and Chase admitted he was responsible for the mistakes, though he also pointed his finger at the marketing department.

David Chase Opened Up About The Failure Of The Many Saints of Newark

The Many Saints of Newark was promoted as the origin story of young Tony Soprano and his mentor, Dickie Moltisanti. David Chase initially did not want to make a movie based on...

Lorraine Bracco famously played the psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Melfi in The Sopranos, a role she asked for instead of the lead female role. Having played the role of the wife of a mob boss in Goodfellas, Bracco wanted to try something different in David Chase’s series. During a 2021 interview, she talked highly of her late co-star James Gandolfini, who played Tony Soprano.

Lorraine Bracco as Dr. Jennifer Melfi in The Sopranos | Credits: HBO

Bracco and Gandolfini showed incredible chemistry in the series with their doctor-patient relationship. While Bracco’s character couldn’t foresee the outcome of her sessions with Tony Soprano, the actress was able to predict Gandolfini’s rise to fame.

Lorraine Bracco Could See James Gandolfini’s Thriving Career Years Before The Sopranos Lorraine Bracco and James Gandolfini in The Sopranos | Credits: HBO

Lorraine Bracco has worked with some of Hollywood’s greatest and one of her favorite co-stars was James Gandolfini.

One of the best performances on television was solidified when James Gandolfini played Tony Soprano in The Sopranos. But maybe he was worn out from having to bring the nuanced persona to life.

The documentary Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos discussed an intervention that former HBO CEO Chris Albrecht arranged for Gandolfini to address his alcohol troubles.

Albrecht claims that after a tense period, they convened at his New York residence to settle differences. Gandolfini, however, reacted angrily upon seeing his friends and family present.

“We did an intervention with him at my apartment in New York,” Albrecht said. “That was to try to get him to go to a facility for rehab. We’d had a lot of friction by that point. He walked in, saw everyone, and said, ‘Aw, f— this.’ He turned to me and went, ‘Fire me,’ and then left.”

Gandolfini History With The...

While James Gandolfini may no longer be with us, his work on The Sopranos is hailed as one of the most iconic performances on television. On-screen, he portrayed a powerful Italian-American crime boss, but in real life, he was quite different from that character. This contrast only enhances his legacy as one of the most legendary actors of his generation.

Edie Falco and James Gandolfini as Carmela and Tony Soprano in The Sopranos || Credits: HBO

Viewers will have the chance to learn more about the actor in HBO’s new documentary, which features some of his closest acquaintances, who have nothing but kind words to share about him.

James Gandolfini’s Real Self Versus Tony Soprano Secured His Legendary Status

James Gandolfini was a remarkable actor with several projects that showcased both his versatility and range as an artist. However, his role as Tony Soprano in The Sopranos stands out the most.

The Sopranos may have come to an end back in 2006. However, the hype for the show continued long after the curtain closed on the Italian drama. In fact, even actors like Michael Imperioli who played Christopher Moltisanti kept the show alive with new revelations as the years went by. Over a decade after playing the mobster in the series, the 58-year-old actor opened up about the one scene that left him feeling rather troubled.

Michael Imperioli in The Sopranos | Credits: HBO

With his character facing a rather gruesome death in season 6, fans had expected that to be his pick. However, the actor revealed that it was not the scene that had troubled him the most. That title went to another scene.

Michael Imperioli sheds light on his most difficult scene from The Sopranos

Michael Imperioli’s death in The Sopranos had sent fans of the show reeling in 2006. After all,...

In Alex Gibney’s new documentary about the making of The Sopranos, series regular Michael Imperioli offers an interesting explanation for what made the show so different from anything that had come before it.

“Television, in the past, was always about making you feel good,” Imperioli explained.

He added that Sopranos creator David Chase was “all about the opposite” in his own approach to televisual storytelling.

(Photo By Getty Images)

You may be thinking to yourself, Hey, I don’t go in for the feel-good stuff! I like gritty cop dramas like Law & Order: Svu. Nothing wholesome about that!

According to Imperioli, however, TV cop shows exist as a sort of Trojan Horse for good vibes.

The Definition of Darkness

Yes, you might think the “feel good” label only applies to Ted Lasso, When Calls the Heart, and their ilk.

But Imperioli argues that conventionally structured broadcast shows about...

Seventeen years after it first aired on HBO, the series finale of "The Sopranos" still stuns. David Chase's polarizing but powerful decision to end one of the best TV shows of all time with a sudden, ambiguous cut to black remains bold and shocking, even as countless other small screen sagas have come and gone.

In the new HBO two-part documentary "Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos," the series creator, writers, executive producers, and an occasional director gets surprisingly candid about both the show's inception and its ending. The rest of the cast and crew does too, with several involved in the finale recalling their initial disbelief at the show's withholding ending. "It was so sudden and strange," actor Michael Imperioli noted, while co-star Drea de Matteo said she called around to ask if her TV had gone out. According to star Lorraine Bracco, who played psychiatrist Dr.

Edie Falco is the latest star of a notoriously violent — and celebrated — HBO series to bemoan the increasingly common practice of trigger warnings on TV.

The “Sopranos” star partook in the new HBO documentary “Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos,” which charts the life and creative process of prolific series creator David Chase through the lens of his show’s historic, boundary-pushing successes.

Speaking about the mobster series’ violence and growing fanbase around its whack-of-the-week in Part 2 of the doc, Falco said, “The show was always shocking somebody about something.”

“You could push the envelope and let people be uncomfortable — forgive me, but without a trigger warning,” the actress continued. “The whole point is you want to surprise people and give them feelings that maybe are uncomfortable and have them learn to deal with them. That, my friend, is life.”

Falco starred for six seasons as Carmela Soprano, the...

Good things come to those who wait, as the old saying goes, which is especially true this week in terms of new movies and shows to watch, which sees the return (after more than two years) of the excellent thriller “The Old Man,” plus the completion (after a month) of the fifth season of “Emily in Paris.” Plus the debut of two shows (“Universal Basic Guys” on Fox and “Three Women” on Starz) that were announced long ago and have had prolonged journeys to your TV screen. But that’s not all! We’ve got a new Lego “Star Wars” series on Disney+ (“Rebuild the Galaxy”), a new YA sci-fi movie on Netflix (“Uglies”) and the streaming premiere of “Civil War,” one of the year’s most controversial movies!

“The Old Man” John Lithgow as Harold Harper, Jeff Bridges as Dan Chase in “The Old Man” Season 2 (Photo Credit: FX/Bryan Cohen)

Thursday,...

James Gandolfini is most well-known for his portrayal of Tony Soprano in the hit HBO series. A new documentary shines a light on some of the struggles the actor faced throughout his career. Several of his colleagues have opened up about what it was like to work with him and, specifically, talked about a time when they staged an intervention for James. Here is what happened.

New HBO Doc Talks About James Gandolfini

Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos is a new documentary on the HBO series. There is no doubt that playing a role like Tony Soprano had a profound impact on the James Gandolfini’s life.

Former HBO CEO Chris Albrecht spoke in an interview in the new doc and recalled trying to stage an intervention for James Gandolfini. They wanted to convince him to go to rehab to address his alcohol addiction.

“We did an intervention...

Blue Bloods is coming to an end with the upcoming season. While neither the fans nor the cast are ready for it to end, the showrunners didn’t have a choice. The network canceled the show, and no one could stop it. However, that doesn’t mean that the writers are not trying to make the finale one that fans will love.

Here is what showrunner Kevin Wade said about creating the Blue Bloods finale.

Blue Bloods Series Finale To Be Iconic?

There are series finales that have ruined beloved shows, and there are also series finales that remain iconic and beloved even after the series ends. Blue Bloods fans want a finale that falls into the latter group. In the past, some finales disappointed fans, such as Lost, Seinfeld, and The Sopranos.

Tom Selleck | YouTube

That is why Kevin Wade said he started studying series finales before working on the last Blue Bloods episode.

[Warning: The below contains Major spoilers from Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos.] The Sopranos celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024, and in the spirit of that, HBO has released the two-part documentary Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos. The must-see TV event features never-before-seen archival footage and commentary from the cast and creatives with a particular focus on creator David Chase. While tuning in is highly advisable, we’re breaking down some of the biggest reveals from the two-parter, so beware of spoilers ahead. 1. Christopher was almost Dean. As star Michael Imperioli recalled his audition process, he noted in the documentary that Christopher’s name was originally Dean Moltisanti, a far cry from the moniker fans came to know over the seasons. 2. Last but not least… Carmela. HBO When it came to casting major roles, Carmela Soprano was the last one to be filled, and star Edie Falco wasn’t even sure she’d...

Tulsa King is one of the most entertaining crime comedy-drama currently airing. Created by the brilliant Taylor Sheridan, the Paramount+ series follows the story of a New York mafia capo Dwight “The General” Manfredi as he is released from prison after 25 years and is now exiled by his boss to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dwight realizes that his boss might not have his best interest at heart and he starts to build his own crew in Tulsa. Tulsa King stars the great Sylvester Stallone in the lead role with Dana Delany, Garrett Hedlund, Domenick Lombardozzi, Jay Will, and Max Casella starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the compelling characters, brilliant writing, and entertaining storylines in Tulsa King here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Justified (Hulu & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – FX

Justified is a neo-Western crime thriller series created by Graham Yost. Based on the 2012 novel...

On Saturday September 7 2024, HBO broadcasts Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos!

Season 1 Episode 1 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos” on HBO offers viewers a fascinating look into the life of the creative mind behind one of television’s most iconic series. David Chase will share stories from his early life in New Jersey, where his passion for filmmaking began to take shape. This exploration of his formative years will reveal how his personal experiences and family dynamics influenced his work.

As Chase reflects on his journey, he highlights his successful career as a network writer. However, it is his desire to write something deeply personal that leads him to create “The Sopranos.” The episode delves into the inspiration behind the show, focusing on his relationship with his mother and how it shaped the complex characters and storylines that captivated audiences.

Viewers can...

The two-part documentary, Wise Guy David Chase and The Sopranos, premieres on HBO on Saturday evening, with a look at the life and career of creator and writer David Chase, with a particular focus on his iconic series, The Sopranos. The documentary is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Alex Gibney, who journeys into the psyche of […]

Wise Guy David Chase and The Sopranos...

On Saturday September 7 2024, HBO broadcasts Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos!

Season 1 Episode 2 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode titled “Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos” on HBO promises an insightful look into one of television’s most acclaimed series. In this episode, creator David Chase shares his experiences and challenges in crafting the show’s intricate 13-episode story arcs. He discusses how he balanced the dark humor with the serious themes that defined the series, giving viewers a deeper understanding of his creative process.

In addition to Chase’s reflections, the episode also features cast members reminiscing about their time on the show. They pay tribute to the late James Gandolfini, who portrayed the iconic character Tony Soprano. Through their stories, fans will gain a greater appreciation for Gandolfini’s talent and the impact he had on the series and its audience.

This episode of “Wise Guy” not...

“I really regret the amount of fucking verbiage from this morning,” the man in Dr. Jennifer Melfi’s office says. “Who gives a shit, about all these personal questions?”

While this could easily be a quote from Dr. Melfi’s most infamous patient, New Jersey wiseguy Tony Soprano, it is in fact uttered by David Chase — the veteran TV producer who created Tony, Melfi, and every other character on the immortal series The Sopranos. When he says it, Chase is sitting in a recreation of the good doctor’s office,...

Though he’s made films for theatrical release and the occasional series for a different network or streamer, prolific documentarian Alex Gibney and the HBO nonfiction brand have become borderline synonymous over the past decade. It was almost inevitable that Gibney would, at some point, take the serpent’s tail into his mouth and make a documentary about HBO.

Gibney’s first stab at HBOuroboros is Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos, a documentary that is, per its title, completely self-explanatory. Simultaneously tracing the life of David Chase and the run of his game-changing mob dramedy, the two-parter is a must-watch for fans of The Sopranos — even television critics for whom many of its juiciest details are already established lore.

Especially in its 85-minute second part, which has to cover most of the Sopranos’ stretch after its first season, Wise Guys isn’t always as “definitive” as it wants to be,...

New episodes of Yellowstone are right around the corner! Yellowstone season 5 part 2 premieres on Nov. 10, 2024. In fact, the new trailer for the series just dropped, too!

It’s been so long since the first half of Yellowstone season 5 ended on Jan. 1, 2023. Almost two years will have passed by the time all six episodes in season 5 part 2 air. And, unfortunately, you do have a fair bit of time until the show returns.

Luckily, we picked out seven shows like Yellowstone to watch while you wait for Yellowstone season 5 part 2! We didn’t include 1923 or 1883 for obvious reasons, but we highly recommend watching those, as well!

Tulsa King

We know Yellowstone fans, more often than not, are fans of creator Taylor Sheridan. Well, good news! Sheridan has a bunch of TV shows that you need to watch. Up first on the list is Tulsa King starring Sylvester Stallone. Garrett Hedlund, Andrea Savage,...

This Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 9:15 Pm, HBO presents the second episode of “Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos.” In this insightful episode, creator David Chase dives into the creative process behind one of television’s most iconic series. He reveals the challenges he faced while mapping out the complex story arcs of the show’s 13 episodes. The balancing act between the dark comedy and serious drama of “The Sopranos” is a central theme, highlighting the unique blend that made the series so compelling.

The episode also features touching memories from cast members as they reflect on their experiences with the late James Gandolfini, who portrayed the unforgettable Tony Soprano. Their stories bring a personal touch to the documentary, celebrating Gandolfini’s talent and the impact he had on his co-stars and fans alike.

“Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos” offers an engaging look into the creative mind behind the show,...

“Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos” kicks off its much-anticipated first season with Episode 1, airing on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 8:00 Pm on HBO. This documentary series dives deep into the life of David Chase, the creative genius behind one of television’s most iconic shows, “The Sopranos.”

In this episode, viewers get an intimate look at Chase’s early life in New Jersey and how it shaped his passion for filmmaking. Through personal stories and reflections, he shares his journey from a successful network writer to the mastermind behind a groundbreaking series that changed the landscape of television. The narrative focuses on his desire to create something meaningful and personal, inspired by his mother’s life and experiences.

As the episode unfolds, it reveals the influences and motivations that led Chase to write “The Sopranos.” With insightful commentary and engaging storytelling, “Wise Guy” offers a fascinating glimpse into the...

From Naples to Gotham City, let Max pick your end-of-summer destination!

This September, leading up to the release of the highly anticipated HBO Original series “The Penguin,” starring Colin Farrell as Batman’s avian antagonist, Max has also curated a “DC Universe” collection, including the Michael Keaton-led “Batman” films beginning with 1989’s “Batman,” the hit adult-animated series “Harley Quinn,” and the 11-time Emmy-winning “Watchmen,” among many others.

But beyond Gotham, it’s a busy month for HBO and Max, which will premiere the fourth and final season of “My Brilliant Friend,” based on Elena Ferrante’s novels, as well as the two-part Original Documentary “Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos,” an up-close look at the creative process behind the cultural phenomenon and HBO anchor.

Also new to the streamer’s collection this month are several titles from Discovery, Food Network, and more, including Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki...

Francis Ford Coppola is detailing just how influential late icon James Gandolfini was on “Megalopolis.”

Coppola told Rolling Stone that his long-gestating script for the epic was almost greenlit back in 2001. During that time, Coppola conducted table readings of an earlier “Megalopolis” draft with actors Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Edie Falco, and Uma Thurman. While none of these stars appear in the 2024 feature, it turns out that “Megalopolis” has a deeper “Sopranos” connection beyond just Falco being part of the initial ensemble.

“The Sopranos” lead star Gandolfini actually was also part of that first table reading, and gave feedback on the script. Gandolfini was cast in the co-lead role as the mayor; Giancarlo Esposito now stars as the character in the film.

“It was the pregnant version of it, but it wasn’t all that similar,” Coppola said. “There were different periods where I took stabs at it. What...

To those still mourning Carmela Soprano’s cut scene from “The Many Saints of Newark” in 2021, Edie Falco is now weighing in on how her character played a part in the prequel film to David Chase’s “The Sopranos.”

Speaking with IndieWire to promote her upcoming indie comedy “I’ll Be Right There,” Falco tells us about how her opening scene for “Many Saints” had gotten cut.

“I came in, and I did a monologue,” Falco told IndieWire. “I’m embarrassed that I don’t know what [exactly] it was about. It was Carmela as if she was musing on the old days, and then the movie began. Then I found out that [Taylor] didn’t end up using it. What a flippy day that was [laughs]. All these years later they’re doing my hair, putting on jewelry, putting the nails back on, it was like a serious trip. There were so many ‘Sopranos’ people there.

Warner Bros. Discovery has announced the movies, TV shows, and live sports that will be available on the Max streaming service in September. The Max September 2024 lineup includes The Boy and the Heron, My Brilliant Friend Season 4, The Penguin, and Wise Guy David Chase and The Sopranos.

The September schedule also includes the A24 films Civil War and I Saw the TV Glow.

The Penguin Featured Programming

Coming From America (Max Original Unscripted Series)

The first of six episodes will debut on September 5, followed by one new episode weekly through October 10.

Four African American families pack up all their belongings, risking everything to move to the new land of opportunity: Africa. Enticed by cheap housing and picturesque landscapes, these families travel 5000 miles to find love, jobs, and a better life. First, they’ll have to survive the inevitable culture shock – but if they can endure the first 60 days, their lives could be changed forever.

Yellowstone has become one of the biggest shows on television, as it should because the series is a brilliant piece of art, which deserves every praise it gets. Created by Taylor Sheridan, the neo-Western drama series revolves around the Dutton family who own the largest ranch in America. While there is a lot of infighting amongst the family they must all stand together to protect what’s there from several enemies. Yellowstone stars Kevin Costner, Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, Luke Grimes, Kelsey Asbille, Wes Bentley, Jefferson White, and Ian Bohen. Now, that Yellowstone is ending soon with Part 2 of its Season 5, we are here to suggest some similar shows while you wait for the final Yellowstone episodes.

Succession (Max & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – HBO

Succession is a satirical dark comedy-drama series created by Jesse Armstrong. The HBO series revolves around the Roy family, who own one of the biggest...

Longtime broadcast journalist and author Jane Pauley and documentarian/director Alex Gibney have been tapped to receive lifetime achievement awards at the 45th annual News & Documentary Emmys. The honors were revealed Wednesday by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Pauley, currently the host of “CBS News Sunday Morning,” will receive her award during the news ceremony portion of the awards on Wed., September 25, while Gibney will be honored during the Documentary ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 26. Both ceremonies will take place at New York’s Palladium Times Square, and be streamed on NATAS’ viewing app.

Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS, said: “We are honored to pay tribute to these two revered icons of our industry. Jane Pauley and Alex Gibney continue to reach viewers while at the same time opening doors for those coming behind them,” said NATAS president/CEO Adam Sharp in a statement. “This honor...

Anchor Jane Pauley and director-producer Alex Gibney will receive Lifetime Achievement awards at the 45th News & Documentary Emmys.

Pauley will be honored for her career in broadcasting at the news ceremony on Sept. 25. Gibney will be feted for his contributions in documentary filmmaking at the doc ceremony on Sept. 26. Both events will take place live at the Palladium Times Square in New York City.

“We are honored to pay tribute to these two revered icons of our industry. Jane Pauley and Alex Gibney continue to reach viewers while at the same time opening doors for those coming behind them,” said NATAS CEO and President Adam Sharp. “This honor is not only about impressive longevity in a competitive space, but also the broad and sweeping impact each has had on the business, their audiences, and the greater community. NATAS is proud to celebrate their enduring dedication to television excellence.”

Related: 2024-...

“The Sopranos” was an undeniable game changer for television, but decoding the genius behind the iconic show requires exploring the many sides of its creator, David Chase. Wise Guy lifts the veil on the multifaceted mind that brought Tony and his crew to our screens.

We learn Chase first fathomed “The Sopranos” as a big screen project starring Hollywood heavyweights like Robert De Niro. After television networks passed, it was the edgy upstart HBO who saw its subversive potential. There Chase had the freedom to peel back society’s layers and question what draws us to deeply flawed characters.

That complexity traces back to Chase’s own past. The son of an Italian-American family, he displayed a rebellious streak from his student films onward. Yet frustrations with standard television also pushed him to craft a drama reflective of real human nature in all its moral messiness. Interviewed in Melfi’s office,...

HBO will premiere the two-part documentary, Wise Guy David Chase and The Sopranos, on Saturday, September 7, at 8:00 p.m. Et/Pt, with both parts also streaming on Max. The documentary, directed by Academy Award-winner Alex Gibney, examines the iconic series and its creator, David Chase. It includes interviews with Chase, show writers, producers, executives, and […]

HBO to Air Two-Part Documentary on ‘The Sopranos’ and Its Creator David Chase...