It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since “The Sopranos” first hit the small screen, but here we are—still talking about the iconic mob drama that changed television forever. The show, which aired from 1999 to 2007, not only brought Italian-American mafia culture into the living rooms of millions but also revolutionized the way TV dramas were made and consumed.
At the Tribeca Film Festival this year, the stars of The Sopranos reunited for a special panel to reflect on the show’s enduring legacy. Hosted by TODAY’s Tom Llamas, the event was a nostalgic trip down memory lane, as the cast shared touching memories of working with one another and the late James Gandolfini, whose portrayal of Tony Soprano remains one of the greatest in TV history.
Let’s dive into the reunion, what makes The Sopranos so timeless, and how the cast remembers their beloved co-star, James Gandolfini.
The Sopranos: A Show Like No Other
Why Are We Still Talking About The Sopranos After 25 Years?
The simple answer: great writing and timeless storytelling.
When the show first aired, it wasn’t just another mob drama. It was a character-driven masterpiece that captured the complexity of its main character, Tony Soprano, played by the legendary James Gandolfini. It’s rare for a television series to create such an immersive world that stays with you long after the credits roll, but The Sopranos did just that.
Steve Schirripa, who played Bobby Baccalieri, Tony’s brother-in-law, explained why people still talk about The Sopranos today. “The writing was incredible. And thanks to streaming, it’s all over the world now. More people watch ‘The Sopranos’ now than when it originally aired,” he said. Streaming platforms have ensured that a new generation of fans continues to discover the show.
But it’s not just about the writing or the widespread availability of the show—it’s the characters. From Tony’s inner struggles as a mob boss and family man to the quirky and complex secondary characters like Paulie Walnuts, Carmela Soprano, and Dr. Melfi, there was something for everyone to love and connect with.
The Cast Remembers James Gandolfini: A Heartfelt Tribute
James Gandolfini’s Legacy Lives On
No conversation about The Sopranos would be complete without a deep reflection on the show’s star, James Gandolfini, who tragically passed away in 2013 at the age of 51. The actors on the panel couldn’t help but get emotional when speaking about their late co-star, whose presence on and off-screen was larger than life.
Gandolfini’s portrayal of Tony Soprano broke new ground in television acting. He was able to balance the vulnerabilities of a mob boss with his intense brutality, creating a character that felt both real and deeply flawed. It was a role that required a nuanced performance, and Gandolfini delivered it with such precision that it became iconic.
The panel was filled with stories from co-stars who felt profoundly impacted by working with him. Drea de Matteo, who played Tony’s lover Adriana La Cerva, recalled how Gandolfini was not just a great actor but a great human being. “I felt protected by him and loved by him. He really was one of a kind,” she said, clearly emotional. “I feel very lucky to have been guided by him for as long as I was.”
Robert Iler, who played A.J. Soprano, Tony’s son, also shared how much Gandolfini meant to him. “It’s hard to remember a life before these people,” he said, reflecting on how close the cast became during the show’s run. They weren’t just co-workers—they were a family, and Gandolfini was the heart of it.
The Magic of Gandolfini’s Performance
What made Gandolfini’s portrayal of Tony so special? It was his ability to balance toughness with tenderness. On one hand, Tony was a ruthless mafia boss with a violent temper; on the other, he was a vulnerable man struggling with mental health issues, especially his panic attacks. Gandolfini brought a vulnerability and depth to Tony that made him more than just a typical gangster. He was a man trying to juggle family, crime, and his own identity.
David Chase, the creator of The Sopranos, said it best when he reflected on the actor’s unique ability. “They loved him because Jim had some magic in him, but you saw this damaged heart or something in that character,” he shared. James Gandolfini’s magnetic screen presence made Tony Soprano a cultural touchstone—a character that will live on in TV history.
Behind the Scenes: Casting and Auditions
From Confusion to Clarity: The Audition Stories
When the cast first auditioned for The Sopranos, they didn’t know they were about to be part of something monumental. Some of the actors even had misconceptions about what the show was about!
For example, Drea de Matteo (Adriana) and Jamie-Lynn Sigler (Meadow Soprano) both came from a musical theater background and assumed that “Sopranos” was about opera. “All the information I was given was a 16-year-old Italian-looking girl for a show called ‘Sopranos,’” Sigler recalled, humorously adding, “I remember thinking, ‘Should I sing a cappella?’”
The confusion wasn’t limited to just the cast; it extended to the show’s concept as a whole. The Sopranos was a show that defied expectations at every turn—combining elements of dark comedy, psychological drama, and mafia thriller to create something entirely unique.
Steve Schirripa’s experience was equally surreal. “It was like an out-of-body experience,” he said. “I’m studying lines with Dominic Chianese (Junior Soprano) and Jim—and I’m thinking, ‘Am I really here? How did I get here?’”
The Legacy of The Sopranos: 25 Years Later
A Show That Changed TV Forever
Even though The Sopranos ended in 2007, its influence continues to be felt today. The show revolutionized the TV landscape and paved the way for modern dramas like Breaking Bad, Mad Men, and Better Call Saul. It was one of the first series to blend cinematic quality with long-form storytelling, allowing characters to develop in complex and often surprising ways over the course of several seasons.
David Chase’s writing, combined with the incredible performances from the cast, made The Sopranos not just a great show, but a cultural phenomenon. From its groundbreaking storylines to its unforgettable moments, the series left an indelible mark on the world of television.
As time goes on, it’s clear that The Sopranos is more than just a show—it’s a piece of TV history. And with its continued popularity on streaming platforms, it seems like the world will continue to talk about it for years to come.
Conclusion: Remembering The Sopranos’ Legacy
The Sopranos remains one of the most influential TV shows of all time, thanks to its unforgettable characters, brilliant writing, and the incredible performances of its cast—especially the late James Gandolfini, whose portrayal of Tony Soprano will never be forgotten. As the show celebrates its 25th anniversary, the reunion at the Tribeca Film Festival reminded everyone why it continues to captivate audiences all around the world.
From its groundbreaking storytelling to its complex, layered characters, The Sopranos set the bar for what television could be. Whether you’re a long-time fan or someone just discovering the series for the first time, one thing is for certain: The Sopranos will always hold a special place in TV history.
