The Sopranos is an American crime drama television series created by David Chase. The series follows Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a New Jersey Mafia boss who suffers from panic attacks. He reluctantly begins seeing psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), who encourages him to open up about his difficulties balancing his family life with his criminal life. Other important characters include Tony's family, Mafia colleagues, and rivals, most notably his wife Carmela (Edie Falco) and his protégé Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli).
Having been greenlit in 1997, the series was broadcast on HBO from January 10, 1999, to June 10, 2007, spanning six seasons and 86 episodes. The show was broadcast as a part of HBO's newly launched Sunday night programing block.