The Sopranos, a groundbreaking HBO series that premiered in 1999, revolutionized television by elevating the drama genre to a cinematic level and inspiring future hits like Mad Men and Breaking Bad. The series, centered on New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano and his personal struggles, introduced audiences to James Gandolfini and established creator David Chase as a major auteur. Alex Gibney's new two-part documentary, Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos, explores the show's legacy through interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, revealing Chase's personal influences and creative process. The documentary, described as an extended therapy session, also delves into the controversial finale, with Chase hinting that Tony Soprano's fate was indeed death. The series' massive success empowered future showrunners and shaped the television landscape, making it a pivotal piece of TV history.