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More than 25 years after it first premiered, The Sopranos remains a towering presence in television history, with its incisive take on class, masculinity, and the American dream continuing to resonate with viewers during repeat watches.
The acclaimed HBO drama, created by David Chase, aired for six seasons from 1999 to 2007 and played a pivotal role in launching the prestige television era that later gave rise to series such as Mad Men and Breaking Bad. However, according to Michael Imperioli, the show’s themes might be received differently if it debuted in today’s political landscape.
In a recent interview with The Independent, Imperioli — who earned an Emmy for his portrayal of Christopher Moltisanti, the volatile protégé of Tony Soprano — said that many of the characters would likely lean conservative in the current climate.
“The show is about the American dream, especially through the eyes of immigrants,” he said. “I think that would be one of the big themes if it was made today: the current climate in the U.S. and what they’re doing to immigrants.”
He noted that the show’s central contradiction would feel even more pronounced now. Although the characters are descendants of immigrants, “a lot of them would probably be Trump supporters, oddly enough,” prompting questions about how they would square those opposing realities. Imperioli also highlighted a commonly overlooked fact: many Italian immigrants originally came to the United States without documentation.
The series centers on mob boss Tony Soprano, portrayed by the late James Gandolfini, as he juggles family responsibilities with the pressures of leading a criminal organization. Its foundational premise — Tony entering therapy to confront severe panic attacks — became one of television’s most influential narrative devices, combining psychological depth with organized crime drama.
Imperioli is currently revisiting the show’s legacy through a live tour across the U.K. and Ireland. He is joined by former castmates Vincent Pastore and Steve Schirripa as they bring their popular rewatch podcast, Talking Sopranos, to theater audiences, underscoring the enduring fascination with North Jersey’s most famous crew.
