Created by David Chase in 1999, The Sopranos marked a dramatic shift in how leading TV characters were depicted onscreen. Instead of a wholesome, morally sound lead, the gritty crime drama focused on the criminal exploits of Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a ruthless gangster who lies, cheats, steals, kills, womanizes, and schemes his way to the top of the Italian Mob in New Jersey. Despite Tony’s lack of redeeming qualities in his criminal life, the character remained compelling thanks to the depiction of his home life and the complicated love shown for his wife Carmella (Edie Falco), and children Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) and A.J. (Robert Iler).