Ranking the Peak of Peak TV: The 10 Best Episodes of 'The Sopranos'

He’s a cold-blooded killer and a suburban dad struggling with a panic attack. When The Sopranos premiered in 1999, it didn't just change television; it shattered the mold of the American protagonist. Now, over 25 years later, Entertainment Weekly has ranked the finest hours of David Chase’s masterpiece, reminding us why Tony Soprano's existential dread remains so hauntingly relevant.

Sociopathy and Soul-Searching

The list highlights the brutal emotional spectrum of the series. In Season 6, Episode 19, titled The Second Coming, we see Tony Soprano at his most monstrous and most paternal, pivoting from assaulting a rival to cradling his suicidal son. Meanwhile, episodes like D-Girl showcase the show's razor-sharp satire, exploring the meta-collision between the mafia and the hollow ambitions of Hollywood.

The High Price of Loyalty

No ranking is complete without the devastating Long Term Parking from Season 5. It remains one of the most agonizing hours in TV history, capturing Adriana's tragic realization of her fate. From the early-season grit of Boca to the surrealist fever dreams of the later years, the show masterfully balanced the mundane with the macabre.