All the secrets of 'The Sopranos' are in this new HBO documentary that is already among the most watched on Max

On January 10, 1999, the first episode of The Sopranos was aired on HBO, a dramatic production that was almost a movie and ended up marking the beginning of the so-called 'Golden Age' of series.

Six seasons later, the winner of 21 Emmy Awards concluded with the infamous cut to black that sparked countless discussions in television history; a creative decision that led thousands of HBO subscribers to angrily call their cable operators because the live broadcast of the finale had been cut off.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary since its premiere, HBO has produced a two-part documentary in which acclaimed filmmaker Alex Gibney, Oscar winner for Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, delves into the psyche of creator and writer David Chase.

'Wise Guy'

In a set replica of Dr. Melfi's psychiatrist office, Gibney reexamines David Chase's script, digging deep into The Sopranos' origins, its creative process, and the intimate connections between his own life and many of his characters.

Accompanied by writers, producers, executives, and actors such as Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, and Michael Imperioli, the documentary offers anecdotes, fun facts, videos of the initial auditions of many cast members, and behind-the-scenes footage.

From his own childhood in an Italian-American family in northern New Jersey, with a complicated mother (who inspired the character of Livia Soprano) and a fascination with cinema, Chase details his entry into Hollywood, where he wrote for television, and his relationship with HBO.

With candor and self-reflection, Chase delves into the challenges of directing a successful series, the inevitable deaths of some beloved characters from the show, and his working relationship with the late James Gandolfini.

From the pilot to the controversial final episode, the documentary reviews how a series about a mafia boss became a cultural phenomenon, a fan favorite, and a groundbreaking benchmark of prestigious television.

Participants

Michael Imperioli in 'Wise Guy'

Alongside David Chase, creator of The Sopranos, participants include Robin Green, writer and producer; Chris Albrecht, former HBO president and CEO; Carolyn Strauss, former HBO Entertainment president; Alik Sakharov, cinematographer; Terence Winter, writer and producer; Frank Renzulli, writer and producer.

Among the actors are Michael Imperioli, Drea de Matteo, Lorraine Bracco, Steven Van Zandt, Edie Falco, and archived interviews with the late Nancy Marchand, James Gandolfini, and Tony Sirico.

*This article has been translated automatically using artificial intelligence