The Sopranos

Balancing work and family is hard for anyone. It's a lot harder when your line of work is organized crime. Created by David Chase, HBO's "The Sopranos" follows New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), who struggles to keep both of his families in line - the one at home and the one that runs his criminal empire. When panic attacks send him into therapy with Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), Tony begins to confront the anxieties, anger and contradictions that drive him, even as he continues to rule with ruthless efficiency. He's charming, funny, frightening and deeply human, often all in the same scene, and Gandolfini's performance ranks among the finest in television history. At home, there's his wife, Carmela (Edie Falco), who enjoys the comforts his work provides while wrestling with what it costs, along with their children, Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) and A.J. (Robert Iler). Then there's his manipulative mother, Livia (Nancy Marchand), and scheming Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese). On the job, Tony relies on crew members like the volatile Paulie Walnuts (Tony Sirico), loyal consigliere Silvio Dante (Steven Van Zandt) and his troubled nephew and protégé, Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli), whose struggles with addiction become increasingly dangerous. Rival bosses, FBI informants and shifting alliances keep Tony looking over his shoulder. Over six seasons, the series explores betrayal, loyalty, therapy, family dinners and the constant threat of violence with remarkable depth and dark humor. Along the way, it also finds room for dreams, symbolism and moments of unexpected tenderness. Standout episodes such as "College," "Pine Barrens" and "Kennedy and Heidi" showcase its brilliant writing and unforgettable performances. In "Soprano Home Movies," a peaceful lake-house weekend with Bobby and Janice (Steve Schirripa and Aida Turturro) turns into a chilling display of Tony's need to dominate those around him. As his paranoia grows and a showdown with Phil Leotardo and the New York crew looms, the final episodes build toward one of the most talked-about endings in TV history, with the finale, "Made in America," full of subtle nods to "The Godfather." Chase's controversial final scene left fans debating its meaning for years, refusing to settle for clichés or tidy resolutions. As another HBO hit of the era, "Six Feet Under," put it, everything ends - even "The Sopranos." Winner of numerous Emmys and widely considered one of the greatest television series ever made, it changed what TV drama could be. As A.J. says near the end, quoting his father, "Try to remember the times that were good." That's good advice - and there are plenty of them here. Some stories end. The great ones stay with you.