Introduction: The Rise of Mafia Shows Before ‘The Sopranos’
When it comes to gangster and mafia TV shows, there’s one series that stands out as a game-changer—‘The Sopranos’. But did you know that before Tony Soprano ever took center stage, there were other iconic shows that laid the foundation for the mob genre on TV? These shows explored the gritty, dramatic, and often violent world of organized crime long before the dawn of HBO’s groundbreaking series.
In this article, we’re going to look back at the 10 best gangster and mafia shows that paved the way for ‘The Sopranos.’ Whether you’re a fan of classic television or a newcomer looking to dive into mafia lore, these shows are essential for understanding the genre’s evolution.
The Untold History of Mafia TV Shows: A Prelude to ‘The Sopranos’
Before ‘The Sopranos’ revolutionized crime television in the late 1990s, there were several mafia TV shows that captured the intrigue of audiences. These shows were a blend of criminal power struggles, family dynamics, and moral dilemmas, creating the perfect recipe for drama and suspense. From the gritty crime sagas to the lighter mafia comedies, each show had its own unique flavor, but all of them contributed to the legacy of organized crime television.
1. The Untouchables (1959–1963)
Paving the Way for Organized Crime Drama
The ‘The Untouchables’ was one of the earliest TV series to portray the dangerous world of organized crime. Based on the real-life adventures of Eliot Ness, this show focused on the lawmen who battled notorious criminals like Al Capone. With sharp writing, thrilling plots, and an unforgettable cast, it was a precursor to the darker mafia dramas that would come later.
Although not centered on the mafia per se, it portrayed the ongoing struggle between law enforcement and mobsters, influencing future TV series like ‘The Sopranos’ and ‘Boardwalk Empire.’
2. The Godfather Saga (1977)
A Mini-Series Masterpiece
While the ‘Godfather’ films are undoubtedly the most iconic mafia movies in cinematic history, the TV mini-series ‘The Godfather Saga’ (1977) brought the Corleone family to the small screen. Combining parts of ‘The Godfather’ and ‘The Godfather Part II,’ the show offered an extended version of the family’s rise and fall.
This series laid the foundation for many of the storylines we would later see in mafia TV dramas, notably Tony Soprano’s complicated relationships with family, business, and loyalty.
3. Bonanza (1959-1973)
A Classic Western with Mafia Elements
Although ‘Bonanza’ was not explicitly about the mafia, the show contained themes that would later emerge in mob-related TV shows. The Cartwrights, though focused on life in the Wild West, dealt with power struggles, territorial disputes, and corruption. These elements would be mirrored in mafia-centric dramas like ‘The Sopranos,’ where family and power dynamics often lead to conflict.
4. Wiseguy (1987–1990)
A Gripping Look Into the Underworld
‘Wiseguy’ brought mafia drama to a new level of intensity. With its sharp plotlines and dynamic characters, the show offered a deep dive into the lives of organized crime members and the FBI agents who infiltrated their operations. The show featured complex characters, moral ambiguity, and high-stakes drama, much like what ‘The Sopranos’ would later perfect.
5. The Rockford Files (1974–1980)
Private Eye Meets Mafia Drama
While ‘The Rockford Files’ primarily focused on a private investigator, the show regularly delved into mafia storylines. Jim Rockford often found himself entangled in the criminal underworld, uncovering mafia schemes and corrupt organizations. The show’s mix of detective work and mafia connections set the stage for later shows that blended investigative work with organized crime.
6. Colombo (1971–2003)
A Detective Series with Mafia Flair
In ‘Columbo,’ Peter Falk played the titular detective who often squared off against mobsters. The show was unique in that it featured a disarming, low-key detective solving complicated mafia-related crimes. While not a traditional mafia drama, Columbo’s many episodes involving mobsters created a bridge between detective and mafia genres.
7. The Simpsons: “Bart the Murderer” (1991)
Mafia Spoofs in a Sitcom Classic
Though ‘The Simpsons’ is known for its humor, the episode “Bart the Murderer” stands out for its light-hearted parody of mafia shows. In this episode, Bart befriends a local mobster and becomes involved in organized crime. It’s a humorous take on the mafia genre, but it cleverly incorporates many of the tropes and themes that would later be explored in more serious mafia dramas.
8. The Sopranos (1999–2007)
The Show That Changed Everything
Okay, we couldn’t avoid mentioning ‘The Sopranos’, even though it’s the benchmark against which all mafia TV shows are now measured. The groundbreaking series, which follows Tony Soprano as he navigates family life and mafia life, is undeniably a major influence on all future gangster TV shows. However, it didn’t just appear out of nowhere—it was shaped by a long history of earlier mafia series that tackled the inner workings of organized crime.
9. Miami Vice (1984–1990)
80s Crime Drama Meets Mafia Underworld
While ‘Miami Vice’ is more synonymous with drug cartels, it frequently explored the mafia’s role in the criminal world. The series featured high-stakes drug busts, mobsters, and corrupt deals that blurred the lines between good and bad. Its stylish direction and gritty portrayal of the criminal underworld influenced many of the darker crime shows that would follow, including ‘The Sopranos.’
10. MAS*H (1972–1983)
Mafia in a Comedy Series?
While ‘MAS*H’ is best known for its comedy and dramatic take on the Korean War, it occasionally touched on themes of corruption and organized crime. It was a unique mix of dark humor and serious themes, paving the way for future shows that would explore complex crime-related topics in a more satirical light.
Why These Shows Matter: The Foundation of Modern Mafia TV
The shows mentioned above were not just entertaining; they were groundbreaking. Each one offered a unique approach to mafia and gangster narratives, blending crime, drama, and even comedy in innovative ways. Without these earlier series, ‘The Sopranos’ may never have become the cultural phenomenon it did. They were the building blocks for creating complex characters, morally ambiguous plotlines, and deep explorations of organized crime.
Conclusion: The Mafia TV Legacy Before ‘The Sopranos’
Before ‘The Sopranos’ made its debut on HBO, these 10 TV shows set the stage for what would become one of the most influential crime dramas in television history. From the gritty realism of ‘The Untouchables’ to the complex character studies of ‘Wiseguy’, each series contributed something unique to the genre. By watching these early mafia shows, you can trace the evolution of TV crime dramas, and better understand the narrative and character groundwork that ‘The Sopranos’ so masterfully built upon.
FAQs
1. Which mafia show came before ‘The Sopranos’?
Before ‘The Sopranos,’ shows like ‘The Untouchables’, ‘Wiseguy’, and ‘The Godfather Saga’ were already depicting the gritty world of organized crime on television.
2. Did ‘The Sopranos’ influence later mafia shows?
Yes! Shows like ‘Boardwalk Empire’ and ‘Breaking Bad’ were deeply influenced by the narrative complexity and character-driven storytelling pioneered by ‘The Sopranos’.
3. Are there any mafia comedies like ‘The Sopranos’?
Yes, although ‘The Sopranos’ is primarily a drama, mafia-themed comedies such as ‘The Simpsons’ and ‘MAS*H’ offer a more humorous take on organized crime.
4. Why is ‘The Sopranos’ so influential?
‘The Sopranos’ is often regarded as one of the greatest TV shows ever made because of its deep character development, exploration of moral dilemmas, and its ability to blend crime and family life in a way that no show had done before.
5. Can I watch these older mafia shows today?
Yes, many of these shows are available on streaming platforms, and they’re definitely worth watching for anyone interested in the origins of modern crime TV dramas.
