When The Sopranos premiered in 1999, it revolutionized television. Audiences were stunned by the idea that a mob boss could not only anchor a show but also spend hours of screen time in therapy sessions. It was the start of what many critics now call the Golden Age of Television, a period that gave birth to some of the most ambitious storytelling in modern culture.
But according to David Chase, the creator of The Sopranos, that era has come to an end. In a recent conversation, Chase described the last 25 years as a “blip” — a brief, extraordinary period when television dared to be complex, morally ambiguous, and deeply character-driven. He believes the current climate no longer rewards that kind of risk.
Chase argues that television today has become safer and more formulaic. Studios and streaming platforms are under pressure to produce content that appeals to as wide an audience as possible, leading to shows that are easier to digest but less daring. While prestige dramas once challenged viewers to wrestle with uncomfortable questions, much of today’s output leans toward quick satisfaction and bingeable familiarity.
The remarks have sparked passionate debate. Some critics agree with Chase, pointing out that the rise of streaming has led to an endless flood of content, much of which feels disposable. Others counter that quality television still exists, though it’s harder to find amid the noise. Series like Succession and Better Call Saul prove that audiences still crave layered storytelling, even if the industry is more cautious.
Regardless of where one stands in the debate, Chase’s words reinforce just how influential The Sopranos was — and continues to be. The show’s legacy is not only in its unforgettable characters or iconic final scene but also in the way it redefined what television could be. If the Golden Age truly is over, The Sopranos remains one of its brightest jewels, a reminder of what happens when artists are given the freedom to take bold risks.
