Synopsis

The story of New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster Tony Soprano and the difficulties he faces as he tries to balance the conflicting requirements of his home life and the criminal organization he heads. Those difficulties are often highlighted through his ongoing professional relationship with psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi. The show features Tony's family members and Mafia associates in… prominent roles and story arcs, most notably his wife Carmela and his cousin and protégé Christopher Moltisanti.

The main cast was put together through a process of auditions and readings.

James Gandolfini was invited to audition for the part of Tony Soprano after casting director Susan Fitzgerald saw a short clip of his performance in the 1993 film True Romance.

Lorraine Bracco played the role of mob wife Karen Hill in Goodfellas, and she was originally asked to play the role of Carmela Soprano.

Tony Sirico had a criminal history, and he signed on to play Paulie Walnuts so long as his character was not to be a "rat".

Van Zandt, a guitarist in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, had never acted before.

Several have appeared together in films and television series before joining the cast of The Sopranos.