The Sopranos (1999–2007)

The Sopranos (1999–2007) pioneered the antihero archetype, generating 21 Emmy wins and a 92% Rotten Tomatoes rating—a benchmark that outperforms #2 The Wire's 91% in critical consensus. Its 86 episodes maintain 80% higher viewer retention per season than the average drama, proving its addictive serialized storytelling. While #4 Succession earned four consecutive Best Drama Emmys, The Sopranos set the template for such runs, influencing every prestige drama that followed with its psychological complexity and ambiguous ending.