It’s been 25 years since “The Sopranos” first aired, and as host Anthony Anderson pointed out, TV today would not be the same without it. It didn’t just help bring about the age of the anti-hero prestige drama; it also led to a TV landscape of far more psychological, introspective shows. “The moment Tony Soprano walked into this [office], doing the unthinkable, sharing his feelings with Dr. Melfi, television history was about to be made,” Anderson said to start the reunion off.
In addition to displaying a photo of the late great James Gandolfini, who passed away in 2013 at 51 years old, the show brought together Michael Imperioli (who played troubled young mobster Christopher Moltisanti) and Lorraine Bracco (who played the patient, thoughtful Dr. Melfi). Imperioli is still familiar to modern viewers thanks to his recent hit role on “The White Lotus,” but for many viewers this is the first time we’ve seen Bracco in a while.
“2024 marks the 25th anniversary of this series that Loraine and I were so fortune to be a part of,” Imperioli said. Bracco then continued, “Speaking for Michael, myself and the entire cast and crew, it was an honor working with ‘Sopranos’ creator David Chase and of course, the great James Gandolfini.” It was a touching tribute to a TV series that, as Anderson noted, had gone on to be nominated for 111 Emmys over its run, winning 21 of them total. The two actors were presenting the award for Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, which went to Jennifer Coolidge for her performance in “The White Lotus.”