James Poniewozik explores how The Sopranos, though absent from the New York Times' best TV of the 21st century list, shaped modern television. Premiering in 1999, the show redefined TV's potential, paving the way for antihero dramas like Breaking Bad and The Wire. The list reflects a shift from broadcast formulas to cable innovation, with no multicamera comedies making the cut.

The Sopranos' legacy is evident in the rise of complex characters and bold storytelling, transforming TV into a medium of creative ambition and diverse voices.