There are 86 episodes of The Sopranos spread across six seasons, from the pilot to the controversial finale, 'Made in America.' But which one is the best overall? We've taken on the monumental task of ranking every single episode, from the few that missed the mark to the masterpieces that define television history.
The show ran for six seasons, with the first five each containing 13 episodes. The final season was split into two parts: season 6A with 12 episodes and season 6B with nine. There were gaps between seasons—a year between seasons 4 and 5, and another between 5 and 6A—but The Sopranos remained a constant force in pop culture throughout the late '90s and 2000s. It set the gold standard for what 21st-century TV could be.
At its core, the series follows Tony Soprano as he juggles therapy, family drama, and his life in organized crime. It's funny, thought-provoking, cinematic, unsettling, emotional, and brilliantly written—all at once. It's one of those legendary shows that lives up to its reputation and then some. So, without further ado, here is every episode of The Sopranos ranked, starting with a couple of mild misfires and ending with some of the greatest television episodes of all time.
The Bottom of the Barrel
86. 'Christopher' (2002)
Let's be brutally honest: 'Christopher' is the worst episode of the series. It's not because it tackles race-related issues like anti-Columbus Day protests and anti-Italian sentiments—it's because those topics are handled clunkily, with dialogue that feels unnatural and preachy. The show suddenly loses its organic feel. That said, even this episode has a few great moments. Bobby's grief over his wife's death is powerfully done and important for future storylines, and Christopher's hilarious misunderstanding of Tony's rant about Gary Cooper has become an enduring meme.
85. 'Chasing It' (2007)
Tony's vices were usually explored organically, but giving him a full-on gambling addiction so close to the series' end felt weird. 'Chasing It' introduces this problem out of nowhere, and with only five episodes left, it feels like a strange detour. Tony stumbling into an Uncut Gems-esque narrative for one episode is more confusing than compelling. Fortunately, the final four episodes are much better.
84. 'In Camelot' (2004)
Steve Buscemi directed this episode, but it's no 'Pine Barrens.' 'In Camelot' focuses on Tony confronting truths about his father through an old mistress, leading to one of the show's most uncomfortable scenes. Junior's subplot—trying to attend every funeral he can to escape house arrest—is effective dark comedy, and the brief car chase between Tony and Phil is amusing, but overall, the episode falls flat.
83. 'A Hit Is a Hit' (1999)
Like 'Christopher,' this episode steps outside the show's comfort zone. It revolves around Christopher and Adriana briefly getting wrapped up in the music industry, but it feels awkward and out of place. While it's not a total disaster, it's one of the weaker entries in the otherwise stellar first season.
For more rankings of iconic entertainment, check out our list of Top 6 Heist Movies Since 2000 or The 21st Century's Best Sci-Fi Epic Movies.
Stay tuned for the rest of our ranking, where we'll cover the episodes that made The Sopranos a cultural phenomenon—from the iconic 'Pine Barrens' to the gut-wrenching 'Long Term Parking' and the unforgettable series finale.
