When The Sopranos wrapped up its six-season run, it did so with a sprawling, ambitious final chapter that was split into two halves: Season 6A aired in 2006 with 12 episodes, and Season 6B followed in 2007 with nine. That's 21 episodes total, and ranking them all is no easy task. But we've done it, starting from the bottom and working our way up to the episodes that stand among the greatest in television history.
21. "Chasing It" (Season 6, Episode 16)
Tony's vices were always woven into the fabric of the show, but his sudden gambling addiction in "Chasing It" felt like it came out of nowhere. With only five episodes left in the series, introducing a full-blown compulsive gambling storyline felt jarring and underdeveloped. It's not that Tony couldn't have a gambling problem, but the way it was dropped in so late made it feel like a bizarre dream sequence—unintentionally. The episode pales in comparison to what follows, especially the final four hours.
20. "Luxury Lounge" (Season 6, Episode 7)
Christopher's Hollywood aspirations take center stage in "Luxury Lounge," but the result is more gimmicky than gripping. He and Little Carmine head to Los Angeles to cast Cleaver, the mob-themed horror film Christopher has been developing. Along the way, they encounter Lauren Bacall and Ben Kingsley playing exaggerated versions of themselves. It's fun in a broad, satirical way, but The Sopranos is usually sharper with its critiques. Even at its most obvious, though, the show outshines most comedies—because it's often as much a crime dramedy as it is a drama.
19. "Moe n' Joe" (Season 6, Episode 10)
Season 6A occasionally struggled with pacing, and "Moe n' Joe" is a prime example. The Vito storyline, which sees him fleeing New Jersey for a quieter life in New Hampshire, slows things down considerably. The episode's deliberate pace highlights how Vito can't truly escape his mob ties, but it also feels like padding. By the end, Vito returns to New Jersey, setting the stage for the season's most dramatic event in the next episode.
18. "Johnny Cakes" (Season 6, Episode 8)
Vito's brief romance with a man in a peaceful town forms the core of "Johnny Cakes," a change of pace that doesn't entirely work but pays off later. Meanwhile, A.J. continues to drift, making a poorly planned attempt to kill Junior in retaliation for shooting Tony. The episode is heavy with small failures and dashed hopes, and Vito's relationship crumbles just as quickly as it began. It's season 6 in a nutshell: bleak and unrelenting.
17. "The Ride" (Season 6, Episode 9)
"The Ride" features a powerful flashback—actually a repurposed deleted scene from Season 5's "Long Term Parking"—where Christopher tells Tony about Adriana being an informant. The acting between James Gandolfini and Michael Imperioli is electric. Unfortunately, the other major storyline, involving Paulie and a street festival ride accident, lacks the same impact. It's a mixed bag, but that flashback alone makes it worth watching.
16. "Kaisha" (Season 6, Episode 12)
"Kaisha" closes out Season 6A with a lot of setup for what's to come. Tony's business dealings with Phil Leotardo intensify, and Christopher's relationship with Julianna takes a dark turn. The episode is more about moving pieces into place than delivering a satisfying standalone hour, but it sets the stage for the explosive final nine episodes.
15. "Soprano Home Movies" (Season 6, Episode 13)
Season 6B kicks off with a tense visit to Bobby and Janice's lake house. A drunken Monopoly game leads to a brutal fight between Tony and Bobby, and the episode ends with Bobby's first kill. It's a strong start to the final stretch, even if it's not among the season's very best.
14. "Stage 5" (Season 6, Episode 14)
Christopher's movie Cleaver premieres, and the episode explores the fallout from its thinly veiled portrayals of Tony and others. Meanwhile, Johnny Sack's cancer worsens. "Stage 5" is a solid hour that balances dark humor with impending tragedy.
13. "Remember When" (Season 6, Episode 15)
Tony and Paulie take a trip to Florida to lie low, and old tensions resurface. The episode delves into Paulie's past and his fear of losing favor with Tony. It's a quieter character piece that pays off later in the season.
12. "Walk Like a Man" (Season 6, Episode 17)
Christopher's downward spiral accelerates as he relapses into drug use and clashes with Tony over his movie's success. "Walk Like a Man" is a tragic turning point for Christopher, leading to his inevitable downfall.
11. "Kennedy and Heidi" (Season 6, Episode 18)
Christopher's death in a car crash is one of the series' most shocking moments. Tony's reaction—smothering him—is chilling, and the episode's surreal desert trip with Heidi is unforgettable. It's a polarizing hour, but undeniably powerful.
10. "The Second Coming" (Season 6, Episode 19)
Tony's paranoia grows, and A.J.'s depression leads to a suicide attempt. The episode is heavy with dread and sets up the final three hours. It's a masterclass in building tension.
9. "The Blue Comet" (Season 6, Episode 20)
The war with New York erupts, and the episode ends with a shocking attack on Bobby and Silvio. "The Blue Comet" is a relentless, terrifying hour that leaves viewers breathless.
8. "Made in America" (Season 6, Episode 21)
The series finale is famously ambiguous, ending with a cut to black in a diner. Love it or hate it, "Made in America" is a bold, unforgettable conclusion that sparked endless debate.
7. "Join the Club" (Season 6, Episode 2)
Tony's coma dream in "Join the Club" is a surreal, thought-provoking detour. As Kevin Finnerty, Tony grapples with identity and mortality. It's a risky episode that pays off beautifully.
6. "Mayham" (Season 6, Episode 3)
The coma storyline continues, with Tony's dream world becoming increasingly vivid. Meanwhile, his family and crew struggle with his absence. "Mayham" is a haunting, emotional hour.
5. "The Fleshy Part of the Thigh" (Season 6, Episode 4)
Tony's recovery and his encounter with a born-again Christian rapper add depth to his post-coma arc. The episode balances humor and philosophy in classic Sopranos fashion.
4. "Mr. & Mrs. John Sacrimoni Request..." (Season 6, Episode 5)
Johnny Sack's daughter's wedding becomes a tense set piece when Johnny is temporarily released from prison. The episode is a showcase for the show's ability to blend family drama with mob politics.
3. "Live Free or Die" (Season 6, Episode 6)
Vito's secret life is exposed, and the fallout is immediate. The episode explores prejudice and hypocrisy within the mob, culminating in a brutal and tragic conclusion.
2. "Cold Stones" (Season 6, Episode 11)
Season 6A ends with a powerful one-two punch: Vito's murder and Carmela's growing disillusionment. "Cold Stones" is a bleak, brilliant hour that sets the stage for the final season.
1. "Long Term Parking" (Season 5, Episode 12)
Wait, that's Season 5, not 6. But it's so good we had to mention it. For Season 6, the top spot goes to "Kennedy and Heidi" or "Made in America," depending on your taste. But if we're strictly ranking Season 6, "Kennedy and Heidi" takes the crown for its sheer audacity and emotional impact.
What do you think? Did we get the ranking right? Let us know in the comments, and check out our ranking of HBO's most entertaining shows for more small-screen greatness.
