Show cover for The Sopranos

The Best Episodes of The Sopranos Season 1

Every episode of The Sopranos Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The Sopranos Season 1!

The story of New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster Tony Soprano and the difficulties he faces as he tries to balance the conflicting requirements of his home...
Genre:Drama
Network:HBO

Season 1 Ratings Summary

"The Sopranos" is the best rated episode of "The Sopranos" season 1. It scored 8.4/10 based on 13904 votes. Directed by David Chase and written by David Chase, it aired on 1/10/1999. This episode is rated 0.2 points higher than the second-best, "46 Long".

  • The Sopranos
    8.4/1013,904 votes

    #1 - The Sopranos

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 1/10/1999

    After suffering a series of mysterious anxiety attacks, New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano agrees to see a psychiatrist, Dr. Jennifer Melfi. As he opens up to the doctor, Tony reveals details about his problems at home and at work that involve his wife Carmela, his kids Meadow and Anthony Jr., his Uncle Junior and his domineering mother Livia.

    Director: David Chase

    Writer: David Chase

  • 46 Long
    8.2/1011,018 votes

    #2 - 46 Long

    Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 1/17/1999

    With acting boss Jackie Aprile dying of cancer, Tony prepares for a power struggle with Uncle Junior. Christopher and his associate Brendan make trouble for themselves when they jack a truck full of DVD players. Tony's mother Livia finally agrees to live in a retirement community. Big Pussy and Paulie Walnuts are sent to find a stolen car.

    Director: Daniel Attias

    Writer: David Chase

  • Denial, Anger, Acceptance
    8.5/1010,693 votes

    #3 - Denial, Anger, Acceptance

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 1/24/1999

    Uncle Junior's associate Mikey Palmice stirs things up by making Junior think Tony wants to be next in line for boss. Meanwhile, Tony, Paulie and Silvio deal with Hasidic family problems.

    Director: Nick Gomez

    Writer: Mark Saraceni

  • Meadowlands
    8.5/1010,333 votes

    #4 - Meadowlands

    Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 1/31/1999

    Jackie Aprile's health worsens, forcing Tony to make a tough decision. Meanwhile, Anthony Jr. learns the true nature of his father's job in 'waste management.' Also, Tony hires sleazy police lieutenant Vin Makazian to investigate Dr. Melfi's background.

    Director: John Patterson

    Writer: Jason Cahill

  • College
    8.9/1011,850 votes

    #5 - College

    Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 2/7/1999

    During a trip to Maine for Meadow's college interviews, Tony sees a man he believes is a relocated mob snitch. Back at home, Carmela receives comfort from Father Phil.

    Director: Allen Coulter

    Writer: David Chase, James Manos, Jr.

  • Pax Soprana
    8.4/109,828 votes

    #6 - Pax Soprana

    Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 2/14/1999

    At Tony's suggestion, Junior is made acting boss after Jackie dies. In therapy, Tony surprises Dr. Melfi with an admission. Carmela and Irina (Tony's mistress) both suffer as Tony's libido takes a nosedive.

    Director: Alan Taylor

    Writer: Frank Renzulli

  • Down Neck
    8.3/109,509 votes

    #7 - Down Neck

    Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 2/21/1999

    After stealing the 'sacramental wine' from the school chapel, Anthony Jr. is suspended. Tony is concerned that his bad influence is responsible for his son's behavior, and has a series of disturbing flashbacks in which he remembers learning that his own father was in the mob.

    Director: Lorraine Senna

    Writer: Mitchell Burgess, Robin Green

  • The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti
    8.5/109,552 votes

    #8 - The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti

    Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 2/28/1999

    At the wedding of Larry Boy's daughter, the 'boys' find out they're going to be indicted, and make a premature exit to get rid of incriminating evidence at home. Upset that he isn't getting the notoriety of other family members, an agitated Christopher has an ugly encounter with a bakery clerk.

    Director: Tim Van Patten

    Writer: David Chase, Frank Renzulli

  • Boca
    8.5/109,425 votes

    #9 - Boca

    Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 3/7/1999

    Uncle Junior enjoys a romantic tryst in Boca with his girlfriend Bobbi, not realizing that she's been gabbing to her beauty-parlor friends about his oral talents. Meanwhile, controversy arises when Meadow's soccer coach announces he's leaving the school.

    Director: Andy Wolk

    Writer: Jason Cahill, Mitchell Burgess, Robin Green

  • A Hit Is a Hit
    7.8/109,406 votes

    #10 - A Hit Is a Hit

    Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 3/14/1999

    Christopher and Adrianna cut a deal with a famous gangsta rapper who claims that Hesh pocketed royalties belonging to a cousin who recorded several hit songs decades ago. Meanwhile, Tony plays golf with Cusamano and his white-bread friends.

    Director: Matthew Penn

    Writer: Joe Bosso, Frank Renzulli

  • Nobody Knows Anything
    8.8/109,368 votes

    #11 - Nobody Knows Anything

    Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 3/21/1999

    After Jimmy and Pussy are arrested in an FBI raid, Makazian tells a stunned Tony that Pussy may be wired for the Feds. Tony sends Paulie to find out for sure. Later, Tony learns that Makazian might be trying to frame Pussy to get out of his gambling debts.

    Director: Henry J. Bronchtein

    Writer: Frank Renzulli

  • Isabella
    9.1/1010,394 votes

    #12 - Isabella

    Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 3/28/1999

    Hit men are sent out to whack Tony, who comes out of his depression when he meets Isabella, an Italian exchange student staying next door.

    Director: Allen Coulter

    Writer: Mitchell Burgess, Robin Green

  • I Dream of Jeannie Cusamano
    9.2/1010,329 votes

    #13 - I Dream of Jeannie Cusamano

    Season 1 Episode 13 - Aired 4/4/1999

    In the Season One finale, Tony is stunned to discover that the attempt on his life may have been ordered by someone very close to him. Later, he must deal with the fact that everyone knows he is seeing a shrink. Christopher is sent to take care of Jimmy Altieri.

    Director: John Patterson

    Writer: David Chase