13 episodes

With the recent oversaturation of critically acclaimed TV, are younger generations forgetting The Sopranos? Three millennials -- Jarod Backens, Drew Madden, and Josh Fink (who has never seen the show!) -- unpack each episode to determine if The Sopranos should still be considered the best show of all time. This millennial’s love letter is the perfect companion as you watch or re-watch the series.

Josh Hasn't Seen The Sopranos Jarod Backens

    • TV & Film
    • 5.0 • 36 Ratings

With the recent oversaturation of critically acclaimed TV, are younger generations forgetting The Sopranos? Three millennials -- Jarod Backens, Drew Madden, and Josh Fink (who has never seen the show!) -- unpack each episode to determine if The Sopranos should still be considered the best show of all time. This millennial’s love letter is the perfect companion as you watch or re-watch the series.

    Episode 13: A Mother Larger Than Life

    Episode 13: A Mother Larger Than Life

    "I Dream of Jeannie Cusamano." The season finale! Jarod, Drew, and Josh dive into the last episode of the season that changed TV forever. They ponder if Tony's real family or mob family are more important to the story. Is this the best first season in TV history?
     
    Links:
    Occam's razor on Wikipedia
    Drew Madden Art Website
    Josh Hasn't Seen The Sopranos on Twitter
    Questions or comments? Reach out on www.jarodbackens.com 

    • 1 hr 29 min
    Episode 12: Serotonin Syndrome

    Episode 12: Serotonin Syndrome

    "Isabella." Do heroes always get the worst assassins? Jarod, Drew, and Josh reflect on Tony hitting rock bottom and the tendency of characters in the show and people in real life disguising their emotions. Drew thwarts a dream bear from entering his tent.
     
    Links:
    "40 Hours a Week" Dumb and Dumber Clip
    The Rascals Hall of Fame Induction Speech by Steven Van Zandt YouTube Video
    Drew Madden Art Website
    Josh Hasn't Seen The Sopranos on Twitter
    Questions or comments? Reach out on www.jarodbackens.com 

    • 1 hr 20 min
    Episode 11: Mafia Game Theory

    Episode 11: Mafia Game Theory

    "Nobody Knows Anything." Is Livia Soprano the most powerful person in New Jersey? Jarod, Drew, and Josh rave about the show's ability to alter the audience's expectations on what's true and what's not. Josh believes Tony is a good leader as he navigates who the rat is in his crew.
     
    Links:
    Game theory on Wikipedia
    Giancarlo Esposito Emmy Nomination Video on Twitter
    Your Jordans Are F***ed Up! Video of Giancarlo Esposito in Do the Right Thing
    Fear City (Netflix Documentary) on IMDb
    Drew Madden Art Website
    Josh Hasn't Seen The Sopranos on Twitter
    Questions or comments? Reach out on www.jarodbackens.com 

    • 1 hr 16 min
    Episode 10: The King Becomes the Jester

    Episode 10: The King Becomes the Jester

    "A Hit Is a Hit." As the show shifts from the main season arc, Jarod, Drew, and Josh reflect on the versatility and wide range of themes of The Sopranos. Like Christopher, none of them can explain what makes a "hit." Do the heavy themes of The Sopranos make the show less approachable than other series?
     
    Links:
    Rich vs. Wealthy Chris Rock Standup Clip
    Spike Lee Breaks Down His Film Heroes YouTube Video
    Buffett's Bet with the Hedge Funds Article on Investopedia
    Don't Keep Your Day Job Podcast
    The Peter Attia Drive Podcast
    BiggerPockets Podcast
    Drew Madden Art Website
    Josh Hasn't Seen The Sopranos on Twitter
    Questions or comments? Reach out on www.jarodbackens.com 

    • 1 hr 19 min
    Episode 9: Revenge Is Not Justice

    Episode 9: Revenge Is Not Justice

    "Boca." Is The Sopranos a high quality soap opera? Jarod, Drew, and Josh attempt to define justice in terms of Tony and Artie's decisions in this episode. Josh thinks the series has reached the point of the entrée in a fine dining restaurant. Drew prefers his raft guiding blunders to the stresses Tony faces in his daily life.
     
    Links:
    Yes, Mad Men Is a Soap Opera The Atlantic Article
    The Strange Brain of the World's Greatest Solo Climber Nautilus Article
    Drew Madden Art Website
    Josh Hasn't Seen The Sopranos on Twitter
    Questions or comments? Reach out on www.jarodbackens.com

    • 1 hr 22 min
    Episode 8: Hanging a Lantern

    Episode 8: Hanging a Lantern

    "The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti." For this meta episode of The Sopranos, Jarod, Drew, and Josh reflect on the kinds of TV characters they like watching. They also have an unqualified discussion around the duty of a therapist when treating a mobster patient. Do contemporary audiences prefer characters with subtle arcs (like Don Draper) or more extreme arcs (like Walter White)?
    Links:
    The Oral History of Seinfeld's 'The Contest' Vulture Article
    Antonio Meucci on Wikipedia
    Uncover The History of Pasta PBS Article
    Drew Madden Art Website
    Josh Hasn't Seen The Sopranos on Twitter

    • 1 hr 15 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
36 Ratings

36 Ratings

JWalsh916 ,

Noteworthy commentary

Have really enjoyed listening to Jarod, Drew and Josh as they breakdown this classic series. Being too young to follow and appreciate the Sopranos while it was on air, it has been exciting to catch up with the times and properly watch the series alongside these guys as they give their own take.

Ruthie Janes ,

Fresh and clever

A podcast that is insightful, intelligent and entertaining. You will be drawn back into the Sopranos with a greater understanding of writing knowledge, and thought provoking details. These three manage to bring humor to mayhem, and an anticipation of the next episode with a fresh and clever take on it all.

Triton Top Gun ,

New Perspectives!

I watched the Sopranos when they first came out but never knew the level of detail and insight that Jarod and his team provide. Also love the background of outside events and how they layer with the Sopranos stories.

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