HBO will premiere the two-part documentary, WISE GUY David Chase and The Sopranos, on Saturday, September 7, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, with both parts also streaming on Max. The documentary, directed by Academy Award-winner Alex Gibney, examines the iconic series and its creator, David Chase.
It includes interviews with Chase, show writers, producers, executives, and actors, such as Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, and Michael Imperioli. The documentary investigates Chase’s life, career, and the connections between his experiences and the groundbreaking series.
Part one explores Chase’s early years in New Jersey and his start in television writing. It also covers the evolution of The Sopranos, from a feature film concept about a mobster and his mother to an HBO pilot. This part also discusses the casting and filming process and the show’s impact as a cultural phenomenon, despite its anti-hero lead.
In part two, Chase talks about the challenges of writing and balancing darkness with comedy. He also discusses the personal experiences that influenced the characters. The cast shares memories of the late James Gandolfini and his talent, and Chase reflects on the show’s legacy and controversial finale.
WISE GUY David Chase and The Sopranos presents a detailed look at the creation of this groundbreaking television series, from the writing process to the iconic sets, and displays how it became a cultural milestone and a celebrated fan favorite.
WISE GUY David Chase and The Sopranos is an HBO Documentary Films presentation of a Jigsaw production. It is directed by Alex Gibney and produced by Ophelia Harutyunyan and Alex Gibney. Executive producers are Nicole Lambert, Richard Perello, Stacey Offman, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, and Sara Rodriguez.
