Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos (2024)
An intimate HBO documentary portrait of David Chase — the visionary creator behind The Sopranos — told through candid interviews and rare archival footage.
Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos - Series Information
- Original Title: Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos
- First Air Year: 2024
- Last Air Year: 2024
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 2
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 7, 2024 (United States - TV-MA), September 7, 2024 (Brazil - 16), September 7, 2024 (Mexico - C), September 7, 2024 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: HBO
- Production Companies: Jigsaw Productions, HBO Documentary Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: WISE GUY David Chase and The Sopranos (US)
Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos - Plot
A portrait of celebrated filmmaker David Chase: his life, his career and his groundbreaking work on the HBO original series The Sopranos.
Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the story behind television's greatest revolution:
It was always about family.
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Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- David Chase
- Alex Gibney
- Lorraine Bracco
- Drea De Matteo
- Edie Falco
- Michael Imperioli
- Steven Van Zandt
- Robin Green
- Alik Sakharov
- Chris Albrecht
Executive Producers
- Nicole Lambert
- Nancy Abraham
- Lisa Heller
- Stacey Offman
- Richard Perello
Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos - FAQs
What is Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos about?
This two-part HBO documentary offers an intimate portrait of David Chase — the visionary behind The Sopranos — tracing his personal history, creative influences, and the making of one of television's most celebrated series. Cast members and collaborators share candid reflections on Chase's singular artistic vision.
Who directed Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos?
The documentary was directed by Alex Gibney, one of America's most acclaimed documentary filmmakers, known for probing, character-driven work. Gibney brings his signature depth to this portrait of Chase, weaving together interviews, archival footage, and behind-the-scenes material from The Sopranos' groundbreaking run.
Where can you stream Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos?
The documentary is available to stream on Max (formerly HBO Max) and through the HBO Max Amazon Channel. If you prefer to own it, episodes can be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Does Wise Guy feature archive footage of James Gandolfini?
Yes, the documentary includes archive footage of James Gandolfini, the late actor who immortalized Tony Soprano. Footage of Robert Iler, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, and Tony Sirico also appears, giving the film an emotional resonance as a tribute to the cast and era that defined prestige television.
How was Wise Guy received by critics?
Critics responded warmly to the documentary, praising its depth and the access granted to Chase himself. Reviewers highlighted Gibney's skill in drawing out candid, revealing conversations, and many noted that the film works both as a compelling filmmaker portrait and as a love letter to The Sopranos' legacy.
Who are the main participants in Wise Guy?
David Chase himself is the central figure, speaking extensively about his life and creative process. He's joined by Sopranos cast members Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli, Lorraine Bracco, Drea De Matteo, and Steven Van Zandt, alongside writer Robin Green, cinematographer Alik Sakharov, and HBO executive Chris Albrecht.
What makes The Sopranos so significant to television history?
The Sopranos, which premiered in 1999, is widely credited with launching the golden age of prestige television. It redefined what the medium could achieve narratively and morally, introducing the antihero drama format that influenced countless series. Wise Guy explores how Chase's personal obsessions and cinematic ambitions made that revolution possible.
What similar documentaries would fans of Wise Guy enjoy?
Fans of filmmaker portrait documentaries will find plenty to love in Mr. Scorsese (2025) and The Andy Warhol Diaries (2022). For broader television and cinema history, The Movies That Made Us and Voir (2021) offer similarly passionate explorations of how great storytellers shape popular culture.
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