After spending nearly twenty years navigating the ups and downs of television, David Chase finally hit his stride—and how. It was David Chase who brought to life one of the most groundbreaking shows in TV history: The Sopranos (HBO, 1998–2007). This wasn’t just another crime drama; it was a raw, emotionally charged soap opera with an edge, following the turbulent life of New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano. And let’s be honest—when David Chase created that series, he didn’t just make waves, he redefined what television could be. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, raking in awards and acclaim, ultimately securing its place as one of the most celebrated cable series ever.
But before David Chase became synonymous with prestige TV, he cut his teeth on some classic programs. Early in his career, David Chase worked behind the scenes on the beloved detective series The Rockford Files (NBC, 1974–1980), where he honed his storytelling craft. Then came Off the Minnesota Strip (ABC, 1980), a made-for-TV movie that showcased his talent and earned him early recognition. Still, the 1980s weren’t exactly kind to David Chase—pilot after pilot failed to take off, and many of his TV movies slipped into obscurity. That said, critical praise found him anyway, especially for the moving civil rights drama I’ll Fly Away (NBC, 1991–93), which resonated deeply with audiences, even if it didn’t dominate the ratings.
David Chase also stepped in during the final seasons of Northern Exposure (CBS, 1990–95), helping steer the quirky series through a rocky patch. Yet despite his growing reputation, when he pitched The Sopranos, every major network passed. Can you believe that? It took HBO—a channel still carving its identity at the time—to recognize the genius in David Chase’s vision. And thank goodness they did. The rest, as they say, is history. Under David Chase’s leadership, the show earned a mountain of Emmys, Golden Globes, and near-universal praise.
When the infamous finale aired—sparking endless debates and watercooler conversations—David Chase went quiet. For a few years, he stepped back from the spotlight, letting the legacy of Tony Soprano linger. But eventually, David Chase returned with Not Fade Away (2012), his first feature film, a coming-of-age story set against a backdrop of rock ‘n’ roll dreams. In many ways, it felt like David Chase was closing a chapter—not just creatively, but personally—finally laying Tony Soprano to rest.
When it comes to David Chase’s body of work, one film that really stands out is The Many Saints of Newark (2021)—it’s widely regarded as David Chase’s highest rated movie. Fans and critics alike have praised the film for its storytelling and emotional depth, making it a clear favorite in David Chase’s filmography. On the other hand, Not Fade Away (2012) tends to receive more mixed reactions, and it’s often considered David Chase’s lowest rated film to date. While it still has its merits, especially in terms of nostalgic tone and character development, it didn’t quite resonate with audiences the same way. So overall, when you look at David Chase’s movies from top to bottom, The Many Saints of Newark shines the brightest, while Not Fade Away sits at the lower end of the spectrum in terms of critical and audience reception.