The Secret Rule The Sopranos Had to Break to Become a Cultural Phenomenon

Look back at many shows from the 80s and 90s (and beyond), and you'll see characters having conversations while walking around.

This was a style of filming that appealed to network executives as it meant they didn't have to pay for expensive sets and props. With the camera following the characters around, the background was largely irrelevant – and those execs love shaving a bit off the budget at any opportunity.

Chase didn't like these types of scenes. So, he replaced them with locations that were instantly recognisable.

Locations such as the backroom of the Bada Bing or Satriale's Pork Store grounded the show in a world that was authentic and believable.

Ok, so most of us have never been in a mob boss's office, but these sets made sense to us. The show also relied on real-life exteriors to add legitimacy to the setting.

These choices enabled Chase to ditch the walk and talk and to create a world that complemented the premise of the show.

But, of course, there was so much more to The Sopranos ' success than just the setting. It was rare at the time for protagonists in any show to be on the wrong side of the law.

Sure, there were plenty of maverick cops who were prepared to be flexible with protocol and procedure to get a result. But Tony and his crew were way over any kind of line. Not that it stopped us rooting for them.

But the premise of the show also challenged another common aspect of TV up until that time; the idea that bad people should either face the consequences of their actions or learn a moral lesson and change.

Deep down, Tony Soprano was never going to change. He was what he was – a fundamentally flawed human being. He was a believable character in whom people could see aspects of themselves.

And while you could argue that he paid the price for his lifestyle when he was killed at the end of season 6, try as they might, the authorities never managed to pin anything on him.

A flawed protagonist allowed HBO to explore themes that TV had been reluctant to get involved with previously. Misogyny, mental health and toxic masculinity were new concepts to mainstream TV.

Which was one of the reasons the show was seen as ground-breaking.

And putting against the backdrop of a troubled family life and Tony's big secret added layers of complexity that now define many of the best shows on TV but, in the 90s, was a fresh and innovative approach.

David Chase set out to break the rules – and just like Tony Soprano – he made a real success of it.