The iconic HBO series The Sopranos, known for reshaping the crime drama genre, continues to resonate with fans and cast members alike, even years after its conclusion. A recent commercial featuring Steve Schirripa, who played Bobby 'Baccala' Baccalieri, takes audiences back to his mobster days, reminding viewers of the series' lasting impact.
Schirripa's new role is part of the FreshPet commercial, which debuted on Christmas Day during NFL games on Netflix. The ad depicts Schirripa and friends enjoying their time together, reminiscent of the show's beloved Satriale's Pork Store hangout. When another mobster voices concerns about the freshness of the dog food, Schirripa boasts, “It’s not the old canned dog food. This is fresh food, real meat, real vegetables, real fruit.” The comedic twist sees him end up trapped in the trunk of a car, showcasing the signature blend of humor and serious undertones recognizable to Sopranos fans.
Reflecting on his engagement with the advertisement, Schirripa expressed, “I thought it was really smart, really clever and really funny commercial,” before sharing how his own dachshund, Willie, inspired him to take part. “I have a dog, Willie Boy, who's eating FreshPet for the last couple of years,” Schirripa said. For the actor, blending his love for his pet with nostalgia for his previous role proved to be the perfect mix, calling it “the whole thing kind of came together. Everything fit perfect.”
While Schirripa is reconnecting with his history on-screen, former cast member Steve Buscemi also contributed significantly to The Sopranos' legacy, not only acting but directing some of its most memorable episodes. Having already directed titles like Oz, Buscemi helmed four episodes of The Sopranos, with his directorial touch leaving a notable imprint on the series. Top episodes include “Pine Barrens,” which dives deep from the character development of Paulie and Christopher.
Buscemi recalled his initial feelings of insecurity on set, stating, “Oh, my God. I don't belong here. Why would they listen to me?” Yet it was precisely this perspective which infused his episodes with authenticity. His direction helped highlight the recurring theme of familial ties wrapped intricately with crime and violence — evident throughout Tony Soprano's life.
“Pine Barrens” is praised as one of the show’s best, detailing the misadventures of Christopher Moltisanti and Paulie Gualtieri getting lost during what was supposed to be a simple money pick-up. The episode became infamous for its blend of dark comedy and intense character study. Another standout directed by Buscemi is “Everybody Hurts,” reflecting Tony's guilt following the death of his ex-mistress, allowing fans to see the mob boss's more vulnerable side.
Reflecting on his time with the show, Buscemi remarked, “I really think it's not only the best television show that's been on, but I think it's really...better than most movies or can compare with any of the greatest films.” This sentiment resonates sharply with the show's enduring legacy, highlighting its deep narrative structure and complex characters.
Anecdotes from guest stars like Chris Diamantopoulos, who appeared in the 2006 episode “The Fleshy Part of the Thigh,” also shed light on the atmosphere on set. Diamantopoulos humorously recounted his experience with Sirico, known for his role as Paulie Walnuts, who playfully struck him with a lead pipe during filming. “It was a rite of passage to be whacked by Paulie Walnuts,” Diamantopoulos quipped. Despite the apparent violence, it showcases the jovial camaraderie present among the cast, many of whom had become like family by the show’s end.
Even today, the legacy of The Sopranos permeates pop culture references and new media, with creators and fans alike analyzing its importance. The series, which ran from 1999 until 2007, marked a shift not only within crime dramas but also for the overall treatment of character complexity on television.
Its impact continues to bubble to the surface through remakes, parodies, and tributes, proving just how foundational the series has been. The show’s finale remains one of the most discussed moments, leaving viewers with unanswered questions and plenty of theories, still prompting analysis years later.
Reflecting on the multi-dimensional portrayals and stories, one can’t help but appreciate how The Sopranos changed narratives within the television medium, pushing boundaries of character development and storytelling. Schirripa’s latest commercial proves it’s not just nostalgia but enduring love for the series and its characters, and it motivates remembrance of the gritty and often humorous stories of mob life intertwined with ordinary struggles.
