In the bustling world of television production, Mike Fleiss is a maestro of reality TV. Behind the scenes, he’s not just a producer — he’s a passionate viewer. Known to immerse himself in a wide array of genres, he understands the nuances of storytelling, character development, and the art of keeping an audience engaged. From drama to comedy, his love for television extends beyond the shows he produces.
“What have I been watching? The Sopranos,” Mike Fleiss says of the Emmy Award-winning series he’s been rescreening lately.
Premiering on Jan. 10, 1999, on HBO, The Sopranos marked the beginning of a new era in television, setting a standard of excellence that few shows have surpassed.
The final episode aired in 2007 with Journey’s classic hit “Don’t Stop Believin'” wrapping up a series that attracted almost 12 million viewers for the last show.
At its helm was the visionary creator David Chase, who dared to take audiences into the complex world of organized crime with a narrative that was as introspective as it was intense. The Sopranos centered around the life of Tony Soprano, a mob boss portrayed with unparalleled depth and complexity by the late, great James Gandolfini. Tony Soprano wasn’t just a crime boss — he was a flawed, multifaceted character whose struggles with morality, family dynamics, and mental health would become the linchpin of the series.
“It feels more real than any other scripted show or any other reality show for that matter,” Fleiss explains. “It’s flawless.”
Mike Fleiss clearly has good taste in TV. The hit HBO show snagged the top spot in Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time, deeming it the “undisputed champion” due to its “86 medium-transforming episodes.”
Fleiss isn’t the only celebrity who’s a fan. ??New Jersey’s favorite son Bruce Springsteen’s music was featured in several episodes of the Jersey-set series, including the songs “Badlands” and “State Trooper,” which were used to great effect. And it’s a sure bet The Boss faithfully tuned in even when his tunes weren’t used — his best friend and E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt co-starred as consigliere Silvio Dante.
In addition, The Sopranos was a launching pad for a slew of celebrity careers including Michael B. Jordan, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Lady Gaga. Jordan portrayed a bully in Season 1, while Miranda was a hotel bellman on the show long before he was In The Heights or making history with Hamilton.
And Gaga — also known as Stefani Germanotta — landed an uncredited Season 3 role at age 15, alongside A.J. Soprano, played by Robert Iler.
Prior to The Sopranos, Mike Fleiss says he spent much of his childhood soaking in the iconic TV shows of legendary producer Aaron Spelling. From the glitzy glamour of Dynasty to the suburban allure of Beverly Hills, 90210, Spelling’s creations not only captured the hearts of audiences, but also redefined the landscape of small-screen entertainment.
“I loved all the Aaron Spelling stuff, but I watched everything,” Mike Fleiss says. “I was voracious with television.”
That passion for TV continues to fuel Mike Fleiss’s creative endeavors. “I’m always coming up with ideas,” he admits.