“This America, Man”

Everyone knows that American television changed irrevocably with the premiere of The Sopranos in 1999 and its followers like The Wire in the early 2000s, going from shallow entertainment to wildly popular art. But just what was it that changed from pre- to post-Sopranos TV? Written for both academic and fan audiences, this book shows how the 21st century revolution in American television aesthetics unfolded through an unprecedent artistic engagement with literature, visual art and culture. Collectively, these series paint a portrait of a 21st century America that is as fascinating as it is unsettling.