The Sopranos is considered one of the greatest television shows of all time, thanks to its mob-related content, award-winning performances, and intense drama. One minute the viewer was on the edge of their seat and the next minute they were laughing. Whether it was the unintentional comedy or the emotionally draining drama, The Sopranos delivered a great hour of television for over 7 years.

The series finale "Made In America" remains a divisive topic to this day due to its sudden black screen ending. At the very least, the ending worked in terms of talking points, especially since everyone is still discussing it 17 years after The Sopranos aired its final episode. Still, it's worth reminding fans of every character's possible fate at the end of the beloved series, especially the biggest question of all — who killed Tony Soprano? Much of the following information may be speculation, but there were certainly plenty of threads left behind for fans to tug on in hopes of unraveling the many questions that The Sopranos left hanging in the air.

Updated on April 6, 2024 by Jenny Melzer: Having just celebrated its 25th anniversary, The Sopranos remains one of televisions most stunning creations. From compelling characters and high drama to studies on mental illness and family, the iconic HBO series saw 86 episodes across six seasons and a prequel film that only left fans wanting more. With over a decade and a half having passed since the series' finale, many can't help but wonder what happened to The Sopranos' most beloved (and in some cases most annoying) characters after the inconclusive diner scene.

Meadow Soprano Married Patrick Parisi And Became A Successful Lawyer

She Would Likely Go On to Have A Beautiful Family With Patrick

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Five of the Most Gruesome Deaths In The Sopranos

Character

Manner of Death

Episode

Fabian Petrulio

Strangled by Tony Soprano for turning on the family

Season 1, Episode 5

Ralph Cifaretto

Tony smashed his head into concrete for killing his horse

Season 4, Episode 9

Minn Matrone

Smothered to death by Paulie Gualtieri for being mean to his Ma

Season 4, Episode 12

Adriana Le Cerve

Shot to death by Silvio Dante after becoming a rat

Season 5, Episode 12

Phil Leotardo

Shot before his head was crushed beneath a car tire

Season 6, Episode 21

In The Sopranos ending, it's revealed that Meadow had been secretly dating Patrick Parisi. When Tony and Carmella meet with the Parisi family, Patrick reveals that Meadow got a job with a successful law firm. After the ending at Holsten's, it would make sense if Patrick and Meadow got married and maybe had a couple of kids. Meadow always had a little chip on her shoulder but seemed to be a smart and genuine person.

In Season 3, Meadow was working at a law center and was helping a young Muslim girl with legal problems. The experience Meadow gained at the law firm would pay off and her work ethic would allow her to become one of the most successful lawyers in New Jersey. Meadow and Patrick would likely have a beautiful family. They'd probably give their kids the same privileged life that they both grew up with, minus the mob connections and blood money.

A.J. Soprano Was Working For Carmine's Production Company

Fans Don't Doubt That He's Going To Keep On Complaining Forever

A.J. Soprano is one of the most reviled characters on The Sopranos. Introduced when he was just 12-13 years old, A.J. was the epitome of a self-entitled rich kid who got everything he wanted and rarely paid the price for bad behaviors. He whined about everything, growing particularly morose before the end of the series, and even experiencing panic attacks like the ones his father and grandfather endured. Because he threatened to join the military, Tony pulled some strings and got A.J. a job with Carmine Lupertazzi, Jr.'s production company. In the finale, A.J. was also seen kissing Rhiannon, the model who was admitted to the same mental health hospital he was in after he tried to commit suicide by drowning himself in the family pool.

Unfortunately, his SUV catches fire and blows up while he and Rhiannon stand by and watch, a symbolic note on how disposable everything in the youngest Sopranos' life really was. A.J. and Rhiannon would likely go on to start dating seriously and move in together. Although, things could take a turn in their relationship if A.J. gets fired from the production company. Either way, fans don't doubt that A.J. would keep complaining, no matter what happens because of his upbringing. His entire life was handed to him, and he often faced little to no consequences anytime he got into trouble--no matter how serious the crime. On the other hand, he definitely inherited his father's debilitating panic attacks, which suggest a life of therapy. One can only hope that he turns things around, finding a way to work with his mental illness, rather than against it.

Carmela Soprano Got Married To Vic Musto From Season 2

She Nearly Decides To Go To Italy But Ultimately Stays Behind

After what happened to Tony at Holsten's, Carmela would have been on her own. With both of her kids old enough to take care of themselves, she probably spent a bit of time contemplating what was left for her as she faced an empty nest. Now that Tony was out of the picture, she likely would have reconnected with Vic Musto. Vic was a home decorator and the brother-in-law of Davey Scatino, one of Tony's childhood friends. Vic and Carmela shared a kiss in Season 2 and even flirted, leading to Carmela inviting Vic over for lunch.

However, Vic may have realized how dangerous Tony was, so he didn't show up for the lunch with Carmela. After Tony is gone, Carmela thinks of going to Italy and rekindling her relationship with Furio, but she runs into Vic at the hardware store. Vic, knowing that Tony is out of the picture, asks Carmela if she still wants to have that lunch they planned years before. Carmela accepts his invitation and the two begin a serious relationship, which leads to Vic moving into the house and their eventual marriage.

Paulie Ran The Aprille Crew But Eventually Retired To Miami

He Still Has One Of The Greatest Tans, Especially In Florida

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Paulie Walnuts (portrayed by the late Tony Siricio) was an amazing and outrageous character, thanks to his ability to terrify and entertain viewers. In the last episode, Tony offers Paulie the chance to be captain of the Aprille crew, but Paulie refuses, citing the bad luck the previous captains of that crew. Richie Aprille was killed by Janice, Gigi died on the toilet, and Ralphie was killed by Tony. However, Tony convinces him to take over the crew when he mentions that Paulie and Patsy will be a family soon.

Fans have always wondered about what happened to Paulie in The Sopranos ending. After Tony is gone, Paulie decides to retire to Florida and hangs out with Beansie Gaeta, another former member of the Aprille crew. Paulie remains in Florida and still has one of the greatest tans, something that was important to him even when he lived in New Jersey.

Corrado "Junior" Soprano Died In The Hospital

His Alzheimer's Only Worsens Over Time