The Sopranos (1999) - Pilot Episode #101 Script - Soprano Productions

The Sopranos “Pilot Episode” (1999) Production Script (Copy)

Complete script containing 71 pages
Also includes a detailed list of locations
Sixth Revision (“Salmon”) dated August 25, 1997
Written by David Chase

A rare and highly collectible production script from the pilot episode of The Sopranos, titled “Episode #101”. This version corresponds to the officially designated Sixth Revision (Salmon), dated August 25, 1997 (8/25/97), representing the final production draft used during filming.

A notable and historically interesting detail in this revision is that the central character is still referred to as “Tommy Soprano” rather than Tony, reflecting a late-stage change in character development prior to the series’ final form. Such variations make this script particularly valuable for collectors and researchers.

The pilot episode was filmed largely during August 1997, meaning that this “Salmon” revision is likely the exact version circulated among cast members, including James Gandolfini, during the final days of preparation and early shooting.

The script introduces Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mobster struggling with anxiety attacks that lead him to seek therapy with Dr. Jennifer Melfi. Alongside his criminal responsibilities, he faces mounting personal pressures involving his family, including his mother, Uncle Junior, his wife Carmela, and his children, as well as conflicts tied to his business operations. These narrative elements laid the foundation for what would become a defining series in modern television drama.

Did you know?

Our scripts come directly from the USA. They are easy to recognize because they have the standard U.S. paper size. Typically, people use A4-sized paper (297mm in height) to make fan copies of scripts. This paper size is not used in the United States; they use letter-sized paper (279mm in height). This is noticeable because this scripts usually have black lines at the top and bottom, showing that the original paper size used to copy (any American script) is smaller than A4.

Also, our scripts have been preserved under the strictest climate control standards in HVAC-R conditions, both during storage and throughout the packaging process. As a result, a label is applied after sealing them, as shown in the photos. They are bound in the same way that vault copies of scripts are preserved, without any oxidizable materials that could damage the paper. They are carefully packed in bubble wrap and placed in a cardboard box to ensure they arrive in the best possible condition.