The Sopranos is an American psychological drama television series created by David Chase for HBO. The series follows Tony Soprano, a New Jersey Mafia boss who has panic attacks. He reluctantly begins seeing psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Melfi, who encourages him to open up about his difficulties balancing his family life with his criminal life. Other important characters include Tony's family, Mafia colleagues, and rivals, most notably his wife Carmela, his nephew and protégé Christopher Moltisanti, and his uncle Corrado "Junior" Soprano.