“The Sopranos,” created by David Chase, right, and starring James Gandolfini, center, (pictured with Chris Albrecht) earned HBO heaps of praise and cultural cachet. (Evan Agostini / Getty Images)
After the esoteric surf noir series “John From Cincinnati” failed to connect with viewers and critics, many of whom described it as incomprehensible, disappointed executives pulled the plug on a second season. (John P. Johnson / AP)
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