“Sons of Anarchy” is an American television drama series that aired from 2008 to 2014. Created by Kurt Sutter, the show follows the lives of the members of an outlaw motorcycle club known as the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original (SAMCRO), based in the fictional town of Charming, California.
Sons of Anarchy Facts
- Inspiration: The creator of the show, Kurt Sutter, drew inspiration from William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet.” “Sons of Anarchy” is loosely based on the themes and characters from the classic tragedy.
- Real Biker Clubs: To ensure authenticity, the show consulted with real outlaw motorcycle clubs, including the Hells Angels. They provided advice on the portrayal of biker culture and helped the actors understand the dynamics of club life.
- Charlie Hunnam’s Real Riding Skills: The lead actor, Charlie Hunnam, who portrayed Jax Teller, had no prior experience with motorcycles before joining the show. He learned to ride specifically for his role and even performed many of his own stunts throughout the series.
- Katey Sagal’s Musical Contributions: Katey Sagal, who played Gemma Teller Morrow, is not only an actress but also an accomplished singer. She performed several songs for the show, including covers of popular tunes and original compositions.
- Ron Perlman’s Transformation: Ron Perlman, who portrayed Clay Morrow, underwent a significant physical transformation for the role. In real life, Perlman is not as tall as his character, so he wore special shoes and had prosthetics added to his head and hands to create Clay’s distinct appearance.
- Cameo Appearances: “Sons of Anarchy” featured numerous cameo appearances from notable musicians, actors, and other celebrities. Some of the notable guest stars included Henry Rollins, Stephen King, Marilyn Manson, and David Hasselhoff.
- FX’s Highest-Rated Series: “Sons of Anarchy” became the highest-rated series in the history of the FX network during its run. It garnered a dedicated fan base and consistently attracted strong viewership numbers throughout its seven-season tenure.
- Spin-Off: The success of “Sons of Anarchy” led to a spin-off series called “Mayans M.C.,” which premiered in 2018. “Mayans M.C.” is set in the same fictional universe and explores the lives of the Mayans Motorcycle Club, a rival gang featured in the original series.
- Real Tattoos: Many of the tattoos seen on the characters in the show are real tattoos belonging to the actors. Some of them got inked specifically for their roles to add authenticity to their characters.
- Hidden Reaper Symbol: The Reaper logo of the Sons of Anarchy club can be found in various places throughout the show, including on the walls, helmets, and even in the patterns on the floors. It has become a symbol closely associated with the series.
- Kurt Sutter’s Cameo: The show’s creator, Kurt Sutter, made a cameo appearance in the series. He portrayed Otto Delaney, a jailed member of the Sons of Anarchy club, who becomes an important character in later seasons.
- Shakespearean References: In addition to “Hamlet,” the show also includes references to other Shakespearean works. For example, the character of Tig Trager is named after the character Tybalt from “Romeo and Juliet.”
- Biker Terminology: “Sons of Anarchy” incorporated various biker terminologies and practices into the show. For instance, the club members use terms like “old lady” for their girlfriends or wives and hold “church” meetings to discuss club matters.
- Lengthy Table Readings: The table readings for each episode of the show would often run longer than average due to the extensive dialogue and detailed storytelling. The actors would take their time to ensure they captured the nuances of their characters.
- Charlie Hunnam’s Audition: Charlie Hunnam originally auditioned for the role of Jax Teller by filming himself in his friend’s backyard. His audition tape impressed the producers and led to his casting as the lead character.
- Harley-Davidson Motorcycles: The majority of motorcycles seen on the show are Harley-Davidsons, reflecting the brand’s association with the biker culture. The production team worked closely with the motorcycle manufacturer to provide authentic bikes for the series.
- Original Soundtrack: “Sons of Anarchy” released several successful soundtrack albums featuring original songs and covers performed by various artists. The music became an integral part of the show’s identity and complemented the storytelling.
- International Popularity: “Sons of Anarchy” gained a significant international following and was dubbed into multiple languages for broadcast in various countries. The show’s themes and characters resonated with audiences around the world, further expanding its fan base.
