The Last Don

The miniseries is based on Mario Puzo's 1996 novel of the same name and aired on CBS in three parts on May 11, 13 and 14, 1997.

It was followed by a sequel the following year, titled The Last Don II.

As another Mafia story from the author of The Godfather, the series drew unfavorable comparisons to The Godfather film series, with critic John J. O'Conner calling it 'too familiar.'

Variety critic Ray Richmond had mixed feelings, calling it 'a pretty decent trash wallow, if an overlong and often preposterous one,' while praising Joe Mantegna's performance as mafia hitman Pippi De Lena.

Slate critic Jeffrey Goldberg criticized the adaptation as derivative, saying the writer and director made every fantastical element of Puzo's novel literal and telegraphed each plot twist well in advance.

The series received three nominations at the 49th Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Miniseries, plus Supporting Actor and Actress nominations for Joe Mantegna and Kirstie Alley.

Young actor Tim Redwine was nominated at the 19th Youth in Film Awards for his portrayal of young Cross.