Your Guide to Italian TV Shows for Global Audiences

Italian television offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Italian culture, society, and history. In this article, we won’t simply indulge in binge-watching; instead, we’ll explore the essence of Italy as portrayed through its captivating television shows.

Join us as we highlight 20 Italian TV shows that have made a lasting impact on the industry. These captivating series offer a unique glimpse into Italian life, showcasing the rich tapestry of the country’s culture, traditions, and social dynamics.

Now, let’s immerse ourselves in the drama, humor, and beauty of Italy’s entertainment.

Partiamo! (“Let’s start!”)

Iconic Italian TV shows

Exploring Italian through TV series is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the language, capturing its unique nuances and accents. To enhance your learning experience, consider pairing your binge-watching with online lessons from native Italian tutors, who can clarify any challenging linguistic questions you may have.

Discover 20 captivating TV series that will elevate your Italian language skills! This diverse selection features both classic and contemporary shows, many of which hold a significant place in Italian television history.

Many TV series present Italian in a clear and straightforward manner, making it accessible to viewers. However, some incorporate Italian slang and regional dialects, like Roman and Neapolitan, which can be challenging to grasp—even for native speakers! To assist you in selecting the series that aligns with your language comprehension, we’ll provide insights into the type of language used in each show.

Best series to understand family, love, and friendship the Italian way

L’allieva (The Pupil)

Meet Alice, a spirited and quirky forensic medicine resident who juggles the challenges of her demanding career alongside the ups and downs of romance. While she has much to master in her field, her greatest strength lies in her profound empathy for victims. This invaluable trait not only shapes her understanding of the cases she tackles but also enhances her ability to connect with those affected by crime.

Italian: Neutral, no strong accents.

L’amica geniale (My Brilliant Friend)

Drawing inspiration from Elena Ferrante’s acclaimed Neapolitan novels, this captivating drama explores a deep and enduring friendship set against the backdrop of 1950s Naples. The story follows Elena Greco, an older woman compelled to document her bond with her best friend, Raffaella Cerullo, who has mysteriously vanished. Their relationship blossoms during a pivotal era for European women, as societal transformations begin to take shape.

Italian: A mixture of neutral Italian and Neapolitan dialect (subtitled).

Fedeltà (Devotion)

Set against the stunning backdrops of Milan, Rimini, and Rome, this captivating series follows the journey of Carlo and Margherita, a young couple grappling with the fallout of a suspected betrayal. Their love story evolves into a powerful emblem of fidelity, reflecting not only their commitment to each other but also the everyday choices that define their lives.

Italian: Neutral, no strong accents

Come fai sbagli (How To Do Wrong)

The Spinelli and Piccardo families live side by side, yet their parenting styles couldn’t be more different. The Spinellis champion dialogue and the freedom of choice in raising their children, while the Piccardos enforce strict rules and regulations. Despite their contrasting approaches, both families find themselves facing disappointing outcomes, leaving the parents frustrated and questioning their methods.

Italian: Neutral, no strong accents.

Zio Gianni (Uncle Gianni)

At 50 years old, Gianni Coletti has spent the last two decades happily married. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he loses his job and his wife decides to leave him. Suddenly faced with the challenge of finding both a new home and employment, Gianni discovers that his only feasible option is to move in with three twenty-something students.

Italian: A mixture of neutral Italian, Roman, and Neapolitan accents.

Romanzo famigliare (Family Romance)

This is a poignant story of a family coming together after years of transformation and growth. At just sixteen, Emma Liegi faced an unplanned pregnancy and chose to leave her strict father’s home in search of a new life. Now at thirty-three, she finds herself returning to Livorno with her own daughter, Micol, who is also expecting. In this emotional reunion, Emma learns that her father is battling a degenerative disease, adding complexity to their long-awaited reconnection.

Italian: Neutral, no strong accents.

Un medico in famiglia (A Doctor in the Family)

This beloved Italian TV series captivated audiences from 1998 to 2016, chronicling the life of Dr. Lele Martini, a widowed family doctor, and his three children: Maria, Ciccio, and Annuccia. They share their home with Lele’s father, Libero, a retired railway worker, in a fictional neighborhood on the outskirts of Rome. The show artfully blends humor and poignant themes, portraying the Martini family’s daily experiences and their dynamic with Cettina, their Southern maid. Through its engaging storytelling, the series offers a rich glimpse into Italian life and culture.

Italian: Mostly neutral Italian, some Roman accent.

Odio il Natale (I Hate Christmas)

Set in the picturesque town of Chioggia, just a stone’s throw from Venice, this marks Netflix’s inaugural Italian Christmas-themed series. The story follows Gianna, a single woman who dreads the holiday season, as it brings the harshest scrutiny from her family regarding her career and love life. This year, determined to dodge the usual festive pressure, she embarks on a mission to find a boyfriend to impress her family during Christmas.

Italian: Neutral, no strong accents.

Mare fuori (The Sea Beyond)

The series unfolds within the fictional Institute of Juvenile Punishment in Naples, drawing inspiration from the real-life Nisida prison. It follows the lives of young boys confined there, highlighting their struggles and aspirations. Key figures in the narrative include Warden Paola Vinci, the steadfast commander Massimo Esposito, and compassionate educator Beppe Romano, along with a dedicated team of guards, all working tirelessly to help these boys reclaim their futures and find a path to redemption.

Italian: A mixture of neutral Italian and a strong Neapolitan accent with dialectal inflections.

Best detective and crime series

Romanzo criminale (Criminal Novel)

This gripping crime drama series delves into the notorious Banda della Magliana, a gang of small-time criminals, thieves, and fighters hailing from the Magliana neighborhood in southwest Rome. Spanning from 1977 to the early 1990s, the series explores their ambitious quest to dominate the criminal underworld of the Italian capital.

Italian: Strong Roman accent with dialectal inflections.

Il commissario Montalbano (Inspector Montalbano)

Salvo Montalbano, the astute police commissioner of Vigata, is the captivating hero of a beloved series of detective novels by renowned Sicilian author Andrea Camilleri. As he navigates a wide array of intriguing cases throughout his law enforcement career, Montalbano consistently relies on his remarkable intuition and the support of his dedicated team to crack each mystery.

Italian: Strong Sicilian accent with dialectal inflections.

Gomorra (Gomorrah)

Gomorrah is a gripping crime drama that follows Ciro, the ambitious right-hand man of a mafia boss. Driven by a relentless desire for power, he is willing to betray those above him to seize control of the criminal organization. This quest for dominance puts not only his life at risk but also endangers his family, creating a thrilling and dangerous game of survival.

Italian: Neapolitan dialect with subtitles.

Suburra

This captivating series draws inspiration from a major political scandal that rocked Rome, immersing viewers in the diverse realms of Italian society—spanning politics, extravagant VIP gatherings, and the shadowy world of the mafia. While the characters from these distinct spheres initially appear disconnected, their paths ultimately intertwine in a city where the relentless pursuit of power unites the church, organized crime, politicians, local gangs, and real estate moguls.

Italian: Strong Roman accent with dialectal inflections.

The Reaping

In a small provincial town, a string of seemingly minor coincidences and events spirals into chaos, shattering the community’s peace. As these unexpected twists unfold, the lives of nine individuals become intricately connected, revealing a web of violence and corruption that reshapes their destinies.

Italian: Neutral, no strong accents.

Catturandi – Nel nome del padre (Catturandi – In the Name of the Father)

The series dives deep into the intense battle between the state and the mafia, unfolding through the eyes of an elite police unit known as the “Catturandi.” At the helm is Palma Toscano, a special agent fiercely committed to capturing a notorious mafia figure. As she navigates the complexities of her mission, she grapples with her own personal conflicts, adding layers of intrigue to the pursuit of justice.

Italian: A mixture of neutral Italian and Sicilian accents.

Il miracolo (The Miracle)

In Rome, a statue of the Virgin Mary that appears to be weeping blood has been unveiled, sparking intense speculation and debate. As those drawn into this mysterious phenomenon contemplate its implications for miracles and the very existence of God, they find themselves grappling with profound questions that begin to take a toll on their sanity.

Italian: Neutral, no strong accents.

The best fantasy series

Luna nera (Black Moon)

Set in the enchanting Lazio countryside of the 17th century, this captivating fantasy series follows 16-year-old Adelaide, a skilled midwife whose world is turned upside down after the mysterious death of an infant she cared for. Wrongfully accused of witchcraft, she faces the dire fate of execution. In her desperate bid for survival, Adelaide escapes and discovers a sanctuary among a community of women, all of whom have been shunned for similar accusations.

Italian: Neutral, no strong accents.

The best series if you like sports

First Team: Juventus

Soccer enthusiasts, get ready to dive into an exciting series that takes you behind the scenes of one of Italy’s legendary soccer clubs, Juventus F.C. This captivating show follows the team’s journey, both on and off the pitch, as they strive for their seventh consecutive league title and aim for continental success. Experience the passion, challenges, and triumphs of Juventus F.C. as they chase glory in the world of soccer.

Italian: Mostly neutral Italian and a bit of a Turin accent.

The best satirical series on the Italian working world

Boris

“Borisis” is a unique series nestled within a larger narrative. This comedic tale unfolds behind the scenes of a fictional TV show, following the humorous escapades of a film crew tasked with creating a low-budget medical drama titled “Gli occhi del cuore” (The Eyes of the Heart). With a sharp satirical lens, it cleverly critiques the quirks and challenges of the Italian television industry.

Italian: Mostly neutral Italian and some Roman accent.

The best series if you like vintage soap operas

Elisa di Rivombrosa

Set against the vibrant backdrop of 18th-century Italy, this captivating historical drama tells the story of Elisa Scalzi, a commoner, and her passionate, yet forbidden romance with Count Fabrizio Ristori. Their love faces formidable obstacles, primarily from Lucrezia, a noblewoman who harbors her own feelings for Fabrizio and orchestrates a conspiracy to keep them apart.

Italian: Neutral, no strong accents.

Where to watch these Italian TV shows

Italian television series have gained worldwide accessibility through a variety of streaming platforms. Many of these captivating shows can now be found on well-known services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, making it easier than ever for audiences around the globe to enjoy the rich storytelling and unique culture of Italy.

Rai Play, the digital hub of Italy’s public broadcaster RAI, offers an exciting selection of Italian programming, featuring both beloved series and timeless classics. With this platform, you can easily dive into Italian television from the comfort of your home, with many shows available in multiple languages for an enhanced viewing experience.

Conclusion

Italian TV shows offer a captivating journey into the heart of Italy’s art, culture, and storytelling. When you dive into these series, you’re not merely watching; you’re immersing yourself in the vibrant essence of Italy. So, settle in with some popcorn and prepare to explore the entertaining and humorous side of Italian television!

Buona visione! (“Enjoy the show!”)