FormatBiz | SCRIPTED PREMIERES OCTOBER 2024: Italian TV shines this month with New Dramas, Thrillers, and Iconic Biographies

On October 10, Prime Video launched Citadel: Diana, starring Matilda De Angelis in the lead role. Set in a futuristic 2030 Milan, this Italian installment of the Citadel universe was filmed in Italy and produced by Cattleya. The story follows Diana Cavalieri, a spy trapped behind enemy lines after the independent global spy agency Citadel was destroyed by the powerful syndicate Manticore, which secretly manipulates global affairs. As a mole within Manticore, Diana’s only chance of escape rests with an unexpected ally, Edo Zani, the heir of Manticore Italia and son of Ettore, who competes for syndicate leadership with other European families. Directed by Arnaldo Catinari and developed by Alessandro Fabbri, Citadel: Diana expands the Citadel universe with Italian storytelling and style.

On October 11, Sky Original debuted the highly anticipated Hanno Ucciso l’Uomo Ragno – La Leggendaria Storia degli 883, directed by Sydney Sibilia. This eight-episode dramedy produced by Sky Studios and Groenlandia (Banijay Group) chronicles the rise of the iconic Italian band 883, whose unique sound and style shaped Italian pop culture in the 1990s. Despite coming from the small town of Pavia, Max Pezzali and Mauro Repetto found surprising fame with their energetic music, which still resonates today. This series, Sibilia’s TV directorial debut, includes work by writers Francesco Agostini, Chiara Laudani, and Giorgio Nerone, with Alice Filippi and Francesco Ebbasta also on the directing team.

Netflix recently launched Inganno, a drama set on the scenic Amalfi Coast, directed by Pappi Corsicato and produced by Cattleya (ITV Studios). Starring Monica Guerritore and Giacomo Gianniotti (Grey’s Anatomy), this adaptation of the British series Gold Digger explores complex relationships and secrets.

On October 11, Canale 5 premiered season two of Storia di una famiglia perbene, a four-part drama starring Giuseppe Zeno, Simona Cavallari, and Federica Torchetti. Set in 1990s Bari, it follows the De Santis family as they confront social injustices, drawing on Rosa Ventrella’s novel. The debut attracted 3.1 million viewers with a 13.3% share.

Rai 1’s beloved drama Don Matteo returned for its 14th season, achieving 4.9 million viewers and a 27.8% share, cementing its status as a staple in Italian TV with its blend of crime-solving and heartwarming stories. Starring Raoul Bova and Nino Frassica, the series is produced by LuxVide (Fremantle Group).

On October 21, Rai 1 premiered Mike, a biographical miniseries on iconic Italian TV host Mike Bongiorno, directed by Giuseppe Bonito. This two-part series stars Claudio Gioè as Bongiorno and attracted nearly 3 million viewers with a 15.6% audience share. Produced by Viola Film and Rai Fiction, Mike celebrates Bongiorno’s 100th birth anniversary and 70 years of Italian TV, revealing the personal life of this legendary figure.

On October 28, Sleeping Nymph – The Teresa Battaglia Cases debuted on Rai 1. This three-part thriller, based on Ilaria Tuti’s novel, follows Commissioner Teresa Battaglia (played by Elena Sofia Ricci) as she investigates a complex case involving a young officer’s death, an eerie painting in human blood, and family secrets. The debut garnered 3.7 million viewers and a 22.4% share. Directed by Kiko Rosati, the series is produced by Rai Fiction with Publispei.