Industry

The Top 10 Most Watched TV Programs of 2024: A Year of Big Hits and Quality Content

The Top 10 Most Watched TV Programs of 2024: A Year of Big Hits and Quality Content
2024 has reaffirmed the central role of television in Italian culture, with highly appealing programs capturing the attention of millions of viewers. From grand event evenings to serial favorites, here is the ranking of the ten most-watched shows of the year, which have successfully entertained and moved audiences.

1. 74th Sanremo Music Festival
Genre: Italian Music competition| Average Viewers: 11,423,400 | Share: 65.44% | Network: Rai 1 | Dates: February 6–10, 2024

The Sanremo Music Festival once again proved to be the television event of the year. Drawing an average of over 11 million viewers and a staggering 65% share, this edition exceeded expectations. Under the artistic direction and hosting of Amadeus, with appearances by prominent international guests, the festival delivered unforgettable performances and moments of spectacular entertainment.

2. L’Anno che Verrà
Genre: New Year Eve's event | Average Viewers: 5,854,000 | Share: 40.12% | Network: Rai 1 | Date: December 31, 2023

The traditional New Year’s Eve show remained a steadfast choice for welcoming the new year with music and fun on the flagship channel of public broadcaster. It remains one of the most beloved holiday events.

3. Affari Tuoi - Speciale Lotteria Italia
Genre: Game show | Average Viewers: 5,537,000 | Share: 31.4% | Network: Rai 1 | Date: January 6, 2024

The popular game show reaffirmed its global appeal by delivering another outstanding success. Known for its masterful blend of tension and entertainment, the special Epiphany episode dedicated to Lotteria Italia achieved record-breaking ratings, marking the highest viewership since January 6, 2020. Based on the internationally renowned Deal or No Deal format, the show is distributed by Banijay and locally produced in Italy by Endemol Shine Italy.

4. Eurovision Song Contest 2024
Genre: European Music competition| Average Viewers: 5,341,000 | Share: 36% | Network: Rai 1 | Date: May 4, 2024

The European music festival captivated Italian audiences, who enthusiastically followed the international competition. The finale, broadcast on Rai 1 (the two episodes dedicated to semifinals aired by Rai 2), delivered impressive ratings, solidifying its position as one of the year’s most-watched events. The broadcast peaked at 6,663,000 viewers during Italian singer's performance and achieved an extraordinary 59.4% share during the winner announcement. The results were exceptional in terms of audience demographics as well, with a significantly younger profile compared to the previous edition (for instance, a 52% share in the young women target 15–24).

5. Doc – Nelle Tue Mani (Season 3)
Genre: Medical-drama series | Average Viewers: 5,060,250 | Share: 26.9% | Network: Rai 1 | Dates: January 11 – March 7, 2024

The 3rd season of the medical drama starring Luca Argentero captivated audiences with its compelling storylines and strong cast. With an average of over 5 million viewers, it remains one of the flagship series in Italian fiction. It proves to be a highly contemporary, cross-generational, and widely beloved narrative, particularly resonating with younger viewers (39.1% share among women aged 15–24, 34.7% among women aged 25–34) and educated audiences (35.3% share among university graduates). Produced by Rai Fiction and LuxVide and distributed by Sony, the series is set to be adapted in the U.S. for Fox, with a female protagonist.

6. Le Indagini di Lolita Lobosco (Season 3)
Genre: Detective-drama series | Average Viewers: 5,038,750 | Share: 27.6% | Network: Rai 1 | Dates: March 4–25, 2024

Luisa Ranieri returned to the screen as the charming Commissioner Lolita Lobosco. The new episodes, blending mystery and humor, achieved excellent ratings, enhanced by the picturesque Apulian settings. Based on the homonym novels written by Gabriella Genisi, the series is produced by Rai Fiction with Zocotoco and Bibi Film TV.

7. C’è Posta Per Te (Season 27)
Genre: Emotainment show | Average Viewers: 4,548,200 | Share: 30.13% | Network: Canale 5 | Dates: January 13 – March 16, 2024

Maria De Filippi remains the queen of Saturday night TV. The program moved millions of viewers with touching stories and family reunions, maintaining a winning format that never falters. Produced by Fascino PGT, C’è Posta per Te is the only one Mediaset’s tv show in the Top 10.

8. Margherita delle Stelle
Genre: Movie | Average Viewers: 4,248,000 | Share: 23.1% | Network: Rai 1 | Date: March 5, 2024

This TV movie surprised audiences with its gripping story. Its high-quality production and the compelling performance of its lead actress (Cristiana Capotondi) contributed to its success. The movie tells the story of the life of Italian astrophysicist and science communicator Margherita Hack, from her rebellious youth to her prestigious role as director of the Astronomical Observatory of Trieste. Produced by Rai Fiction and Minerva Pictures.

9. Califano
Genre: Movie| Average Viewers: 4,174,000 | Share: 22.8% | Network: Rai 1 | Date: February 11, 2024

This biographical film dedicated to the “Poet of Trastevere,” Franco Califano, delivered an intense and nostalgic tribute to the singer-songwriter, from his debut in 1986, including his arrest in 1984. Directed by Alessandro Angelini and based on the novel Senza manette written by Franco Califano and Pierluigi Diaco. Produced by Rai Fiction and GreenBoo Production.

10. Don Matteo (Season 14)
Genre: Drama series | Average Viewers: 4,117,600 | Share: 23.05% | Network: Rai 1 | Dates: October 17 – December 19, 2024

The long-running Rai 1 series managed to renew itself yet again this year, with Raoul Bova as its new protagonist. The adventures of the detective priest remain a must-watch for millions of viewers. Produced by Rai Fiction and Lux Vide.
Fromatbiz_900x120_ValleyOfHearts_LoveAndPride
G00667_FORMATBIZZ_DIGITAL_BANNER_900x120_BUT_IT_NOW_FINAL
34-STAT-EN-FORMATBIZ-900-X-120-PX
IL MAMMO_900x120