Format

Netflix is turning up the heat this summer with the launch of Too Hot to Handle: Italia, premiering exclusively on Friday, July 18, 2025. This marks the first Italian edition of the globally successful reality format, and it comes with a high-profile twist: guiding the contestants through their steamy journey will be none other than Italian music star Fred De Palma.

Known for his chart-topping summer hits and his recent appearance at Sanremo 2024, Fred De Palma brings charisma, rhythm, and energy to the series. As the show’s host, he takes on the role of mentor and provocateur, helping the contestants navigate a game where self-control is the only path to victory.
The premise remains faithful to the original hit: a group of stunning singles, all looking for love or lust, find themselves in a breathtaking tropical paradise. But there’s one catch — to win the cash prize, they must give up all forms of physical intimacy. No kissing, no sex, and not even self-pleasure. Every rule break results in a deduction from the shared prize pool, which starts at €100,000. It’s a test of willpower in a place designed to tempt.The virtual assistant Lana — a staple of the franchise — returns as the omnipresent rule enforcer, but this time she's paired with Fred De Palma’s fiery Italian flair. Together, they’ll challenge the contestants to look beyond superficial connections and explore deeper bonds.

Too Hot to Handle: Italia is produced by Fremantle Italia and directed by Giampaolo Marconato. The writing team includes Paola Papa, Silvia Bizzotto, Toto Coppolino, Caterina Gaia, Riccardo Lupoli, Vincenzo Maiorana, Francesco Narracci, and Sonia Soldera. The executive producer is Alice Bonavoglia.