Last Friday, Antena 3 debuted the new edition of the ITV game show featuring a brand-new finale called “A la Z” (AlaZ), which replaces “El Rosco,” a segment they can no longer use. So, where does this new game come from? To secure stronger legal protection against any potential lawsuit by Mediaset, the network opted for a format owned by RSI—the public broadcaster of Italian-speaking Switzerland—called DallAZetA (‘From A to Z’), which originally aired two years ago.
The game is clearly inspired final wheel of Passaparola by the (the Italian version) but features several key differences—most notably, the letters are arranged linearly rather than in a circle. Rather than reading a lengthy explanation, you can watch it directly via this link, as the RSI Play platform is freely accessible without a VPN.
It is worth adding that the format’s IP is 100% owned by RSI, given that it is an original, in-house creation and production. Unlike other broadcasters, even the creators are internal staff rather than freelancers, meaning the chain of title is incredibly solid—practically unassailable.
The initial ratings were remarkably strong, partly driven by inevitable viewer curiosity: the show pulled in 1.597 million viewers, securing a 21.9% share (nearly two percentage points higher than The Wheel of Fortune the previous day). Meanwhile, the final segment recorded a 26.1% audience share, peaking at 28.3% during its climax. It remains to be seen whether it will sustain these numbers moving forward, considering that Pasapalabra will also be competing with World Cup matches in the coming days.
The initial ratings were remarkably strong, partly driven by inevitable viewer curiosity: the show pulled in 1.597 million viewers, securing a 21.9% share (nearly two percentage points higher than The Wheel of Fortune the previous day). Meanwhile, the final segment recorded a 26.1% audience share, peaking at 28.3% during its climax. It remains to be seen whether it will sustain these numbers moving forward, considering that Pasapalabra will also be competing with World Cup matches in the coming days.
But most importantly, we shall see what unfolds over the next few months, as the match is far from finished and further twists and turns are to be expected. Of this, I can assure you!
Axel Fiacco
