Industry

On June 27, 2025, Rai presented its highly Autumn schedule in Naples, confirming a lineup that leans heavily on tradition and familiar faces, with few novelties and several notable departures. The public broadcaster continues to rely on its most trusted shows, signaling a clear preference for stability over innovation under the government’s cultural guidelines.

Returning Hits and High-Profile Absences
As expected, Rai1’s primetime remains largely unchanged, with many flagship programs returning. However, the new season comes with significant exclusions: Alessandro Cattelan and Alessia Marcuzzi are officially out, marking a shift towards consolidating proven successes rather than experimenting with new hosts or formats.

Music at the Heart of Rai1’s Autumn
Rai1 will kick off the season with a strong musical offering. Fiorella Mannoia returns with Semplicemente Fiorella, set against the evocative backdrop of the Terme di Caracalla in Rome. The Tim Music Awards, broadcast live from the Arena di Verona and hosted by Antonella Clerici alongside Clementino, will once again celebrate the best in Italian music. Another highlight is Jukebox - La notte delle hit, lighting up Turin’s Inalpi Arena. A heartfelt tribute to Pino Daniele will mark his 70th birthday anniversary with Pino è - Il viaggio del Musicante, a special event hosted by Carlo Conti and Fiorella Mannoia, live from Naples’ Piazza del Plebiscito.

A Solid Primetime Core
Friday nights will once again be anchored by Carlo Conti’s Tale e Quale Show, while Milly Carlucci’s Ballando con le Stelle remains the crown jewel of Rai1’s Saturday lineup as it celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Stories and talents over 60 will return in November with The Voice Senior, again hosted by Antonella Clerici.
Stefano De Martino will lead Rai1’s access prime time with the new season of Affari Tuoi, balancing light entertainment with the show’s signature suspense.
In December, Festival Giovani, hosted by Carlo Conti, will shine a spotlight on emerging Italian musical talents—the potential stars of tomorrow’s Sanremo Festival. And, as tradition dictates, Rai1 will welcome 2026 with its grand New Year’s Eve celebration, hosted this year by Marco Liorni.

Young viewers will also be catered to with the return of Lo Zecchino d’Oro, once again under the artistic direction of Carlo Conti.

The Only Real Innovation: Roberto Benigni's Jubilee Closing Special
The standout novelty in Rai’s otherwise familiar schedule is a major event: the grand closing celebration of the Jubilee, scheduled for December. The special will be presented by Oscar-winning actor Roberto Benigni, adding both prestige and emotional depth to Rai’s end-of-year programming. This unique event promises to blend art, spirituality, and national pride in what is likely to become one of the season’s most memorable moments.

Rai2: New Formats and Familiar Titles
On Rai2, the offer is slightly more varied. Building on the daytime success of BellaMa’, Pierluigi Diaco will debut an evening spin-off version this fall. Boss in Incognito will return with a major change: pop star Elettra Lamborghini will step in as the new host, promising a fresh and surprising take on the format.

Teo Mammucari will continue his offbeat exploration of Italian traditions with Lo Spaesato, while Nicola Savino and Rocío Muñoz Morales will debut Freeze, a new light entertainment show. Another addition is Gli Scatenati, hosted by comedy group The Jackal, who will face unpredictable challenges set by a lively group of children.

Francesca Fagnani’s popular talk show Belve will also return, joined by its new spin-off Belve Crime, expanding Rai2’s strong factual and investigative offering.