Industry

Last week in Naples, Rai Fiction unveiled its rich and diversified autumn lineup, blending highly anticipated returns, ambitious new productions, and social dramas inspired by real-life stories. The presentation confirmed Rai’s ongoing commitment to mixing tradition with fresh perspectives, while maintaining a strong connection to the country’s cultural and social fabric.

Among the new television movies announced is Carosello in Love, directed by Jacopo Bonvicini and starring Giacomo Giorgio and Ludovica Martino, a story that promises romance and nostalgia. Another highlight is La Ricetta della Felicità, a feel-good ensemble comedy directed by Giacomo Campiotti, starring Cristiana Capotondi and Lucia Mascino. The film gently explores how happiness can emerge even from life’s most challenging moments.
One of the biggest announcements was the return of an icon: Sandokan, a major event series directed by Jan Maria Michelini and Nicola Abbatangelo, starring Can Yaman as the legendary Malaysian pirate. The show marks Rai’s ambition to revive grand adventure series for a new generation.

The romantic comedy Se Fossi Te, directed by Luca Lucini, offers a playful twist as Marco Bocci and Laura Chiatti find themselves literally switching bodies after making the same wish, sparking humorous situations and thoughtful reflections on social differences.

Rai2 introduces Estranei, a crime drama directed by Cosimo Alemà and starring Elena Radonicich. The story uses a murder as the starting point for a deep dialogue between different cultures.

On Rai3, the international co-production Kabul, directed by Kasia Adamik and Olga Chajdas, brings an intense look at the final days of international presence in Afghanistan’s capital before the Taliban’s return. Starring Gianmarco Saurino and Valentina Cervi, the series provides a gripping portrayal of one of the most critical moments in recent history.

Also announced is Vespucci, Il Viaggio Più Lungo, a documentary series directed by Flavio Maspes, chronicling the global journey of the Amerigo Vespucci, Italy’s most famous ship, celebrating maritime excellence and cross-cultural encounters.

RaiPlay continues to invest in digital-first originals, launching four new titles:

Hype (directed by Fabio Mollo and Domenico Croce), a story of friendship and rap in Milan’s QT8 neighborhood.

Tutta Scena (directed by Nicola Conversa), following a group of aspiring actors under the mentorship of a theater master played by Giorgio Panariello.

L’Appartamento Sold Out (directed by Giulio Manfredonia and Francesco Apolloni), a dramedy about three ethnically diverse couples forced to share the same apartment in Rome’s Centocelle district.

Nathan K. (directed by Alessio Lauria), starring stand-up comedian Nathan Kiboba, winner of the Premio Solinas Experimenta Series competition in collaboration with Rai Fiction.

Rai also offered a preview of its 2026 productions, emphasizing stories that combine emotional depth with social relevance.

Balene - Amiche per Sempre (directed by Alessandro Casale) with Veronica Pivetti and Carla Signoris celebrates the power of lifelong friendship.

Guerrieri - La Regola dell’Equilibrio (directed by Gianluca Maria Tavarelli) starring Alessandro Gassmann, adapts Gianrico Carofiglio’s novels into a legal drama rich in ethical dilemmas.

L’Altro Ispettore (directed by Paola Randi) follows an unconventional labor inspector, played by Alessio Vassallo, as he investigates social injustices and uncovers a mystery linking past and present.

La Preside (directed by Luca Miniero) sees Luisa Ranieri portray a principal inspired by Eugenia Carfora, who transformed a struggling school in Caivano into a beacon of hope.

Noi del Rione Sanità (also directed by Miniero) tells the true story of Don Antonio Loffredo’s fight to offer youth a life beyond crime in Naples.

Prima di Noi (created by Giulia Calenda, Daniele Luchetti, Valia Santella) is a sweeping family saga spanning three generations, starring Linda Caridi and Andrea Arcangeli, based on Giorgio Fontana’s acclaimed novel.

Una Famiglia Imperfetta (directed by Tiziana Aristarco) with Serena Autieri explores the cracks in a seemingly perfect relationship and the challenges of returning to one’s roots.

The Return of Beloved Series
Rai’s fiction offer will also bring back some of the network’s most beloved series:

Blanca 3 (directed by Nicola Abbatangelo) with Maria Chiara Giannetta, as the blind police consultant faces a life-changing choice.

Don Matteo 15 (multiple directors) with Raoul Bova returning as Don Massimo.

Il Commissario Ricciardi 3 (directed by Gianpaolo Tescari) with Lino Guanciale, continuing the detective’s journey torn between his curse and his longing for love.

Màkari 4 (directed by Monica Vullo and Riccardo Mosca) with Claudio Gioè, set in the stunning landscapes of western Sicily.

Cuori 3 (directed by Riccardo Donna) will continue to follow the professional and romantic lives of Alberto and Delia at the Molinette Hospital in Turin.

Un Professore 3 (directed by Andrea Rebuzzi) sees Alessandro Gassmann return as the beloved philosophy teacher navigating life’s complexities.

Mare Fuori 6 (directed by Beniamino Catena), the record-breaking coming-of-age series, will return with Carmine Recano, Lucrezia Guidone, and Maria Esposito.

Rai will also continue its successful docuseries Dottori in Corsia - Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, narrated by Eleonora Daniele, sharing the emotional stories of young patients.

Daily favorites Il Paradiso delle Signore and Un Posto al Sole will also return, confirming their status as Rai’s most enduring titles.

As part of the centennial celebrations of Andrea Camilleri’s birth, Rai will rebroadcast 15 unforgettable episodes of Il Commissario Montalbano, honoring the author’s extraordinary legacy in literature and television.