At the heart of Canale 5’s offering is once again Maria De Filippi and her production company Fascino. Her signature shows continue to dominate the weekend and access prime time. Uomini e Donne and Amici remain pillars of the daily and seasonal schedule, while flagship programs such as C’è Posta per Te and Tu Si Que Vales (with 11 episodes and with Paolo Bonolis who will replace Gerry Scotti as judge) are confirmed. Temptation Island continues to lead the summer season, securing record ratings in a notoriously difficult slot.
Among the few novelties, This Is Me stands out: a new autobiographical format, inspired by international successes, focused on major Italian personalities from the world of music, sport, and culture. It promises a mix of emotional storytelling and spectacle. Hosted by Silvia Toffanin.
One of the most striking features of the new Mediaset season is the revitalization of reality TV. Grande Fratello will return in autumn in its original “NIP” format, this time with Simona Ventura as host. The show is set for a 100-day run with a smaller cast, leaning into the authenticity of its early years. Then, in early 2026, Grande Fratello Super VIP is expected to premiere, hosted by Alfonso Signorini, focusing on celebrity contestants. L’Isola dei Famosi, after some uncertain seasons, will return.
Music will play a central role in Mediaset’s prime time this season. A series of event concerts and one-off specials will showcase some of Italy’s most celebrated artists, including Elodie, Elisa, Umberto Tozzi, and Alessandra Amoroso. A new edition of Una, Nessuna e Centomila, led by Fiorella Mannoia, will shine a light on social issues through music, while Pavarotti 90 will celebrate the great tenor's legacy in a high-profile tribute. Il Volo will also return for two major moments: a prime time special and a Christmas concert (Speciale Natale), both expected to attract wide audiences with their signature blend of pop and classical performance.
The comedy and game show slots will feature returning icons and a few strategic twists. Gerry Scotti remains central with La Ruota della Fortuna (Wheel of Fortune) and a tournament edition of Chi Vuol Essere Milionario. Max Giusti is back with a special season of Scherzi a Parte, along with the Italian version of The 1% Club — a smart, innovative quiz format already popular in the UK.
Comedy duo Pio & Amedeo return with a new variety show, while Andrea Pucci headlines a solo special that blends observational humor and music. Meanwhile, Michelle Hunziker hosts Io Canto Family, a talent competition that brings singing families to the stage — an evolution of the well-known Io Canto brand. In access prime time, Paolo Bonolis will wrap Avanti un Altro!.
On the information front, Mediaset is reaffirming its commitment to topical coverage across multiple platforms. Gianluigi Nuzzi will anchor Pomeriggio 5, while maintaining his role on Quarto Grado. In the mornings, Federica Panicucci and Francesco Vecchi continue with Mattino 5. A new daily current affairs program, 4 di Sera News, will air in the early evening on Rete 4, hosted by Roberto Poletti and Francesca Barra. Bianca Berlinguer will split her time between Rete 4 and Canale 5, overseeing a Tuesday investigative series and a Friday night talk show.
