Format

As the year draws to a close, the Italian television industry once again confirms one of its most distinctive traits: continuity. While genuinely new unscripted formats remain relatively limited, the 2026 schedules—starting from January—are firmly anchored in the return of long-running franchises, trusted hosts, and well-established brands. Broadcasters continue to prioritise reliability and audience loyalty, with a few selective novelties designed to refresh prime time without disrupting viewing habits.

Mediaset: Familiar Pillars and Select Prime-Time Events
Mediaset enters the new year with a line-up heavily built on its strongest unscripted IPs. On Canale 5, January opens with the return of C’è Posta per Te, the iconic emotainment show that reaches its 29th edition. On air since 2000, the programme remains a cornerstone of Italian family viewing, blending emotional storytelling with high-profile guests, hosted by Maria De Filippi. Also back on Canale 5 is Amici, the long-running talent format dedicated to singing and dancing. Students, guided by their academy professors since September, continue their journey under the familiar coaching system that has made the show one of Italy’s most enduring talent brands.
Among the few true novelties, Mediaset introduces Taratatà, a music programme hosted by Paolo Bonolis, scheduled as two prime-time special events on Canale 5.
January also marks the return of Striscia la Notizia, the satirical news programme created by Antonio Ricci. The show comes back with a refreshed format and its historic hosting duo, Ezio Greggio and Enzo Iacchetti.
Prime time will also feature the third season of Felicissima Sera, starring the comedy duo Pio e Amedeo, while Zelig returns with sketches by established and emerging comedians, hosted by Claudio Bisio and Vanessa Incontrada.
Music remains central with the comeback of Battiti Live, produced in collaboration with Radio Norba, recently acquired by Mediaset. On Italia 1, nostalgia takes centre stage with the celebrity version of Sarabanda, once again hosted by Enrico Papi.

Rai: Events, Music, and Talent at the Core
On the public broadcaster side, the most anticipated appointment remains the Festival di Sanremo, scheduled from 24 to 28 February and once again hosted by Carlo Conti. In March, Rai will also pay tribute to a legend of Italian television with two special prime-time shows dedicated to Pippo Baudo, who passed away in 2025. The specials will air on 7 and 14 March, both hosted by Conti.
Entertainment continues with Tali e Quali, produced by Endemol Shine Italy. The new season launches on 9 January with a significant change: hosting duties move to Nicola Savino.

Music talent formats remain a strong asset for Rai 1, with The Voice Kids returning on 10 January, hosted by Antonella Clerici, following the strong performance of The Voice Senior, which concluded in December 2025. In March, Rai will also bring back The Voice Generations, featuring families and groups of friends competing together.

Also on Rai 1, Dalla strada al palco, produced by stand by me, returns with its focus on street performers from across Italy.

On Rai 2, established entertainment brands such as Stasera tutto è possibile and The Floor – Ne rimarrà solo uno continue their run. In March, the comedy collective The Jackal will launch a new format, Stasera a letto tardi, centred on children asking unfiltered questions to adults.

Other Broadcasters and Platforms: Factual, Lifestyle, and Global Formats
Beyond the main networks, unscripted content remains vibrant across cable and streaming. On La7, current affairs take the spotlight with La giusta distanza, a six-episode series hosted by Roberto Saviano, exploring mafia-related issues through studio discussions and on-the-ground reporting.
Lifestyle programming continues on Real Time, with Cortesie per gli ospiti returning from 5 January with Csaba dalla Zorza, followed by Matrimonio a prima vista Italia starting 7 January. On Nove, Cash or Trash resumes on 5 January, hosted by Paolo Conticini and produced by Blu Yazmine.

Pay TV and streaming platforms also reinforce their unscripted offer. Sky Italia brings back Pechino Express with a new route titled The Extreme East, alongside Money Road – Ogni tentazione ha un prezzo, hosted by Fabio Caressa after the success of its first season.

On Prime Video, 23 January sees the launch of the second season of Red Carpet – Vip al tappeto, hosted by Alessia Marcuzzi and based on a Japanese format distributed by Nippon Television. The platform also confirms the return of LOL: Chi ride è fuori, with Alessandro Siani and Angelo Pintus acting as referees. Once again, the show underlines the global success of Japanese-origin formats adapted worldwide.