Ever feel lost staring at a huge list of Italian TV shows? It’s like walking into a giant Italian market with no shopping list! So many amazing series pop up, each promising drama, comedy, or mystery. But how do you pick the one that will truly capture your attention and not waste your precious viewing time?
Finding that perfect Italian gem can be tricky. Maybe you tried one show that was too slow, or another that didn’t match your taste. You want stories that feel real and exciting, but sifting through reviews and trailers takes a lot of effort. We understand that frustration!
This post cuts through the noise. We have carefully selected some of the best Italian series available right now. You will discover hidden treasures and proven hits across different genres. Get ready to find your next binge-watch obsession!
Top Italian Tv Series Recommendations
![Ima Tataranni [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ikCppXbXL._SL160_.jpg)
- This charming Italian procedural is based loosely on the novels by Mariolina Venezi
- Vanessa Scalera, Alessio Lapice, Barbara Ronchi (Actors)
- English (Subtitle)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
- Italian, English, German, Spanish, French (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: Unrated (Not Rated)
![Gomorrah: Fifth and Final Season [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51TeDaJIQhL._SL160_.jpg)
- The thrilling conclusion to the most popular Italian drama in the world, which The New York Times rated #5 on its list of the top 30 international shows of the past decade
- Salvatore Esposito, Marco D'Amore, Ivana Lotito (Actors)
- Marco D'Amore (Director)
- Italian (Subtitle)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
![Mafia Only Kills in Summer - (Season 1) - 4-DVD Set ( La mafia uccide solo d'estate ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.4 Import - Australia ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517JtTivLZL._SL160_.jpg)
- Mafia Only Kills in Summer - (Season 1) - 4-DVD Set ( La mafia uccide solo d'estate )
- Mafia Only Kills in Summer - (Season 1) - 4-DVD Set
- La mafia uccide solo d'estate
- Claudio Gioè, Anna Foglietta, Francesco Scianna (Actors)
- Mafia Only Kills in Summer - (Season 1) - 4-DVD Set ( La mafia uccide solo d'estate ) (Producer)
![Detective Montalbano: Episodes 35 & 36 [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51UjOXr4NkL._SL160_.jpg)
- Based on the spectacularly successful Inspector Montalbano mysteries by Andrea Camilleri, this long-running Italian television series is a huge hit in Europe
- Luca Zingaretti, Cesare Bocci, Peppino Mazzotta (Actors)
- English (Subtitle)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
- Uwe Kockisch, Julia Jager (Actors)
- Sigi Rothemund (Director)
- English (Subtitle)
- English (Publication Language)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
![We Are Angels - Complete Series - 4-DVD Box Set ( Noi siamo angeli ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.0 Import - Italy ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516QaJnBvWL._SL160_.jpg)
- We Are Angels - Complete Series - 4-DVD Box Set ( Noi siamo angeli )
- We Are Angels - Complete Series - 4-DVD Box Set
- Noi siamo angeli
- Bud Spencer, Renato Scarpa, Syd Brisbane (Actors)
- Ruggero Deodato (Director) - We Are Angels - Complete Series - 4-DVD Box Set ( Noi siamo angeli ) (Producer)
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Italian TV Series
Italian TV series offer exciting stories and beautiful scenery. Finding the right one can make your viewing time great. This guide helps you choose the best series for you.
Key Features to Look For
Genre Variety
- Drama: Look for deep stories about family or crime. These often have strong acting.
- Comedy: Check if the humor matches your taste. Some are slapstick; others are witty.
- Historical/Period: See if the series focuses on a time you find interesting, like Renaissance Italy.
Production Value
High production value means good cameras and costumes. This makes the show look professional and real. Check reviews for comments on cinematography.
Language Options
Decide if you want the original Italian audio with subtitles or an English dub. Original audio keeps the true feel of the show.
Important Materials (Content Elements)
When we talk about “materials” for a TV series, we mean the core components that build the show.
Story Quality
- Pacing: Good series move the story along well. Slow parts should build suspense, not just waste time.
- Character Development: Strong characters change and grow. You should care about what happens to them.
Authenticity
Authenticity makes the viewing better. Does the dialogue sound like real Italian people talk? Are the settings accurate to the time or place shown?
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
- Strong Directing: A good director guides the actors and camera work well. This creates a smooth viewing experience.
- Award Recognition: Series that win awards usually have high quality in writing and acting.
- Streaming Platform: Series released on major international platforms often have better budgets.
Reducing Quality
- Overly Complex Plots: Too many confusing side stories can make the series hard to follow.
- Poor Subtitling: Bad subtitles can ruin the enjoyment, especially if the translation misses the true meaning.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about when and how you plan to watch.
Binge-Watching vs. Casual Viewing
- Binge-Watchers: Choose series with strong cliffhangers at the end of each episode.
- Casual Viewers: Shorter series or those with standalone episodes work better for watching one episode a week.
Learning Italian
If you are learning Italian, choose series with clear dialogue. Listening to native speakers helps your pronunciation. Pause often to look up new words.
Choosing the right Italian TV series brings you great entertainment. Look at the features, check the story quality, and match the series to your viewing habits. Enjoy your journey into Italian storytelling!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Buying Italian TV Series
Q: Where can I legally stream popular Italian TV series?
A: You can find many Italian series on major international streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and sometimes specialty platforms focusing on international content.
Q: Do I need to understand Italian culture to enjoy these shows?
A: While some cultural references might be missed, most major series have strong universal themes (love, crime, family). Subtitles help bridge the gap.
Q: Are Italian series generally longer or shorter than American shows?
A: This varies a lot. Some Italian dramas run for many seasons, but many modern Italian productions are shorter, running maybe 6 to 10 episodes per season.
Q: Which Italian series are best for beginners learning the language?
A: Look for series aimed at younger audiences or family comedies. The speech in these shows is often clearer and slower than in fast-paced crime dramas.
Q: Should I prioritize watching with subtitles or dubbed audio?
A: Most experts suggest watching with original Italian audio and subtitles. This helps you connect the spoken word to the written word.
Q: How do I know if a series has a high budget?
A: High-budget shows usually feature beautiful locations, detailed costumes, and high-quality special effects, if applicable. Check the show’s initial press release or trailer.
Q: What is the difference between a “miniseries” and a regular series in Italy?
A: A miniseries (or fiction) usually has a fixed number of episodes and tells one complete story. A regular series can continue for multiple seasons.
Q: Are Italian crime dramas very violent?
A: Some Italian crime dramas, especially those dealing with the Mafia, can be intense and feature realistic violence. Check viewer warnings before starting.
Q: How important is the release year when choosing a series?
A: The release year matters for technology and style. Older series might have lower video quality, but modern series reflect current Italian cinematic trends.
Q: Can I buy Italian TV series permanently on DVD or digital download?
A: Yes, many popular classics are available on DVD. Newer hits are often available for digital purchase through platforms like Apple TV or Google Play.