Rome, Italy, June 27, 2025 — Italy’s public broadcaster RAI has revealed its programming lineup for the 2025-26 season, spotlighting the return of comedy legend Roberto Benigni and the continued prominence of stalwarts Carlo Conti and Antonella Clerici, while confirming the cancellation of Citofonare Rai2 hosted by Simona Ventura and Paola Perego. Presented to RAI’s board on June 20 and set for an investor pitch in Naples next week, the schedule blends familiar faces with new projects amid controversy over cuts to talk shows and perceived political bias.
Benigni’s Grand Return
What: Roberto Benigni, the Oscar-winning star of Life Is Beautiful, will headline a new, yet-to-be-named prime-time show on Rai 1, marking his first major TV appearance since 2017’s Meraviglie.
Details: Described as an “unprecedented” blend of comedy, storytelling, and cultural commentary, the show aims to recapture Benigni’s signature wit. “Benigni’s return is a coup for RAI, bringing global appeal to our flagship channel,” said RAI Director-General Roberto Sergio, per il Giornale. The program is slated for Friday evenings starting September 2025.
Why It Matters: Benigni’s star power could boost Rai 1’s 35.9% audience share, competing with Mediaset’s Canale 5, though some X users, like @Ariel48536344, question if it’s a “distraction” from budget cuts.
Key Takeaway: Benigni’s show is a high-profile bet to elevate Rai 1’s cultural and entertainment offerings.
Conti and Clerici Anchor Rai 1
What: Carlo Conti and Antonella Clerici remain Rai 1’s cornerstones, hosting Tale e Quale Show, The Voice, and Sanremo Young (Conti) and E’ Sempre Mezzogiorno (Clerici).
Details: Conti, who also hosts the David di Donatello awards, will lead Rai 1’s Friday night entertainment, while Clerici’s daily cooking show continues its family-friendly appeal. Comingsoon.it notes Conti’s La Corrida revival as a ratings driver.
Why It Matters: Their reliability ensures stability for Rai 1, which targets families and holds Italy’s highest viewership. However, critics on X argue the reliance on “the usual faces” stifles innovation.
Key Takeaway: Conti and Clerici’s proven track records make them RAI’s safest bets for consistent ratings.
Ventura and Perego’s Citofonare Rai2 Cancelled
What: RAI has axed Citofonare Rai2, the Sunday morning talk show hosted by Simona Ventura and Paola Perego, launched in October 2021.
Details: The show, featuring celebrity interviews and games like Il Frigo dei Vip, averaged 800,000 viewers but faced declining ratings. il Giornale reports its cancellation, though manager Lucio Presta’s influence leaves room for a potential revival. Ventura is reportedly returning to Mediaset’s Isola dei Famosi in 2025.
Why It Matters: The cut, alongside others like Tango and Agorà Weekend, has sparked accusations of political bias, with @Ariel48536344 on X labeling it “TeleMeloni” censorship targeting opposition-leaning shows.
Key Takeaway: Ventura and Perego’s exit highlights RAI’s cost-cutting and strategic shift, risking backlash from fans.
Other Notable Changes
What: Additional schedule shifts include a reduced run for Report (four fewer episodes), a new Saturday show by Il Tempo director Tommaso Cerno, and cuts to Gigi Marzullo’s airtime. Barbara d’Urso’s rumored Rai 1 debut was quashed, despite Matteo Salvini’s support, per il Giornale.
Details: Cerno’s program has drawn “TeleMeloni” criticism for its right-leaning tilt, while Report’s reduction fuels censorship claims. D’Urso’s absence reflects internal RAI politics, with Forza Italia and Fratelli d’Italia reportedly blocking her.
Why It Matters: These changes underscore RAI’s balancing act between public service and market pressures, with a 99% government-owned structure raising bias concerns.
Key Takeaway: RAI’s programming decisions reflect fiscal and political tensions, shaping public perception.
Accessing the Schedules
Viewers can explore the full 2025-26 RAI schedules on:
- RaiPlay: www.raiplay.it offers detailed listings and replays.
- TV Sorrisi e Canzoni: www.sorrisi.com provides a comprehensive guide.
- Rai.it: www.rai.it features updates and highlights.
What This Means
RAI’s 2025-26 lineup, blending Benigni’s star power with Conti and Clerici’s reliability, aims to maintain its 35.9% audience share while navigating budget cuts and political scrutiny. The cancellation of Ventura and Perego’s show, alongside other talk shows, signals a shift toward entertainment over political discourse, risking accusations of bias in a government-controlled broadcaster. For viewers, Benigni’s return offers excitement, but publishers should monitor audience reactions and ratings data post-September to gauge success. The controversy over cuts, amplified on X, underscores RAI’s challenge to balance commercial goals with public service in a polarized climate.
