Ciao, America! The Best TV Shows to Binge-Watch in order to Boost Your Italian
By Bianca Harmetz
Picture yourself on your sofa, espresso in hand, immersed in a captivating blend of drama, comedy, and romance—all while effortlessly picking up Italian. Thanks to streaming platforms, you can now enjoy a lineup of Italian series that entertain while doubling as subtle language lessons.
Here are five standout shows to binge, each offering a unique glimpse into Italian culture and language.
Craving Romance and Laughs?
The Good Apprentice (L’Allieva)
Genre: Romantic Comedy-Drama, Mystery
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
What’s the Scoop? : Meet Alice Allevi, a charmingly clumsy medical student and forensic resident who moonlights as a sleuth. Based on Alessia Gazzola’s novels, this series follows Alice as she solves crimes through autopsies while navigating a slow-burn romance with her dashing boss, Claudio. Her brother, best friend, and quirky colleagues add comedic flair, all set against a stunning Roman backdrop.
Want a Medical Drama with Retro Charm?
All Heart (Cuori)
Genre: Period Drama, Romance
Where to Watch: Netflix
What’s the Scoop?: Set in 1960s Turin, All Heart (2021) follows heart surgeons chasing medical breakthroughs and tangled love stories. Charismatic Dr. Cesare Corvara leads a team, including the younger Dr. Alberto Ferraris, in a hospital buzzing with ambition and secrets. The arrival of the brilliant and beautiful Dr. Delia Brunello sparks a complex love triangle. The retro aesthetic—vintage cars, elegant clothes, and mid-century furniture—is a visual feast, capturing Turin’s post-war elegance. Expect suspenseful surgeries and heartfelt drama, ideal for soaking up formal Italian.- Craving Gritty Crime with Sharp Wit?
Rocco Schiavone: Ice-Cold Murders
Genre: Crime Drama, Dark Comedy
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
What’s the Scoop?: In Rocco Schiavone: Ice-Cold Murders (2016–present), a sardonic Roman cop, Rocco Schiavone, is exiled to the snowy Aosta Valley. Based on Antonio Manzini’s novels, this chain-smoking anti-hero solves crimes while grappling with his troubled past, accompanied by his loyal dog, Lupo. Rocco’s sharp humor and questionable morals keep episodes gripping, while the slang-filled dialogue is a goldmine for advanced learners. Aosta’s stark, snowy beauty provides a haunting backdrop. - Want to Laugh Out Loud?
Boris
Genre: Satirical comedy
Where to Watch: Hulu
What’s the Scoop?: Boris (2007–2010, 2021 revival) is a hilarious mockumentary skewering Italy’s TV industry. Director René Ferretti battles diva actors, lazy writers, and meddling executives while producing a chaotic soap opera. The fast-paced, witty dialogue offers a crash course in Italian banter. - Love Fashion, Romance, and Glamour?
The Ladies’ Paradise (Il Paradiso delle Signore)
Genre: Period Drama, Romance
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
What’s the Scoop?: Set in 1950s and 1960s Milan, The Ladies’ Paradise (2015–present) unfolds in a glamorous department store. Inspired by Émile Zola’s novel, it follows an ensemble cast—owners, managers, and salesgirls—chasing both love and success. The store serves as the heartbeat of their stories, showcasing Milan’s post-war glamour and women’s evolving roles. The polished dialogue and elegant settings make it a delightful way to learn formal Italian.
Why Subtitles Are Your Friend
Subtitles transform entertainment into education. For beginners, English subtitles let you follow the plot while absorbing new words and sentence structures in context. Intermediate learners can switch to Italian subtitles to hone spelling, listening, and pronunciation by matching dialogue to text. Advanced learners? Ditch subtitles entirely to test your skills. Start with English, graduate to Italian, and eventually go subtitle-free for the ultimate challenge!