5 Italian shows to watch this Winter with Netflix
It’s officially cold now, the clocks have changed and it’s dark here in London from 4pm! Christmas is just around the corner and this makes us think of getting cosy, popping on our slippers, making a hot chocolate or glass of wine and watching something fab on a Saturday night. While still learning Italian language!
Last year I shared some great Italian films to watch on Amazon Prime. This is still my most read article on Mammaprada so clearly you all like snuggling down to watch a new show as much as we do. Italian movies and shows are a great way to practice your Italian and learn about Italian culture. And if you struggle to understand you can easily add the English subtitles and watch in your native language.
This time I’ve decided to go through Netflix (obviously in the interests of research for my lovely readers!). So below you’ll find a list of:
5 Italian shows to watch this Winter with Netflix
1. Carlo & Malik
I loved this Netflix original series and can’t wait for Series 2, please make one Netflix!
This crime drama stars Veteran Police Detective Carlo who much to his dismay is teamed with an Ivory-Coast born, Italian immigrant Officer Malik.
Given immigration is a huge topic in Italy at the moment this show bravely navigates between the judgements and acceptances throughout his Roman community.
The storylines are gripping, moving and not so unnecessarily violent that it makes it unwatchable.
The issues raised are very close to what is happening in Italy right now, mixed with an underlying mystery around Carlo’s past which carries through each episode and keeps you guessing!
2. Suburra
If you loved Gomorrah then Suburra the film or series is definitely for you.
The story includes rival mafia gangs, corrupt politicians and the involvement of the Catholic church.
If only it were all fiction! This is the true dark side of Italy and is weirdly captivating despite being so concerning!
Should you be interested in the non-Hollywood version of Italy this is a great insight into organised crime and the depths it has really infiltrated Italian society.
If you google the characters afterwards you will find the details of the real-life incidents from where the inspiration was taken.
3. Medici
Set in 15th Century Florence the powerful Medici family are making their presence known in politics and the arts.
The House of Medici was considered one of the wealthiest families in Europe.
They founded the Medici bank, financed the invention of the piano and opera. Funded the construction of Saint Peter's Basilica and patronaged artists such as Leonardo, Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo.
Here in the series, you’ll find power struggles, lustful encounters, murder and much more.
There is a perfect mix of historical fact and fiction here to keep you occupied and it is set in beautiful Florence… it’s the perfect drama series!
4. Ordinary Heroes
A slightly different but fascinating watch. This is a documentary series which highlights the selflessness of four Italian citizens who took a stand within their communities and whose actions have now helped transform Italian society.
There are three episodes and three stories.
Each is uplifting and shares a great deal of information on the complexity of Italian society.
I won’t spoil it and give away the details of each but the people in these stories made a real impact on the Italy we know today.
5. Baby
Baby is an Italian tv series. A teen drama set in the exclusive Parioli neighbourhood of Rome.
Initially focusing on a group of students at a snooty private school, with children of immense privilege.
Two girls start to take risks as although they believe they are living their “best life,” behind closed doors, they are involved with something more sinister.
Touching on teen prostitution and sexual freedom amongst men and women this is another interesting Netflix series.
Once again this is likely inspired by true events. In 2013 the famous ‘baby squillo’ scandal rocked Italy. It was discovered that a group of young teenage girls from the Parioli distinct of Rome were found to be part of a high-class prostitution ring in exchange for money to fund their expensive tastes.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best Italian TV shows on YouTube?
On YouTube there are usually only short clips of Italian TV shows. However Rai, the main TV channel in Italy has a platform called Rai Play where you can catch up with many of their regular Italian TV shows. Check out what’s available here.
What are some Italian TV series with English subtitles?
On Netflix and Amazon Prime you can watch with English subtitles. Take a look at our list of Italian shows on Amazon Prime here.
What are the best foreign TV series on Netflix?
This is a tough one as everybody enjoys different types of TV shows and films. If we just focus on Italian programmes Gomorrah used to be the most popular. This has now been taken off Netflix and their Mafia show above, Suburra along with Medici seem to be the most viewed.
How can I watch American shows dubbed in Italian?
Netflix and Amazon Prime often offer films and TV shows to be dubbed into another language . This thread also gives advice on where to find others
Is there a way to watch foreign-language movies shows on Netflix with subtitles in the original language?
Read how to do this here.
How do I watch Italian TV channels in the USA?
Yes! Go to RaiPlay here.
How can one watch Netflix with foreign language subtitles?
Read how to do this here.
Where can I find Italian movies with English subtitles?
Most Italian films on Netflix have the option for English subtitles. Read how to do this here.