6 Italian Series To Binge-Watch

What are the best Italian TV series to watch? From the criminal networks of the Neapolitan mafia to the hushed intrigues of the Vatican conclave, and the tribulations of Roman youth, Italy offers a rich and diverse television landscape. Enough to keep us hooked all summer long.

Gomorrah (2014-2021)

Adapted from Roberto Saviano‘s eponymous bestseller Gomorrah arrived on French television in 2015, plunging viewers into Naples’ underworld. The series depicts, with rare brutality, the inner workings of the Camorra and the power struggles that plague the city, through the lives of Ciro Di Marzio and Gennaro Savastano. These two childhood friends become rivals when they find themselves at the head of opposing clans, in a fictionalized account more real than life, where alliances and betrayals punctuate each episode (58 in total). Following its success, the original series has been expanded with a prequel focusing on the character of Pietro Savastano, Genny’s father, which will air on Canal+ starting August 24th.

Suburra (2017-2020)

With Suburra , the power struggles shift to the outskirts of Rome, specifically Ostia. The port city becomes the stage for numerous clashes between members of the Catholic Church, corrupt politicians, local gang leaders, and real estate developers, further blurring the lines between legality and crime. Against this backdrop, three young men from different backgrounds must join forces to achieve their goals. The series title itself is a reference to the Subura, a working-class district of ancient Rome where all social classes mingled, regardless of status.

The Young Pope (2017)

The name Paolo Sorrentino is an obvious choice in this selection of Italian series. With *The Young Pope*, the Neapolitan filmmaker directs Jude Law as a young pope as charismatic as he is mysterious, whose immaculate white cassock conceals a dark and tormented soul. Released in 2020, its sequel, *The New Pope*, follows in its footsteps with the same taste for provocation. Delightful.

Baby (2018-2020)

Inspired by the “Baby Squillo” scandal, which exposed a prostitution ring involving minors in Rome’s upscale Parioli neighborhood, the series delves into the lives of young people searching for identity and independence. When they’re not in class at the private Collodi high school, these teenagers spend their time going out and experiencing the loves, desires, and dangers of nightlife. Among them, Chiara (Benedetta Porcaroli, who later appeared in the Netflix version of The Leopard) and Ludovica (Alice Pagani) seek to escape the realities of their present and begin prostituting themselves.

The Lying Life of Adults (since 2019)

Following the immense success of My Brilliant Friend , Italian novelist Elena Ferrante published The Lying Life of Adults with Gallimard. It tells the story of a teenage girl from Naples’ affluent neighborhoods who, after hearing her father say she is ugly, loses all trust in her parents and ventures into the slums to discover a hidden side of her family history. A new portrait of adolescence, with innocence and emancipation at its heart, it has been adapted into a series by Netflix.

Lidia rules by her own rules (since 2023)

It’s no secret: series inspired by true stories are captivating. Lidia Makes Her Own Law confirms this by recounting the true story of Lidia Poët , Italy’s first female lawyer. Between romantic entanglements and legal battles, this Netflix production portrays a society in resistance, where making women’s voices heard is a challenge. It’s watched for its sumptuous sets, lighthearted storylines, and the fascinating life of its protagonist, played by Matilda De Angelis (who rose to fame in The Incredible Story of Rose Island). Not to mention the baroque costumes, hats, and jewelry designed by Italian costume designer Stefano Ciammitti.

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