Fiorello’s “La Pennicanza” Expands to “La Mattinanza” on Rai 2 + Celebrity Guests

Fiorello and Fabrizio Biggio are back, and expanding their reach. Following a successful return to television, La Pennicanza is not only continuing but doubling down with a new morning iteration, La Mattinanza, launching on Rai 2 on March 18th. The confirmation, initially teased, has now been officially stamped by Rai executives, signaling a significant bet on the comedic duo’s appeal.

From Late Night to Early Morning

La Pennicanza, which translates roughly to “The Mess,” will now likewise air as La Mattinanza (“The Early Morning”) at 7:10 AM on Rai 2, offering a replay with fresh content specifically tailored for students preparing for school. This expansion represents a strategic move by Rai to capture a broader audience and leverage the established popularity of the show. The original iteration continues on Rai Radio 2 and digital terrestrial channel 202 at 1:45 PM.

“La Pensionanza” on the Horizon?

Amidst the celebratory atmosphere, Fiorello playfully addressed his own future during Tuesday’s broadcast. He joked about impending retirement, noting that Italy’s retirement age is set to rise to 67 in just over a year. “I’ll be retired soon! I experience great, it’s a wonderful feeling. Then I’ll do a new show, La Pensionanza!” he quipped, hinting at potential future projects. Even as clearly tongue-in-cheek, the comment sparked conversation about the long-term trajectory of the popular entertainer’s career.

Satirical Shots and Celebrity Guests

The show didn’t shy away from its signature satirical edge. Fiorello poked fun at the upcoming season of Grande Fratello VIP (the Italian version of Big Brother VIP), suggesting that early evictees would be forced to watch Fabrizio Biggio’s fiction series. The humor escalated with a mock phone call from Piersilvio Berlusconi, who delivered a pointed jab at Rai1’s programming, claiming that actors like Biggio wouldn’t even land a non-speaking role on a Forum episode (a popular Italian courtroom show). Fabrizio Biggio himself was the target of the joke, highlighting the show’s willingness to engage in self-deprecating humor and industry commentary.

The broadcast also featured a live video call with singer Annalisa, who performed her new single, “Canzone estiva,” and shared nostalgic anecdotes about her childhood. The duo playfully suggested a collaborative project, with Fiorello proposing a “telephone record,” and Annalisa enthusiastically agreeing. This segment underscored the show’s ability to seamlessly blend comedy with musical performances and celebrity interactions.

Formula 1 Champion to Make an Appearance

Looking ahead, La Pennicanza has secured an exciting guest for Wednesday’s episode: Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the young Italian Formula 1 driver. The appearance promises to draw a new demographic to the show and capitalize on the rising star’s popularity. Antonelli’s inclusion demonstrates the program’s ambition to broaden its appeal beyond traditional entertainment audiences. You can learn more about Antonelli’s career here.

A Dig at Rai Leadership

The show’s satirical lens also turned inward, with a playful jab at Rai’s CEO, Giampaolo Rossi, for his absence at a recent Vatican meeting with Pope Leone. A surreal intervention from the pontiff – delivered as part of the show’s comedic bit – inquired about Rossi’s whereabouts, suggesting he was “still trying to understand the rules of Canzonissima!” This moment showcased the program’s willingness to tackle even sensitive topics with a lighthearted approach.

The Rai Strategy and the Variety Show Landscape

The expansion of La Pennicanza into the morning slot reflects a broader trend within Rai to revitalize its programming and attract younger viewers. Variety shows, like Viva Rai2! – the program La Pennicanza effectively replaced in its original time slot – have long been a staple of Italian television, offering a mix of comedy, music, and current affairs. Viva Rai2!, which featured Fiorello, served as a testing ground for the format, and its success paved the way for La Pennicanza’s current trajectory. The show’s ability to generate buzz on social media, as evidenced by a recent Instagram post featuring Fiorello and Biggio at customs (notice here), further solidifies its position as a key player in the Italian entertainment landscape.

The decision to create dedicated content for younger viewers with La Mattinanza is a particularly savvy move. By targeting students on their way to school, Rai is positioning the show as a part of their daily routine, fostering brand loyalty and potentially attracting a new generation of fans. This strategy aligns with the broader industry trend of creating content tailored to specific demographics and consumption habits.

Fiorello and Fabrizio Biggio will return with a new episode of La Pennicanza on Wednesday, March 18th, at 1:45 PM on Rai Radio 2 and channel 202 of digital terrestrial television. However, audiences can catch La Mattinanza even earlier, at 7:10 AM on Rai 2, with exclusive new content.