Italian TV Ratings: Don Matteo Still Reigns Supreme, But Olympics Gain Ground
Thursday, February 19, 2026, saw a familiar face at the top of the Italian TV ratings charts: Don Matteo 15. The popular Rai 1 series captivated 3,633,000 viewers, securing a 21.9% share of the audience. However, the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Rai 2 are steadily gaining traction, attracting 2,025,000 viewers and a 10.2% share.
The Battle for Prime Time
The evening’s prime-time lineup presented a clear showdown between Rai 1’s fiction and Canale 5’s entertainment. Even as Don Matteo maintained its lead, Striscia La Notizia on Canale 5 struggled to compete, garnering 1,479,000 viewers and a 10.3% share. This represents a decline in viewership for the satirical news program, even falling behind the Olympic coverage.
Olympics Momentum Builds
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are proving to be a significant draw for viewers. Beyond the 2,025,000 tuning in for the main broadcast, RaiPlay is also experiencing increased engagement, offering extensive coverage and on-demand content. Recent successes include medal wins in Short Track, Skiing and Speed Skating, driving further interest.
Other Notable Performances
Several other programs made their mark on the evening’s ratings. Splendida Cornice on Rai 3 attracted 836,000 viewers (5.1% share), while Dritto e Rovescio on Rete 4 reached 815,000 (6.4%). Piazza Pulita on La7 also performed well, with 895,000 viewers (6.5%).
Early Evening and Daytime Viewership
Earlier in the evening, Rai 1’s Cinque Minuti and Affari Tuoi drew substantial audiences, with 4.224 million and 4.906 million viewers respectively. Canale 5’s La Ruota della Fortuna also proved popular, reaching 4.559 million viewers. Daytime programming saw continued strong performance from Rai 1’s Storie Italiane and Canale 5’s Mattino Cinque.
Telegiornali (News Broadcasts)
The TG1 evening news broadcast led the pack with 4.789 million viewers (23.8% share), followed by TG5 with 3.524 million (17.3%). TG3 and TGLA7 also garnered significant viewership, demonstrating the continued importance of traditional news broadcasts in Italy.
Looking Ahead: Trends in Italian Television
These ratings reveal several key trends in the Italian television landscape. Firstly, established fiction series like Don Matteo continue to hold significant appeal. Secondly, major sporting events, such as the Winter Olympics, are powerful audience magnets. Finally, the competition for viewers remains fierce, with broadcasters vying for attention across various genres and time slots.
The increasing prominence of streaming platforms like RaiPlay is also a factor. While traditional TV ratings remain important, broadcasters are increasingly focused on building their online presence and offering viewers more flexible viewing options.
FAQ
Q: What was the most-watched program on February 19, 2026?
A: Don Matteo 15 on Rai 1, with 3,633,000 viewers.
Q: How did Striscia La Notizia perform?
A: It attracted 1,479,000 viewers and a 10.3% share, falling behind both Don Matteo and the Winter Olympics.
Q: Is the Winter Olympics impacting TV ratings?
A: Yes, the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are attracting a significant audience and are gaining momentum.
Q: Where can I discover more information about the Winter Olympics coverage?
A: You can find more information on the RaiPlay website.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on RaiPlay for exclusive content and live streams of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Did you know? Don Matteo has consistently been one of the most popular TV series in Italy for over a decade.
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