Elena Sofia Ricci has renewed her criticism of Italian television’s increasingly late prime-time schedules, calling the shift a lack of respect for both production crews and viewers during a press conference for the return of her Rai fiction series. Speaking to reporters ahead of the show’s upcoming broadcast, the actress argued that pushing major programs to start closer to 22:00 damages the viewing experience for families and workers.
The third season of I casi di Teresa Battaglia, subtitled Figlia della Cenere, will debut on Rai 1 on Monday, October 12, with its first episode available on RaiPlay starting October 10. Adapted from Ilaria Tuti’s novel and directed by Kiko Rosati, the series follows the Udine profiler as she investigates a string of gruesome murders linked by a twisted killer’s code, while also confronting her past and her abusive ex-husband, played by Maurizio Donadoni.
Elena Sofia Ricci Denounces Late Night Schedules
The debate centers on how Italian public television programs its evening lineup. During the press conference, Ricci targeted the gradual creep of prime time, noting that shows now frequently begin near 22:00 rather than traditional evening hours. “Now we don’t even talk about 22:00, but 21:50? A massive success, huh,” Ricci said. “That was our prime time, that should be our prime time.”
Ricci raised similar complaints at the Italian Global Series event in Rimini, where she stated that prime time used to start at 20:30 before shifting to 21:15 and eventually pushing past 22:00. The actress emphasized that the late start time disregards the months of strenuous work put in by actors, directors, and technical crews who labor through harsh weather conditions. “Mandarci in onda così tardi è scorretto verso tutti coloro che lavorano a questi progetti,” Ricci said.
Rai Executives Respond to Scheduling Criticisms
Ferrara addressed the backlash by noting the role of RaiPlay and the Total Audience, which allows for the consideration of viewing through the digital platform.
While executives point to platforms like RaiPlay and total audience metrics to accommodate changing viewing habits, Ricci dismissed digital streaming as an adequate substitute for traditional television. She emphasized the cultural value of families gathering together to watch a series in real-time rather than viewing content individually on separate devices.
Plot Details for Figlia della Cenere
The new season picks up five months after the events of the case of the Ninfa Dormiente. Commissario Teresa Battaglia investigates a series of murders where victims have had their distal phalanges removed and their sternums crushed with a blunt object. Alongside trusted inspectors Massimo Marini, played by Giuseppe Spata, and Giacomo Parisi, played by Gianluca Gobbi, the profiler discovers the killer is targeting individuals hiding deep personal sins.
Author Ilaria Tuti expressed enthusiasm for the adaptation of her novel, praising the respect shown to her characters and settings. In addition to the serial killer plot, the narrative explores Battaglia’s personal battles, including her struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and the threatening reappearance of her estranged husband, Sebastiano, who was responsible for past violence and preventing her from having children.
Common Questions About the Series and Schedule Debate
When does the third season of I casi di Teresa Battaglia air?
The series premieres on Monday, October 12, on Rai 1, with the first episode releasing early on RaiPlay starting October 10.
How many episodes comprise Figlia della Cenere?
The third season consists of eight total episodes broadcast across four prime-time television slots.
What specific criticism did Elena Sofia Ricci make regarding RaiPlay?
Ricci acknowledged the platform’s existence but argued it fails to replace traditional broadcasting because it separates families into individual screens rather than encouraging shared living room viewing.
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