Fabio Fazio’s late-night talk segment Il Tavolo di Che Tempo Che Fa has seen its audience share drop to roughly 3 percent following its move to Wednesday nights on the NOVE network, according to reporting by Today. The format, which has transitioned into a standalone prime-time broadcast starting at 21:25 and streaming on discovery+, faces criticism for a rigid structure and an overstrained cast.
Audience Share Declines as the Wednesday Broadcast Struggles
The program’s ratings have plateaued at a 3 percent share, prompting a critical look at the mechanics of the show. Today reported that while the segment relies on a familiar repertory company reminiscent of Renzo Arbore’s classic television gatherings, the resulting broadcast often feels mechanical and overly rehearsed rather than spontaneous.
Fixed Roles Limit Screen Time for Guest Participants
The broadcast features a large ensemble of fourteen regular participants, which Today notes limits screen time for passing guests, such as athletes and musicians. Regular cast members occupy fixed roles designed for instant recognition. Francesco Paolantoni frequently serves as a comedic target, Paolo Rossi employs slow and surreal humor, Gigi Marzullo asks cryptic questions, and Giucas Casella often becomes the focal point of lighthearted ribbing regarding his hair dye and hearing.
Meanwhile, performers like Ubaldo Pantani and Nino Frassica have been largely relegated to the sidelines. Pantani’s impersonations are increasingly confined to Lapo Elkann, while Frassica’s appearances are clustered near the end of the two-hour-and-thirty-minute runtime, preceded by an introductory segment with Diego Abatantuono that Today describes as misaligned.
Network Schedules Prime-Time Editions with Cultural Figures
Despite the ratings friction, the network continues to build out standalone prime-time editions for the format. Movieplayer reported that the broadcast scheduled for October featured cultural figures like Michele Serra alongside cinema stars Diego Abatantuono and Giulia Vecchio, who appeared to promote Massimiliano Bruno’s upcoming comedy Un tranquillo funerale di famiglia. The lineup also included singer Iva Zanicchi, promoting her upcoming theatrical tour in Viva la mamma!, and Olympic bronze medalist Andy Díaz Hernández.
Comparing Current Formats with Past Seasons
Today noted that the segment previously functioned as a relaxed, recreational conclusion to Sunday evening broadcasts. Industry analysts and reviewers frequently point to the 2017-2018 iteration on second-half Rai as the strongest version of the format, characterized by a smaller roster of dinner guests, a tighter runtime, and stricter moderation by Fazio.
Frequently Asked Questions About Il Tavolo
Where is Il Tavolo di Che Tempo Che Fa broadcast?
The program airs live on the NOVE channel and streams on discovery+ at 21:25.
What are the primary criticisms of the Wednesday night format?
Today reported that critics find the broadcast overly long at two and a half hours, featuring an excessive cast of fourteen participants that leaves passing guests with limited speaking time.
Who are some of the recurring cast members on the show?
The regular ensemble includes Nino Frassica, Francesco Paolantoni, Giucas Casella, Orietta Berti, Paolo Rossi, Simona Ventura, Mara Maionchi, Gigi Marzullo, Ubaldo Pantani, and the Signora Coriandoli.
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