Alberto Angela's Christmas special, Stanotte a Roma, captured the hearts of over three million Italian viewers on December 25, achieving impressive ratings and igniting widespread discussion across social media.
While many celebrated Angela's portrayal of the Eternal City, Aldo Grasso, a prominent critic for Corriere della Sera, did not hold back, launching scathing critiques of the program's content and presentation. Grasso described the special as reminiscent of 'Tv dei ragazzi,' marked by 'the rhetorical explanations' of actor Giancarlo Giannini and 'somewhat sloppy interpretations' from actor Edoardo Leo. His observations painted the program as little more than a postcard version of Rome: 'Nothing traffic, nothing garbage, nothing construction sites.'
Angela, renowned for his ability to engage audiences through cultural storytelling, aimed to highlight lesser-known parts of Rome, mixing established landmarks with hidden gems lacking tourist crowds. He stated, "The beauty of Rome is one of captivating nature. I am proud of this success; it was a collective narrative." The special also featured esteemed guests from the arts community, including Giancarlo Giannini and Claudio Baglioni, allowing viewers to experience both the glamour and depth of Roman culture.
Despite the criticism, Angela's program achieved significant viewership, reaching 20.9% of the audience share, placing it firmly as the most-watched program on Christmas night. Responding to his critics, Angela expressed satisfaction with the audience's warm reception, signifying the program's resonance, even if it faced critique.
Following Grasso's critique, social media erupted with praise for Angela, and many users rallied to defend him. Comments flooded platforms, with users asserting, "Alberto Angela is a wonderful person, just like his father was," emphasizing Angela's connection with the audience and likening his approach to education as humble yet effective. Others called Grasso's remarks unfounded, labelling them as somewhat bitter and inappropriate. “It’s really gratuitous and inaccurate criticism!” exclaimed one user, highlighting the beloved nature of Angela’s work.
Some fans even drew comparisons between Grasso’s critiques and legendary criticisms noted within other spheres, evoking images of former tennis players making nitpicky statements about the younger generation of athletes. The defense of Angela showcased his unique storytelling method and deep cultural engagement, pushing back against the assertion of his work as merely superficial or ‘commonplace.’
Angela’s narrative skill allows him to present culture and history accessibly, and his programs have often garnered high audiences. This show was no different, showcasing enchanting aspects of Rome through stunning cinematography and ambiance heightened by the cultural performances imbued throughout the special, like Antonella Ruggiero’s stirring interpretation during the segment at the Colosseum.
More than just another holiday special, Stanotte a Roma symbolizes the divide between critics and the viewing public. It reflects broader issues within cultural discourse surrounding how historical narratives are presented and the expectations held by both viewers and commentators. With Angela maintaining his status as one of Italy’s favorite cultural figures, this incident highlights the complexity of cultural critique.
Whether appreciated or criticized, Angela's work undoubtedly sparked important discussions on representation, creativity, and the standards imposed by cultural critics. The viewers’ passion to defend Angela against Grasso’s harsh words shows the strong connection many feel with the show's enlightening yet entertaining content.
Angela's ability to engage and educate his audience on Italy's rich cultural legacy remains uncompromised as he continues sharing the captivating beauty of Italy's capital. The combination of high viewership and passionate responses indicates the show's success and the enduring allure and importance of accessible cultural narratives.
