March 24, 2025 marks a significant moment in Italian television with the debut of the new talk show "Obbligo o Verità" (Truth or Dare), hosted by the ever-charismatic Alessia Marcuzzi. Scheduled to air at 21:20 on Rai 2, the show promises to blend entertainment with authenticity by featuring celebrity guests who confront difficult questions and complete absurd challenges inspired by the classic party game.
After a notable stint co-hosting the Sanremo Festival, where she faced a whirlwind of online criticism regarding her lively attitude, Alessia Marcuzzi is back, this time under the spotlight of her own show. In an interview on "Domenica In," she expressed her happiness about her Sanremo experience but acknowledged the backlash she received, stating, "A Sanremo sono stata felicissima, sono stata me stessa. Io sono così, sempre scanzonata, forse un po' troppo... Ma non è vero, è una cosa che non mi appartiene... Non ho mai fumato in vita mia, non mi sono mai drogata. È l'unica cosa che mi dispiace, mia figlia ha 13 anni e legge quello che scrivono." This honesty shows her intention to tackle controversial issues head-on as she moves forward.
"Obbligo o Verità" is an adaptation of the French format "Action ou Vérité" and directed by Cristiano D’Alisera, showcasing a format that not only entertains but also peeks behind the curtain of celebrity life. The show's structure consists of an initial segment where Marcuzzi converses with her guests, allowing for light-hearted interactions before shifting into the challenging game elements.
The first episode features a colorful array of guests, including Asia Argento, actress and director, alongside her daughter Anna Lou Castoldi, comedian and television host Geppi Cucciari, former rugby player Martin Castrogiovanni, and influencers like Paola Iezzi, along with journalists Selvaggia Lucarelli and Salvo Sottile. Each guest will navigate the tricky waters of the challenge, posing genuine, often uncomfortable questions while also facing the spontaneous tests laid out for them.
The game centers around the entertaining duality of questions versus actions, where a chosen guest must either respond to a challenging inquiry or participate in a quirky task. For instance, Salvo Sottile's task involves calling director Giovanni Veronesi to pitch himself as an actor—a humorous twist that exemplifies the show's playful spirit.
Geppi Cucciari, another standout guest, will need to answer personal questions and even do a comedic review of a book she hasn’t read—adding a layer of spontaneity that keeps viewers engaged. Furthermore, the segment known as "Solo Tu" puts individual guests at the center, challenging them with tailored queries designed to reveal intimate truths, escalating the entertainment value while providing insight into the personal quirks and stories that shape them.
However, it’s not all about the games; the essence of "Obbligo o Verità" lies in its capacity to reveal the genuine nature of its guests. Hosting the show brings Marcuzzi back to her roots, leveraging her unique style that balances humor with heart. “I want to break the mold and ignite discussions—even on social media,” she said about her ambitions for the show.
As the airtime approaches, the excitement builds about how this new format will resonate with the Italian audience. With the blend of laughter, personal revelations, and unexpected challenges, "Obbligo o Verità" aims to position itself as a fun and engaging part of the Monday night lineup.
Through its quest for juxtapositions—revealing secrets while delivering sheer entertainment—Marcuzzi and her guests will undoubtedly provide an evening of surprises, laughter, and perhaps, as the title suggests, some courageous honesty. Saturday night TV may be evolving, but with shows like "Obbligo o Verità," it remains vibrant and filled with potential!
