On February 27, 2025, the highly anticipated eighth season of Che Dio ci aiuti premiered on Rai Uno, drawing viewers back to the world of Sister Angela and her successor, Sister Azzurra, portrayed by Francesca Chillemi. With excitement surrounding the show's return, fans are eager to discover not only the plot twists but also the new filming locations integral to this season's storyline.
Filming for the eighth installment took place from June 2024 to February 2025, transitioning from past seasons set primarily around Assisi and Fabriano to the vibrant city of Rome. The storyline has undeniably shifted, with Sister Azzurra stepping away from the convent to manage the Casa del Sorriso, a place dedicated to helping vulnerable young girls.
According to scenes portrayed, the change of scenery is quite pronounced. While earlier seasons featured Assisi's scenic beauty, renowned for its historical and architectural significance, this season embraces the rich cultural fabric of Rome. Sister Azzurra's new role in the Casa del Sorriso dramatizes the series's core themes: resilience, community, and hope amid adversity.
The decision to set the series largely around family care homes stems from the narrative's goal to explore challenging real-life stories. Scriptwriter Silvia Leuzzi remarked, "We've taken up the challenge to renew ourselves without betraying the fundamental ingredients; we can define this as a revolutionary edition." This evolution reflects the real-life circumstances faced by the 26,010 minors currently living across Italian family care and educational structures.
Leuzzi added, "These contexts reveal heartbreaking stories, yet hope is never absent. Everyone needs to know someone cares, and this narrative resonates through our characters. The Casa del Sorriso serves not only as the setting for Sister Azzurra’s growth but also as a stepping stone for the girls who inhabit this environment. Many have faced significant trauma but need to find their paths to healing."
The Casa del Sorriso merges education with family dynamics, housing girls who have been separated from their families. Leuzzi disclosed, "The house reflects the realities of actual care homes we visited, capturing the essence of these structures. It operates as a nurturing environment, ensuring the girls can rebuild their lives alongside caring adults, facilitating classroom interactions as well as personal growth. The need for love and acceptance remains central to their stories."
Key filming locations for this season include the hallowed streets and architectural wonders of Rome. The series shot various scenes around the Trieste neighborhood, capturing the essence of local life. Locations like Villa de Heritz and Villa Ada, the latter once owned by the royal Savoia family, set the stage for Sister Azzurra's new adventures.
While the heartwarming moments remain, this season is not only about light-hearted interactions among students but also tackles pressing issues such as abuse and petty crime. Characters like Sister Azzurra will be challenged not just to guide but also to learn about the complex realities the girls confront daily. “More than teaching, Azzurra will learn from these girls, facing her fears as they navigate their relationships with the outside world,” Leuzzi noted.
Filming also included recognizable landmarks such as the Convento degli Angeli Custodi, which remains central to the storyline, and key churches like the Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi and the Cattedrale di San Ruffino. The choice of settings allows the series to explore the balance between tradition and contemporary issues faced by the characters.
Outside the religious landmarks, the series takes advantage of the scenic beauty surrounding Rome. Filming locations include areas rich with history, from the busy streets around Porta Pia to the tranquil beauty of Villa Reale, blending natural and urban landscapes seamlessly. “We wanted to capture the vibrancy of the city, showing how much these girls need the community around them,” observed location manager Giacomo Rossi.
With the debut of this season, it is clear the show has made significant efforts to remain relevant and reflective of societal issues today. The production embraces real-life challenges faced by its characters, enhancing the emotional depth the audience has come to appreciate.
Fans of Che Dio ci aiuti are expected to witness compelling storylines supported by thoughtful production choices, ensuring the eighth season stands out remarkably yet reflects the series’ core ethos.
For viewers eager to experience the new locations and heartfelt narratives, the first episode promises more than just laughter—it offers stories of courage and resilience woven through the fabric of life at the Casa del Sorriso. Settle down as Sister Azzurra dives headfirst not only to teach her young charges but also to rediscover her purpose within the community.