The fifth season of the popular Italian series Mare Fuori premiered on Rai2 on March 26, 2025, drawing in 1,012,000 viewers and achieving a 5.9% share. This debut, while respectable, fell short of the previous season's launch, which had garnered 1.3 million viewers and an 8.3% share back in February 2024. The first episode of the new season attracted 1,101,000 viewers (5.7%), while the second episode saw a slight decline with 912,000 viewers (6.1%).
Despite the dip in live viewership, Mare Fuori has been a massive hit on the streaming platform RaiPlay. Since the release of its first part on March 12, 2025, the series has accumulated an impressive 35 million streams and 14 million hours viewed, making it the most-watched show ever on the platform. RaiPlay even experienced technical difficulties due to the overwhelming traffic on the night of the premiere, as fans flocked to watch the series.
Fans of Mare Fuori are particularly intrigued by the return of the character Ciro Ricci, played by Giacomo Giorgio. Ciro, who many believed had died in the first season, is back in the spotlight following a dramatic twist in the storyline: the revelation that his coffin is empty has sparked speculation that he might still be alive. This development has reignited discussions among fans about the character's fate.
However, not all is well behind the scenes. Giacomo Giorgio has publicly expressed his disagreement with the direction of Ciro's narrative arc in the fifth season. In an Instagram post, he stated, "The true narrative arc of Ciro began and ended in the first season." He elaborated that while he performed the scenes as scripted, he did not agree with the writing for this season. "The job of an actor is to interpret the scenes that the writers create, not to invent them. We are paid for this. Often, as in this season of Mare Fuori, an actor may not agree with the writing because the character's journey is flawed or the scene is poorly written. This is how I feel about the scenes in this season, but that doesn't mean my work becomes something else," he explained.
Despite his reservations, Giorgio emphasized his commitment to professionalism, stating, "I have done so this year and in previous years. I believe that Ciro's true journey began and ended in the first season, and nothing will change that. This year was the last time I met this character I loved so much. I thank you infinitely for the love and affection you show me every day. With all humility and gratitude, I look forward to many more stories that await us, striving to always deserve your attention. Happy and proud of the journey that all the 'old and new' kids of Mare Fuori are making. It will always remain a gem, and I will always be the first fan of this beautiful series. The only thing that matters, beyond the chatter, is the heart. Always."
Giorgio's statements have resonated with many fans, who are curious about the implications for Ciro's character. When asked directly if Ciro is alive, Giorgio's response was a firm "No." This straightforwardness has only fueled further speculation and discussion among the show's followers.
As the fifth season unfolds, fans are eager to see how the new episodes will develop, especially with the introduction of new characters alongside the familiar faces. The series, which has captured the hearts of viewers since its inception, continues to evolve and adapt, maintaining a strong presence in the Italian television landscape.
In summary, while Mare Fuori may have experienced a decline in traditional viewership compared to its previous season, its remarkable performance on streaming platforms highlights the shifting landscape of media consumption. The passionate discussions surrounding character arcs and actor sentiments only add to the show's depth and connection with its audience. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will play out and what surprises the creators have in store for fans.
