In a sudden shift of programming, Mediaset has decided to halt its Monday evening lineup, including the reality show The Couple, in light of the death of Pope Francis. The decision, made on April 21, 2025, reflects a broader response from television networks across Italy, as they adjust their schedules to honor the pontiff's passing.
Hosted by Ilary Blasi, The Couple was set to air its third episode on Canale 5, but the network opted for a special program dedicated to Pope Francis instead. This special will feature live coverage from Rome, including interviews and tributes, showcasing the impact of the Pope's life and work.
As of April 22, 2025, there is speculation regarding the future of The Couple. While the live broadcast of the show is expected to return to Mediaset Extra, the planned airing of the third episode may be postponed to Thursday, April 24, 2025. However, the network is still deliberating on its weekly programming, which could lead to further changes.
Rumors have begun to circulate about the potential cancellation of The Couple, which has struggled to gain traction since its debut on April 7, 2025. The show's opening episode garnered a disappointing 18.55% share, and the second episode saw a significant drop to 13%, with only 1.557 million viewers tuning in. These figures have raised concerns among Mediaset executives, who have yet to comment on the show's future.
Insider reports suggest that the reality show, which replaced Grande Fratello on Canale 5, may conclude earlier than planned, possibly by May 5, 2025. The insider known as Hit noted that the initial plan included eight episodes, but due to the lackluster ratings, Mediaset might choose to air only five.
On April 21, as the world mourned Pope Francis, the programming changes extended beyond Mediaset. Other networks, including Rai, also altered their schedules to pay tribute to the late pontiff. For instance, Rai 1 replaced its planned special with a new episode of Porta a Porta, while Rai 2 aired a documentary about the Pope's travels instead of a scheduled game show finale.
As the day progressed, it became clear that the mourning for Pope Francis was not limited to television. The Lega Serie A postponed all scheduled matches, uniting fans in a collective moment of respect and remembrance.
While the networks are focused on honoring the Pope, questions linger about the future of The Couple. Viewers have expressed disappointment regarding the show's lack of originality, which may contribute to its struggles to attract an audience. With the ongoing changes in programming, it remains uncertain whether the reality show will return to its regular schedule or face an early cancellation.
Currently, Mediaset has not released any official statements regarding the suspension of The Couple on Mediaset Extra, leaving fans in the dark about the show's status. The absence of live updates means that viewers are unaware of the contestants' reactions to the significant events surrounding them.
As of April 22, 2025, Mediaset Extra is broadcasting religious-themed films, including Rita da Cascia and Don Gnocchi - L'angelo dei bambini, further emphasizing the network's commitment to honoring the Pope's legacy. The programming for the day remains focused on spiritual themes, with no indication that The Couple will return to the air anytime soon.
With the reality show already facing challenges, including dwindling viewership and a lack of excitement from the audience, the future of The Couple appears increasingly precarious. As Italy continues to pay its respects to Pope Francis, the fate of the reality show hangs in the balance, leaving fans and viewers to wonder what lies ahead.
The show’s initial promise has been overshadowed by its recent struggles, and the decision to suspend broadcasts may be a signal of deeper issues within Mediaset's programming strategy. As the network navigates this sensitive time, the potential for The Couple to remain on air is uncertain, with many speculating that its days may be numbered.
