The Italian television series Le Onde del Passato has made its debut, capturing the hearts of audiences on Canale 5. Following its premiere on February 19, 2025, the show has quickly climbed to impressive viewership numbers, securing 2.756 million viewers and achieving a 16.14% share. The excitement continued with peaks reaching 3.3 million spectators, demonstrating its popularity right out of the gate.
Produced by Banijay Studios Italy, the six-part series is directed by Giulio Manfredonia and features a talented cast led by Anna Valle as Anna Reali, Giorgio Marchesi as Luca Bonnard, and Irene Ferri as Tamara Valente. Their story begins with both women experiencing life-altering trauma when they become victims of violence during a sailing trip. Fast forward twenty years, Anna has transformed her life, becoming an accomplished pilot, creating protective barriers around herself. Tamara, on the other hand, has chosen to stay on the island, opening the charming B&B named "Le Sirene," dedicated to helping guests heal from their personal battles.
The calmness of their lives is disrupted when Tamara suddenly contacts Anna after two decades, uttering the chilling words, "He is here." This refers to LUI, the wealthy tourist who becomes the key to unraveling the secrets of their past. Tamara, still grappling with the horrors of their shared experience, captures the man she believes is linked to their trauma. But when Anna arrives, she finds the man dead, shot, which makes Tamara the prime suspect when the detective, Luca Bonnard, dives deep to solve the murder.
Giorgio Marchesi expresses the complexity of his character, the police commissioner Luca Bonnard, who is drawn to Anna not just because of her beauty, but because of their intense history. "Anna hits Luca immediately, not only because she's beautiful, but there's something stronger," he says, hinting at the chemistry and unresolved feelings between them, stemming from the life-threatening situation they endured together years ago. The tension builds as Luca must separate personal feelings from his duty to investigate the murder.
The show is characterized by its rich storytelling and has been praised for its emotional depth and relatable characters. Viewers are introduced to Anna grappling with her past and present — raising Mia (Tamara's daughter who is unaware of the dark circumstances of her birth) and managing the B&B where secrets linger. Each character involved is overwhelmed by deep personal struggles and complicated moral decisions.
“Le Onde del Passato, first title of the new fiction season of Mediaset, has convinced the Canale 5 audience,” said Giancarlo Scheri, the network's director. He adds, “It’s intense fiction, which tells the weight of the past and the courage to face it.” This resonates strongly throughout each episode as the series dives deep, exploring how the trauma of the past threatens the futures of its characters.
Upcoming episodes promise even more intrigue. The fourth installment, airing on March 7, will feature significant developments as Anna faces difficult decisions, risking the exposure of her hidden secrets. Meanwhile, Beatrice, played by Silvia Mazzieri, grapples with the damning truths about her father. With the death of the former commissioner, emotional stakes become higher, drawing characters like Mia and Anna even closer to crisis as they confront their inner turmoils.
The pressure mounts for Anna, who is trying her best to shield Mia and everyone around her from the repercussions of their histories—the investigation's shadows grow longer as the characters navigate their morally precarious situations.
Although there are entertaining elements, swift-paced action, and dangerous situations, the underlying themes of redemption, trust, and confronting the past are the heart of Le Onde del Passato. The addition of scenic backdrops, primarily shot on the breathtaking Island of Elba, adds to its allure, presenting viewers with stunning views intertwined with the stories of intrigue and emotion.
With the promising start of this series and captivating storytelling, each new episode leads viewers closer to truths hidden for years, presenting them with twists and surprises. The emotional stakes are as high as the tides, ensuring audiences remain invested and engaged as they follow Anna and Tamara's journeys toward healing and justice.
It’s clear, Le Onde del Passato is poised to be one of the standout series of this television season, offering viewers not only entertainment but food for thought about personal and collective histories.