Television ratings soared on March 19, 2025, as acclaimed actor Roberto Benigni made a grand return to Rai 1 with his much-anticipated performance in 'Il Sogno', a heartfelt show dedicated to exploring the theme of Europe. Drawing in a staggering 4,396,000 viewers and achieving a remarkable 28.1% share, the show was set against stiff competition from other prime-time programs.
'Il Sogno,' which aired live and was also broadcast via Eurovision and streamed on RaiPlay, marks the first appearance of Benigni in this format since his celebrated 'I dieci comandamenti' a decade ago. With reflections touching on deep emotions and shared aspirations, this event was nothing short of a cultural phenomenon. The show captivated audiences, as it prompted discussions about the prevailing issues faced by Europe today.
As viewers tuned in to Rai 1, they were treated to an evening that sought to unite and inspire, a message underscored by Benigni's powerful narrative. He stated, “They want us weak and divided; they are afraid because in Europe, we are 500 million people, 100 million more than the U.S., almost four times Russia, and our currency could become the number one in global trade.” Benigni's call for solidarity amidst the current global climate resonated, emphasizing that unity could elevate Europe as the world's greatest power.
Competing against 'Il Sogno' was Gerry Scotti’s 'Lo Show dei Record' on Canale 5, which attracted 1,707,000 viewers, resulting in an 11.9% share. Also in the mix was 'Chi l’ha visto?' on Rai 3, which covered topical cases including Andrea Prospero and Liliana Resinovich, drawing in 1,529,000 viewers with a 9.6% share.
Besides Benigni's triumphant return to television, the overall ratings for various channels on that evening revealed a dynamic battle within the Italian television landscape. 'Red' on Italia 1 garnered 1,049,000 viewers (6.2%), while 'The Equalizer 2' on Rai 2 attracted 1,039,000 (6.1%). The evening's line-up continued with 'Fuori dal Coro' on Rete 4 which managed 746,000 viewers (5.6%), and 'Una giornata particolare' covering historical events, including the Fosse Ardeatine massacre, drawing in 538,000 viewers (3.4%) on La7.
Maestro Benigni's passionate plea for unity and peace went beyond mere entertainment. He invoked the dream of universal peace being within reach, asserting, “I tell you yes, without hesitation; it is inevitable: war will end forever, there is no alternative.” His voice was underpinned by a deep sense of hope for the future of Europe that the audience met with applause. This dream reflected aspirations familiar to many viewers in an age where unity and collaboration seem increasingly distant.
In the access prime time slot, viewer preferences skewed toward Rai 1 with 'Affari Tuoi' capturing significant attention at 6,268,000 viewers, translating to a 30.8% share, far surpassing 'Striscia la Notizia' on Canale 5 with 2,672,000 viewers (13.2%). Similarly, the pre-prime slot saw 'L'Eredità' achieving an impressive audience of 4,188,000 viewers (26.3%) on Rai 1.
These results illustrate the ongoing competition between networks. As audiences are increasingly fragmented, the ability to capture large viewer shares with compelling content is vital. Shows like 'Il Sogno' serve as poignant reminders of the cultural power of television and its capacity to inspire and unite, especially in turbulent times.
In summary, Wednesday night’s television offerings in Italy showcased a blend of heartfelt narratives with engaging content. Benigni's 'Il Sogno' dominated the ratings, reinforcing the idea that thoughtful and inspiring programming can not only entertain but also spark meaningful dialogue among viewers. In a world often fragmented by divides, perhaps the biggest winners of the night were the messages of unity and hope Carried through Benigni's work.
