Winter is the perfect time to cosy up with compelling Italian TV shows on Netflix, whether you’re interested in crime drama, teen series, historical fiction, or character-driven comedy. Not only are these series entertaining, they’re also a fun way to improve your Italian listening skills when you add Italian audio with English subtitles.

My ‘curated’ list from hours watching tv (it’s a tough job!) covers both classic favourites and modern gems that showcase Italy’s diverse storytelling, from gritty city streets to elite Roman neighbourhoods.

It’s officially cold now, the clocks have changed and it’s dark here in London from 4pm! This makes us think of getting cosy, popping on our slippers, making a hot chocolate or glass of wine and watching something fab on a Saturday night. While still learning Italian language!

Last year I shared some great Italian films to watch on Amazon Prime. This is still my most read article on Mammaprada so clearly you all like snuggling down to watch a new show as much as we do. Italian movies and shows are a great way to practice your Italian and learn about Italian culture. And if you struggle to understand you can easily add the English subtitles and watch in your native language.

This time I’ve decided to go through Netflix (obviously in the interests of research for my lovely readers!). So below you’ll find a list of:

5 Italian shows to watch this Winter with Netflix

1. Carlo & Malik

I loved this Netflix original series and can’t wait for Series 2, please make one Netflix!

A compelling crime drama about an Italian detective partnered with an immigrant officer navigating cultural tensions in Rome, gripping, socially relevant, and perfect for winter binge-watching.

This crime drama stars Veteran Police Detective Carlo who much to his dismay is teamed with an Ivory-Coast born, Italian immigrant Officer Malik.

Given immigration is a huge topic in Italy at the moment this show bravely navigates between the judgements and acceptances throughout his Roman community.

The storylines are gripping, moving and not so unnecessarily violent that it makes it unwatchable.

The issues raised are very close to what is happening in Italy right now, mixed with an underlying mystery around Carlo’s past which carries through each episode and keeps you guessing!

Mammaprada+%3A%3A+5+Best+Italian+TV+Shows+to+Watch+this+Winter Two men, one white man, one black man, police men, men with guns

2. Suburra

If you loved Gomorrah then Suburra the film or series is definitely for you. This gritty crime drama explores mafia rivalries, corruption, and power struggles in Rome and beyond, a darker, authentic slice of Italy that’s captivated global audiences.

The story includes rival mafia gangs, corrupt politicians and the involvement of the Catholic church.

If only it were all fiction! This is the true dark side of Italy and is weirdly captivating despite being so concerning!

Should you be interested in the non-Hollywood version of Italy this is a great insight into organised crime and the depths it has really infiltrated Italian society.

If you google the characters afterwards you will find the details of the real-life incidents from where the inspiration was taken.

Mammaprada :: 5 Best Italian TV Shows for Winter with Netflix 3 men in front of a building

3. Medici

A historical drama about the powerful Medici family of Renaissance Florence. Think political intrigue, art patronage, and palace-level drama, perfect if you love history and period pieces.

Set in 15th Century Florence the powerful Medici family are making their presence known in politics and the arts.

The House of Medici was considered one of the wealthiest families in Europe.

They founded the Medici bank, financed the invention of the piano and opera. Funded the construction of Saint Peter's Basilica and patronaged artists such as Leonardo, Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo.

Here in the series, you’ll find power struggles, lustful encounters, murder and much more.

There is a perfect mix of historical fact and fiction here to keep you occupied and it is set in beautiful Florence… it’s the perfect drama series!

Mammaprada :: 5 Best Italian TV Shows to Watch on Netflix this Winter. one man in a chair, birds flying.

4. Ordinary Heroes

A slightly different but fascinating watch. This documentary series tells inspiring real stories of Italians whose actions transformed their communities uplifting and thought-provoking.

A series which highlights the selflessness of four Italian citizens who took a stand within their communities and whose actions have now helped transform Italian society.

There are three episodes and three stories.

Each is uplifting and shares a great deal of information on the complexity of Italian society.

I won’t spoil it and give away the details of each but the people in these stories made a real impact on the Italy we know today.

5. Baby

A teen drama set among Rome’s elite, inspired by real events, tense, stylish, and gripping. Baby is an Italian tv series. A teen drama set in the exclusive Parioli neighbourhood of Rome.

Initially focusing on a group of students at a snooty private school, with children of immense privilege.

Two girls start to take risks as although they believe they are living their “best life,” behind closed doors, they are involved with something more sinister.

Touching on teen prostitution and sexual freedom amongst men and women this is another interesting Netflix series.

Once again this is likely inspired by true events. In 2013 the famous ‘baby squillo’ scandal rocked Italy. It was discovered that a group of young teenage girls from the Parioli distinct of Rome were found to be part of a high-class prostitution ring in exchange for money to fund their expensive tastes.

Mammaprada :: 5 Best Italian TV Shows to Watch this Winter with Netflix. Two young women.

New Netflix Italian Shows in 2026

6. Tear Along the Dotted Line (Strappare lungo i bordi)
This Italian animated comedy-drama follows a reflection on friendship and life through a unique artistic lens, created by renowned cartoonist Zerocalcare. It’s a shorter series with deep emotional resonance, ideal for binge sessions.

7. The Life You Wanted (La vita che volevi)
A 2024 Italian drama miniseries about life, identity, and unexpected twists, with strong performances and a thought-provoking narrative.

8. Framed! A Sicilian Murder Mystery (Incastrati)
A crime comedy series set in Sicily with sharp humour and unpredictable mysteries — a lighter counterpoint to heavier crime dramas.

More Italian Shows to Consider

Riv4lries

Teen drama with youthful energy and heartfelt storytelling. The series tells the story of class 3D. At the center of attention are two rival groups: the Insiders, led by the popular Claudio and his best friend Dario, and the Outsiders, a new clique centered on the bold Terry, who has just arrived at the school from Rome.

The Law According to Lidia Poët

Critically acclaimed legal drama with strong historical themes. The story is set in Turin in 1883, when Italy had just been founded as a country under the rule of King Victor Emmanuel II, having only unified in 1861. Matilda De Angelis plays the role of Lidia, 62 years before women were fully granted suffrage.

Nuovo Olimpo

Italian romantic film, great for movie nights. It tells the story of two men who meet and fall in love in late-1970s Rome, only to be separated unexpectedly.

Devotion, a Story of Love and Desire

A romantic drama miniseries that appeals to fans of relationship-focused stories. A happy marriage is tested when both spouses become tempted by other desires.

Why These Shows Are Worth Watching?

These Italian Netflix shows offer a mix of genres, from gripping crime narratives and historical sagas to character-driven dramas and uplifting real-life stories. Whether you’re looking for something educational, dramatic, or emotionally rich, this list reflects the best of Italy’s television storytelling available on Netflix.

How to Watch Italian Shows With Subtitles

Most Italian shows on Netflix let you switch the audio and subtitles. If your goal is to practice Italian, watch with original Italian audio and English subtitles. This boosts comprehension and makes for a richer cultural experience.
To change subtitles: go to Netflix playback settings → Audio & Subtitles → choose “Italian” for audio and either “English” or “Italian” for subtitles.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best Italian TV shows on YouTube?

On YouTube there are usually only short clips of Italian TV shows. However Rai, the main TV channel in Italy has a platform called Rai Play where you can catch up with many of their regular Italian TV shows. Check out what’s available here.

What are some Italian TV series with English subtitles?

On Netflix and Amazon Prime you can watch with English subtitles. Take a look at our list of Italian shows on Amazon Prime here.

What are the best foreign TV series on Netflix?

This is a tough one as everybody enjoys different types of TV shows and films. If we just focus on Italian programmes Gomorrah used to be the most popular. This has now been taken off Netflix and their Mafia show above, Suburra along with Medici seem to be the most viewed.