Fiorello's 'La Mattinanza' Takes Over Rai2 — and His Name Flies All the Way to New York: What's the Connection with LaGuardia Airport?
If you've woken up with a smile on your face these past mornings, you've probably tuned into Rai2. Fiorello is back, and he's done it in the most explosive way possible: with “La Mattinanza,” a daily show that's literally revolutionizing Italians' breakfasts. No carefully crafted podcasts or rigid schedules here — it's all off-the-cuff, with surprise guests, unlikely phone calls, and that controlled chaos that only the king of radio and TV can orchestrate.
The adventure kicked off on Rai2 these days, and you can already sense a whiff of vindication. Gossips say it's been a bitter pill for Rai1's morning show — and indeed, while the main channel sticks to more traditional formulas, Fiorello unleashes his army of pranksters on the other side. But don't call it a ratings war: it's simply the Fiorello mindset applied to the morning slot, the one he knows better than anyone. Every day brings fresh content, live performances, and his way of pulling in real life, as only someone with thirty years of career behind them can afford.
Speaking of career and name: did you know that Fiorello isn't just our Rosario? Across the ocean, in New York, there's LaGuardia Airport that shares the same surname. And yes, because Fiorello LaGuardia was one of the most beloved mayors of the Big Apple, the one who gave his name to the airport and also to the legendary LaGuardia High School, the performing arts school that churned out talents like Jennifer Aniston and Al Pacino. Sure, there's no kinship between the Italian-American politician and our Sicilian showman, but every time I hear the airport's name, I can't help but think: what if one day Rosario decided to do a show right from there? After all, with “La Mattinanza,” he's already taken flight...
Here are three things that make “La Mattinanza” a must-watch (and that might also explain the word “Fiorello!” written with an exclamation):
- The disarming lack of a script: Every episode is a gamble. Fiorello sits down, looks at the camera, and starts. The rest is pure improvisation, including tech crew intrusions and calls to random numbers.
- Instant transformation: He imitates politicians, singers, and current personalities without needing masks. Just an expression and the right voice are enough to spark hilarity.
- The ability to bring the street to TV: Passersby interviewed from the window, illegal parking attendants turned pundits, grandparents telling stories from yesteryear. It's the real Italy, unfiltered.
If you want to know what everyone will be talking about at the café, tune in to Rai2. Fiorello is back doing what he does best: keeping us company, making us laugh, and reminding us that TV, when it's free, can still be great entertainment. And who knows, maybe sooner or later he'll organize a live broadcast from LaGuardia Airport… perhaps titling the episode “Fiorello! Lands in New York.” It would be the classic cherry on top of an already perfect morning.