Fiorello returns to Rai2 with "La Mattinanza" and that surname that 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 few mornings, you've probably tuned into Rai2. Fiorello is back, and in the most explosive way possible: with "La Mattinanza," a daily show that's literally revolutionising Italian breakfast time. Forget carefully planned podcasts or rigid playlists; here, it's all off-the-cuff, with surprise guests, crazy phone calls, and that controlled chaos that only the king of radio and TV can orchestrate.
The adventure kicked off recently on Rai2, and you can already sense a feeling of triumph. Gossipmongers say it's been a bitter pill for Rai1's morning show – and actually, while the main channel focuses on more traditional formats, Fiorello is letting loose his band of pranksters on the other side. But don't call it a ratings war; it's simply the Fiorello-philosophy applied to the morning slot, the time he knows better than anyone. Each day brings fresh content, live performances, and that unique way he has of pulling real life into the mix, something only someone with thirty years in the business can pull off.
Speaking of careers and names: 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, that's because Fiorello LaGuardia was one of the Big Apple's most beloved mayors, the one who gave his name to the airport and also to the legendary LaGuardia High School, the performing arts school that produced talents like Jennifer Aniston and Al Pacino. Sure, there's no family tie between the Italian-American politician and our Sicilian showman, but every time I hear the airport's name, I think: what if one day Rosario decided to do a show right from there? After all, with "La Mattinanza," he's already taken off...
Here are three things that make "La Mattinanza" unmissable (and that might also explain the word "Fiorello!" written with an exclamation mark):
- 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 surprise appearances by the crew and calls to random numbers.
- Instant mimicry: He imitates politicians, singers, and trending personalities without needing masks. Just a facial expression and the right voice are enough to trigger laughter.
- The ability to bring the streets onto TV: Passers-by interviewed from the window, unauthorised parking attendants becoming commentators, grandparents telling stories from the past. It's the real, unfiltered Italy.
If you want to know what everyone at the office will be talking about, tune into 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 organise a live broadcast from LaGuardia Airport… perhaps titling the episode "Fiorello! Lands in New York." That would be the perfect cherry on top of an already perfect morning.