Fiorello's "La Mattinanza" on Rai2 and That Surname That Flies All the Way to New York: What's the Link to LaGuardia Airport?
If you've woken up with a smile on your face these past few mornings, you've probably been tuning into Rai2. Fiorello is back, and he's made his return in the most explosive way possible: with "La Mattinanza," a daily morning show that's literally revolutionising breakfast time for Italians. Forget meticulously planned podcasts or rigid rundowns; here, it's all off-the-cuff, with surprise guests, improbable phone calls, and that signature controlled chaos that only the king of radio and TV can orchestrate.
The adventure kicked off just recently on Rai2, and you can already sense a sweet taste of vindication. Gossipmongers are saying it's been a bitter pill for Rai1's morning lineup – and indeed, while the main channel leans into more traditional formats, Fiorello is over on the other side, unleashing his merry band of pranksters. But don't call it a ratings war; it's simply the Fiorello mindset applied to the morning slot, a time he knows better than anyone. Every day brings fresh content, live performances, and his unique way of weaving in real life, a privilege earned from thirty years in the business.
Speaking of career and names: did you know that Fiorello isn't just our Rosario? Across the ocean, in New York, there's LaGuardia Airport sharing the same surname. And yes, that's because Fiorello LaGuardia was one of the Big Apple's most beloved mayors, the man who lent his name to the airport and also to the legendary LaGuardia High School, the famed 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 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 off...
Here are three things that make "La Mattinanza" unmissable (and might just explain the exclamation mark in "Fiorello!"):
- The disarming lack of a script: Each episode is a gamble. Fiorello sits down, looks at the camera, and just starts. The rest is pure improvisation, including surprise appearances from the crew and calls to random numbers.
- Instantaneous impressions: He mimics politicians, singers, and current celebrities without any need for costumes or masks. Just a facial expression and the right voice are enough to spark hilarity.
- The ability to bring real life to TV: From passers-by interviewed out the window to unauthorised parking attendants turned commentators, and grandparents sharing stories from a bygone era. It's the real, unfiltered Italy.
If you want to know what everyone will be chatting about at the coffee shop, just 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-spirited, can still be great entertainment. And who knows, maybe sooner or later he'll organise a live broadcast from LaGuardia Airport… maybe even titling the episode "Fiorello! Lands in New York." That would be the perfect cherry on top of an already perfect morning.