Introduction
Italian television has been experiencing a global renaissance, with modern Italian TV series gaining recognition far beyond their borders. Thanks to streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO, and Sky, these shows are no longer hidden gems but have become famous Italian series appreciated worldwide.
In this article, you’ll discover the Best 10 Italian TV series that combine compelling storytelling, powerful performances, and top-tier production values. From gritty crime sagas to historical dramas and even animated reflections on life, this curated list will introduce you to the strongest modern Italian series you don’t want to miss.
1) My Brilliant Friend (L’amica geniale)
Summary: The series My Brilliant Friend (L’amica geniale) stands out as one of the Top modern Italian series, portraying the lifelong friendship between Elena and Lila in Naples. The show captures both personal struggles and sweeping social change, making it one of the Top Italian TV series of recent years. As one of the famous Italian series based on Elena Ferrante’s acclaimed novels, it’s a moving drama that resonates with viewers globally.
Why watch it? It combines literary richness with cinematic storytelling.
Rating: 8.6/10
Genre: Drama / Coming-of-Age
Production years: 2018–2024
Director: Saverio Costanzo
Main cast: Gaia Girace, Margherita Mazzucco
Available on: HBO / Rai
2) Gomorrah 🖤
Summary: Gomorrah is widely regarded as one of the strongest modern Italian series, immersing you in the brutal world of the Camorra mafia in Naples. Its realism and intensity have turned it into one of the most famous Italian series worldwide, making it a benchmark for crime dramas. If you’re seeking the Top Italian TV series, this gritty classic is a must-watch.
Why watch it? For its raw, realistic look at mafia life.
Rating: 8.7/10
Genre: Crime / Drama
Production years: 2014–2021
Director: Stefano Sollima
Main cast: Marco D’Amore, Salvatore Esposito
Available on: Sky Atlantic
3) M. Il figlio del secolo (Mussolini: Son of the Century) 🔥
Summary: The drama M. Il figlio del secolo tells the story of Mussolini’s rise to power in the 1920s. This production is part of the Modern Italian TV series
thanks to its political depth and strong performances. It reflects how modern Italian TV series can handle sensitive historical subjects while being visually captivating, making it one of the strongest modern Italian series.
Why watch it? To experience a cinematic portrayal of Italy’s turbulent past.
Rating: 8.0/10
Genre: Historical Drama / Political
Year: 2025
Director: Joe Wright
Main cast: Luca Marinelli
Available on: Sky Atlantic
4) Blocco 181 ⚡
Summary: Set in Milan, Blocco 181 combines crime, action, and unconventional love stories. It has quickly gained recognition as one of the famous Italian series for its youthful, urban style. As one of the Top modern Italian series, it reflects modern Italy’s multicultural dynamics and deserves its spot among the best Italian TV series.
Why watch it? For its fast-paced urban storytelling.
Rating: 7.5/10
Genre: Drama / Crime / Action
Year: 2022–present
Director: Giuseppe Capotondi
Main cast: Laura Osma, Alessandro Piavani
Available on: Sky Atlantic
5) Framed! A Sicilian Murder Mystery (Incastrati) 😄🔪
Summary: Framed! A Sicilian Murder Mystery (Incastrati) is a comedy-crime show that blends humor with suspense. As one of the best Italian TV series on Netflix, it is loved for its lighthearted yet thrilling approach. If you’re looking for modern Italian TV series that can make you laugh while keeping you hooked, this is among the Top modern Italian series to try.
Why watch it? It’s a unique mix of comedy and crime set in Sicily.
Rating: 7.8/10
Genre: Comedy / Crime
Year: 2022–2023
Main cast: Ficarra e Picone
Available on: Netflix
6) La Storia 🎖️
Summary: The historical drama La Storia adapts Elsa Morante’s novel, telling the story of a mother and son surviving in wartime Rome. It stands as one of the best modern Italian series for its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of history. As one of the Top 10 Italian TV series, it proves that modern Italian TV series can be both educational and moving.
Why watch it? For its heartfelt and realistic depiction of human survival.
Rating: 8.2/10
Genre: Historical Drama
Year: 2024
Director: Francesca Archibugi
Main cast: Jasmine Trinca, Asia Argento
Available on: Rai / Prime Video
7) Supersex 🎭
Summary: Supersex is a bold biographical drama inspired by the life of Rocco Siffredi. As one of the strongest modern Italian series, it sparked global debate due to its subject matter. It is part of the Top 10 Italian TV series on Netflix for viewers curious about famous Italian series with controversial themes.
Why watch it? For its daring storytelling and strong performances.
Rating: 7.2/10
Genre: Biographical Drama
Year: 2024
Director: Matteo Rovere
Main cast: Alessandro Borghi
Available on: Netflix
8) Deceitful Love (Inganno) 💔
Summary: The romantic drama Deceitful Love (Inganno) explores betrayal and family secrets. It has quickly joined the best modern Italian series thanks to its suspenseful plotlines. As one of the Top 10 Italian TV series on Netflix, it appeals to audiences who love famous Italian series focused on passion and deception.
Why watch it? For its balance of romantic tension and thrilling drama.
Rating: 7.0/10
Genre: Romance / Drama
Year: 2024
Director: Pappi Corsicato
Main cast: Monica Guerritore, Giacomo Gianniotti
Available on: Netflix
9) Tear Along the Dotted Line (Strappare lungo i bordi) ✏️🦔
Summary: The animated series Tear Along the Dotted Line (Strappare lungo i bordi) offers a philosophical yet humorous look at life. As one of the most unique entries in the best Italian TV series, it highlights how modern Italian TV series can break boundaries. Loved by critics, it’s also among the strongest modern Italian series available on Netflix.
Why watch it? Because it’s thoughtful, funny, and deeply relatable.
Rating: 8.3/10
Genre: Adult Animation / Drama
Year: 2021
Creator: Zerocalcare
Voices: Zerocalcare, Valerio Mastandrea
Available on: Netflix
10) Bang Bang Baby 💥
Summary: Set in the 1980s, Bang Bang Baby tells the story of a teenager discovering her family’s mafia ties. With its retro style and gripping drama, it is a standout among the Top 10 Italian TV series. As one of the famous Italian series on Prime Video, it shows why the best modern Italian series are now competing on the world stage.
Why watch it? For its thrilling mix of family drama and mafia intrigue.
Rating: 7.6/10
Genre: Crime / Drama
Year: 2022
Director: Andrea Di Stefano
Main cast: Arianna Becheroni, Adriano Giannini
Available on: Prime Video
FAQs
Q1: What is the best modern Italian series to start with?
Start with My Brilliant Friend if you prefer drama, or Gomorrah if you want crime—both are considered part of the Top 10 Italian TV series.
Q2: Are there modern Italian TV series suitable for family viewing?
Yes, La Storia and the comedy Framed! are good options among famous Italian series.
Q3: Which are the strongest modern Italian series for crime fans?
Gomorrah, Blocco 181, and Bang Bang Baby top the list.
Q4: Is there an Italian animated series worth watching?
Yes, Tear Along the Dotted Line is a highly acclaimed animated drama for adults.
Conclusion
From the heartfelt drama of My Brilliant Friend to the gritty underworld of Gomorrah, and from the historical gravitas of La Storia to the bold narrative of Supersex, this list captures the best Italian TV series you should not miss. These are not just modern Italian TV series—they are part of the strongest modern Italian series that have reached global audiences and become famous Italian series.
👉 Now it’s your turn: Which one of these Top modern Italian series will you watch first? Share your thoughts with friends, and spread the love for Italian TV!
