Ciao!
Tired of struggling with irregular verbs and declension rules? Why not put your textbook aside for a while and immerse yourself in some topnotch series from Italy? Good for advanced beginner students to old Italian language pros! (We may even throw in some Sicilian as a bonus.) All of these series are available to stream at MHz Choice. What is MHz Choice? Click here!
Detective Montalbano
MYSTERY | ITALY | ITALIAN WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES | TV-14
Series Description
Murder, betrayal, office politics, temptation… it’s all in a day’s work for Detective Salvo Montalbano. Filmed in the ancient, sun-washed Sicilian city of Ragusa Ibla, the series is based on the international best-selling mystery novels by Andrea Camilleri and stars Luca Zingaretti
Why it will help your Italian
Detective Montalbano features Sicilian Italian, with its unique phrases and pronunciations. Actor Angelo Russo has the most authentic Sicilian accent, but his character, Catarella, is all about getting words mixed up, so watch out!
Related article:
Montalbano microsite
Nero Wolfe
MYSTERY | ITALY | ITALIAN WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES | TV-PG
Series Description
Curmudgeonly aesthete Nero Wolfe may be one of Rome’s finest investigators, but he’d rather tend to his orchids. Newly transplanted from the US, he’s ready for clients who pay well and don’t irritate him excessively. Based on the classic novels by Rex Stout.
Why it will help your Italian
When in Rome, speak as the Romans do… Nero Wolfe takes place in Rome, but he and his associate, Archie are supposed to be American ex-pats. To be safe, tune your ear to how the supporting and side characters speak.
Related article:
First Look: Nero Wolfe
What is MHz Choice?
Bulletproof Heart
MYSTERY | ITALY | ITALIAN WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES | TV-PG
Series Description
Investigative journalist Bruno Palmieri throws caution to the wind and decides to overlook his fragile health and live with gusto. He’s ready to tackle new stories, eat good food again and reconnect with the love of his life.
Why it will help your Italian
Bulletproof Heart is one big valentine to Rome, so the dialogue moves fast and includes references to Roman cooking in the restaurant scenes. The dazzling opening credits alone will tempt you to book a flight!
Related article:
First Look: Bulletproof Heart
Inspector Manara
MYSTERY | ITALY | ITALIAN WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES | TV-PG
Series Description
The dazzling Guido Caprino stars as Inspector Luca Manara, a dreamy man and a supervisor’s worst nightmare. He dismisses procedure and refuses to kowtow to local power players, but he’s also without ego and a gifted investigator.
Why it will help your Italian
The dialogue moves fast in Inspector Manara, but the lush Tuscan setting and the bubbly ensemble make for a fun ride. On-site, immersion studies, anyone? The older character, Aunt Catarina (played by veteran actress Valeria Valeri) speaks the clearest.
