Rai cancels cultural music show “Via dei Matti n.0” after five seasons

Italy’s public broadcaster Rai announced that the musical‑cultural program Via dei Matti n.0 will not return for a new season, ending the series that aired on Rai 3 from 2021 to 2026. The show, hosted by pianist Stefano Bollani and actress Valentina Cenni, was praised for its informal, improvisational format that brought jazz and other music to a broad audience. The duo confirmed the cancellation via a social‑media video, thanking viewers and noting that repeat episodes will begin airing from 22 June.

The decision has drawn criticism from the Movimento 5 Stelle, whose senators called the move “incomprehensible” and warned it undermines Rai’s cultural mission. The programme had received several awards, including the 2021 Flaiano prize for best cultural show and the 2023 Adriano Mazzoletti award for musical dissemination. Its removal highlights ongoing tensions within Rai between niche cultural programming and broader audience‑driven scheduling.

Fans have expressed disappointment on social media, and several artists have voiced support for Bollani and Cenni. The cancellation marks the end of a format that combined short daily episodes with guest performances, filling a rare slot for high‑brow entertainment on Italian public television.