HBO Max has officially launched in Italy today, marking the beginning of a new era of streaming entertainment for Italian audiences. One of the most anticipated Italian originals on the platform is Marco Bellocchio’s limited series “Portobello,” which delves into one of the country’s most infamous travesties of justice.
The series tells the true story of Enzo Tortora, a popular Italian TV host who found himself at the center of a scandal involving the Neapolitan crime syndicate known as Camorra. Tortora, played by Fabrizio Gifuni, was wrongly convicted of conspiring with the mafia, despite his status as a beloved television personality.
“Portobello” premiered to critical acclaim at the Venice Film Festival last September and has since garnered attention at festivals in Toronto and Busan. The series is set to debut on HBO Max in Italy on Feb. 20, making it the first HBO Original Italian production to be featured on the platform.
Produced by Our Films and Kavav Film in collaboration with RAI Fiction and The Apartment Pictures, “Portobello” is a gripping six-episode series that promises to captivate audiences with its compelling narrative and stellar performances.
In addition to “Portobello,” HBO Max has several other exciting Italian originals in the works, including “In Utero,” a series set in a Barcelona fertility clinic, and docuseries like “Gina Lollobrigida: Diva Contesa” and “Saman.” These diverse offerings showcase the breadth of talent and creativity coming out of the Italian entertainment industry.
Fans can expect “Portobello” to be available on HBO Max in other countries in the coming months, bringing the captivating story of Enzo Tortora to a global audience. With its intriguing premise and talented cast, this series is sure to be a must-watch for viewers around the world.
Stay tuned for more updates on HBO Max’s Italian originals and get ready to dive into a world of thrilling storytelling and unforgettable characters. Experience the magic of Italian cinema and television like never before, only on HBO Max.

