Rocco Schiavone (2016)

A sharp-tongued Roman detective exiled to the Alps, solving crimes his own way — rules, superiors, and snowdrifts be damned.

Rocco Schiavone - Series Information

  • Original Title: Rocco Schiavone
  • First Air Year: 2016
  • Last Air Year: 2025
  • Created by: Antonio Manzini
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Drama, Crime
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (90 minutes)
  • Number of Seasons: 6
  • Number of Episodes: 24
  • Status: Returning Series
  • Original Language: Italian
  • Spoken Languages: Italian
  • First Air Date: November 9, 2016 (Spain - 16)
  • Networks: Rai 2, Rai 1
  • Alternative Titles: Der Kommissar und die Alpen (DE)
  • Production Companies: RAI, Cross Productions
  • Production Countries: Italy

Rocco Schiavone - Plot

Weed smoking, foulmouthed Rocco Schiavone is an offbeat Deputy Commissioner of the State Police. For disciplinary reasons he is transferred to the Alpine town of Aosta, far from his beloved Rome. The sophisticated but cranky Roman despises the mountains, the cold, and the provincial locals as much as he disdains his superiors and their petty rules. But he loves solving crimes.

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Rocco Schiavone - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Antonio Manzini

Main Cast

  • Marco Giallini
  • Massimo Reale
  • Mirko Frezza
  • Claudia Vismara
  • Francesco Acquaroli
  • Isabella Ragonese
  • Christian Ginepro
  • Massimiliano Caprara
  • Fabio La Fata
  • Filippo Dini

Writers

  • Maurizio Careddu
  • Antonio Manzini

Rocco Schiavone - FAQs

Is Rocco Schiavone based on a true story?

Rocco Schiavone is not based on a true story, but it is adapted from a popular series of Italian crime novels by Antonio Manzini. Manzini also serves as a writer on the show, ensuring the TV adaptation stays faithful to the sardonic, unconventional spirit of his literary creation.

Why is Rocco Schiavone transferred to Aosta?

Rocco is sent to Aosta as a disciplinary measure. His abrasive personality, contempt for authority, and habit of bending the rules made him a liability in Rome. The Alpine posting is essentially a punishment — one he endures with spectacular bad grace, though his talent for solving crimes remains undimmed.

Where can you stream Rocco Schiavone?

You can stream Rocco Schiavone on PBS and PBS Masterpiece via Amazon Channel. It's also available on WETA+. For free viewing with ads, KQED offers access to the series. Availability may vary by region, so check your local listings for the most current options.

Who plays the lead role in Rocco Schiavone?

Marco Giallini brings the title character to life with magnetic intensity. His portrayal of the gruff, weed-smoking, rule-flouting deputy commissioner earned widespread praise in Italy and helped turn the show into one of RAI's most beloved crime dramas. Giallini's charisma is central to the series' enduring appeal.

How many seasons does Rocco Schiavone have?

The series has run for six seasons since its debut in 2016, with a total of 24 main episodes. Each season features feature-length episodes of around 90 minutes, giving the show a cinematic quality that sets it apart from standard procedural fare. A seventh season remains possible, as the series is still active.

Is Rocco Schiavone worth watching for non-Italian audiences?

Absolutely. The show's appeal travels well beyond Italy. Its blend of sharp noir atmosphere, darkly comic character work, and stunning Alpine scenery makes it a compelling watch. Rocco's outsider perspective on Aosta mirrors the viewer's own, and Marco Giallini's performance is captivating regardless of language or cultural familiarity.

Where was Rocco Schiavone filmed?

The series is filmed primarily in and around Aosta, the real Alpine city in northwestern Italy where the story is set. The Valle d'Aosta region's dramatic mountain landscapes, snow-covered streets, and medieval architecture provide an atmospheric backdrop that contrasts vividly with Rocco's Roman soul and urban sensibility.

What shows are similar to Rocco Schiavone?

If you enjoy Rocco Schiavone, you might also like Hidden Assets, Suburra: Blood on Rome, or The Tower — all crime dramas with strong atmosphere and complex protagonists. For more Italian-flavored storytelling, Suburra: Blood on Rome offers a similarly gritty and morally ambiguous world worth exploring.

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