Inspector Montalbano (1999)
The sun-soaked Sicilian crime drama that captivated Italy and the world for over two decades.
Inspector Montalbano - Series Information
- Original Title: Il Commissario Montalbano
- First Air Year: 1999
- Last Air Year: 2020
- Created by: Andrea Camilleri
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 100 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 15
- Number of Episodes: 36
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- First Air Date: May 6, 1999 (United States - TV-PG), May 6, 1999 (Canada - PG), May 6, 1999 (Germany - 12), May 6, 1999 (Australia - MA 15+), May 6, 1999 (Mexico - AA), May 6, 1999 (Italy - T), May 6, 1999 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: Rai 2, Rai 1
- Alternative Titles: Commissaire Montalbano (US), El Comisario Montalbano (ES), Commissaire Montalbano (FR)
- Production Companies: Palomar, RAI
- Production Countries: Italy, France
Inspector Montalbano - Plot
Inspector Montalbano is an Italian television series produced and broadcast by RAI since 1999, based on the detective novels of Andrea Camilleri. The protagonist is Commissario Salvo Montalbano, and the stories are set in the imaginary town of Vigata, Sicily. In 2012 the series generated a prequel, Il giovane Montalbano.
Inspector Montalbano - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of Vigàta's sun-drenched mysteries:
Inspector Montalbano - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Andrea Camilleri
Main Cast
- Luca Zingaretti
- Peppino Mazzotta
- Angelo Russo
- Cesare Bocci
- Marcello Perracchio
- Davide Lo Verde
- Roberto Nobile
- Pippo Provvidenti
- Katharina Böhm
- Ubaldo Lo Presti
Writers
- Andrea Camilleri
Inspector Montalbano - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Inspector Montalbano?
The series stars Luca Zingaretti as Commissario Salvo Montalbano, alongside Peppino Mazzotta as Fazio, Angelo Russo as the lovably clumsy Catarella, Cesare Bocci as Mimì Augello, Katharina Böhm as Livia, and Marcello Perracchio as the sardonic Dr. Pasquano.
Is Inspector Montalbano based on a true story?
Inspector Montalbano is not based on a true story. It is adapted from the popular detective novel series written by Sicilian author Andrea Camilleri. The character of Commissario Montalbano was named as a tribute to Spanish crime writer Manuel Vázquez Montalbán.
What is Inspector Montalbano about?
The series follows Commissario Salvo Montalbano, a principled and food-loving detective working in the fictional Sicilian town of Vigàta. Each feature-length episode presents a self-contained mystery blending sharp investigative drama with vivid local culture, dark humor, and the sun-drenched landscapes of southern Italy.
How many seasons does Inspector Montalbano have?
Inspector Montalbano ran for 15 seasons, comprising 36 feature-length episodes. The series began in 1999 and concluded in 2020. Season 15 consists of a single final episode, serving as a definitive farewell to the beloved Sicilian detective.
Is Inspector Montalbano worth watching?
Absolutely. Inspector Montalbano is widely praised for its atmospheric Sicilian setting, sharp writing, and Luca Zingaretti's magnetic central performance. Critics and audiences consistently celebrate it as one of Europe's finest crime dramas, offering a rich blend of mystery, character depth, and cultural immersion.
When did Inspector Montalbano first air?
Inspector Montalbano first aired on May 6, 1999, on Italian public broadcaster RAI. The series quickly became a major ratings success in Italy and later gained an international following through broadcasts and streaming platforms around the world.
What are similar shows to Inspector Montalbano?
Fans of Inspector Montalbano often enjoy Inspector Ricciardi, another atmospheric Italian crime drama set in Naples, as well as the classic French detective series Maigret. The Young Montalbano, a direct prequel series, is also highly recommended for those wanting more of the same world.
Did Inspector Montalbano win any awards?
Inspector Montalbano received numerous accolades over its two-decade run, including multiple Italian television awards. The series was celebrated for its production quality, writing, and performances, and it earned Luca Zingaretti widespread recognition as one of Italy's most accomplished television actors.
More About Inspector Montalbano
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