X Factor (2008)
Italy's beloved music talent competition, running since 2008 across Rai 2 and Sky Uno with iconic judges, celebrated hosts, and 19 seasons of unforgettable performances.
X Factor - Series Information
- Original Title: X Factor
- First Air Year: 2008
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Simon Cowell
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Reality, Family
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (180 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 19
- Number of Episodes: 251
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- First Air Date: March 10, 2008 (Italy - T)
- Networks: Rai 2, Sky Uno, Sky Italia, TV8, TV 8
- Alternative Titles: X Factor Italy (US), X Factor Italia (IT)
- Production Companies: Sky
- Production Countries: Italy
X Factor - Plot
X Factor is the Italian version of the British musical talent show The X Factor. The first four seasons aired on Rai 2, but since 2011 it has been broadcast on Sky Uno, with reruns on TV8, after Rai dropped the show due to high costs. Sky Italia acquired the format, extending its broadcast until 2024. Starting from the eleventh season, RTL 102.5 became the official radio station, replacing Radio Deejay and Radio 105. The show was hosted by Francesco Facchinetti (2008-2010), Alessandro Cattelan (2011-2020), Ludovico Tersigni (2021), and Francesca Michielin (2022-2023). From 2024 onwards, Giorgia will take over as host. Since the seventh season, the show has been produced by Fremantle Italia without the collaboration of Magnolia, which had produced the selection episodes in the early seasons.
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X Factor - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Simon Cowell
Main Cast
- Alessandro Cattelan
- Morgan
- Fedez
- Mara Maionchi
- Manuel Agnelli
- MIKA
- Simona Ventura
- Elio
- Francesco Facchinetti
- Arisa
X Factor - FAQs
What is X Factor Italy about?
X Factor Italy is the Italian adaptation of the British musical talent competition. Aspiring singers audition before a panel of celebrity judges, competing through live shows for a recording contract. The series has aired since 2008, first on Rai 2 and later on Sky Uno, spanning 19 seasons.
Who are the hosts of X Factor Italy?
X Factor Italy has been hosted by Francesco Facchinetti (2008–2010), Alessandro Cattelan (2011–2020), Ludovico Tersigni (2021), and Francesca Michielin (2022–2023). From 2024 onwards, acclaimed Italian singer Giorgia has taken over hosting duties for the show.
Who are the main judges on X Factor Italy?
X Factor Italy has featured a rotating panel of celebrated Italian artists as judges over the years, including Mara Maionchi, Manuel Agnelli, Fedez, Morgan, MIKA, Simona Ventura, Elio, Arisa, Emma Marrone, Hell Raton, and Jake La Furia.
Why did X Factor Italy move from Rai 2 to Sky Uno?
The first four seasons of X Factor Italy aired on Rai 2, but the public broadcaster dropped the show in 2011 due to high production costs. Sky Italia then acquired the format, moving the series to Sky Uno, where it has continued to air, with reruns broadcast on free-to-air channel TV8.
How many seasons does X Factor Italy have?
X Factor Italy has 19 seasons, plus a specials season (Season 0), totalling 251 episodes. The show premiered on March 10, 2008, and remains a returning series, with production ongoing as of its most recent season.
Is X Factor Italy still on air?
Yes, X Factor Italy is still an active, returning series. The show is currently in production and continues to air on Sky Uno, with free-to-air reruns on TV8. Sky Italia extended its broadcast rights, keeping the format alive well into the 2020s.
When did X Factor Italy first air?
X Factor Italy first aired on March 10, 2008, in Italy on Rai 2. The show was created by Simon Cowell as an Italian adaptation of the original British format and has since grown into one of Italy's most enduring and popular music talent competitions.
What are shows similar to X Factor Italy?
Viewers who enjoy X Factor Italy may also like The X Factor (the original British series, 2004), as well as other talent and music competition formats. For editorial picks in a similar vein, shows like Harry Hill's Stars In Their Eyes and Juego de Voces offer comparable entertainment.
More About X Factor
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