The Mafia Only Kills in Summer title image

The Mafia Only Kills in Summer

Rai 1 · 2016-2018 · 2 Seasons · 24 Episodes · Ended
comedydramacoming-of-ageitalianperiod
69
Fan Heat

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About The Mafia Only Kills in Summer

Adapted from Pif's beloved 2013 film, this warm Italian dramedy follows the Giammarresi family of Palermo across the late 1970s and the decades that follow. At its center is Salvatore, a curious, big-hearted boy growing up in an ordinary household, narrated in hindsight by his grown-up self. The series is far more a story of family, school, and first love than a crime drama, and it treats the troubled history of its era soberly and from a child's-eye view.

Salvatore's days revolve around his patient registry-clerk father Lorenzo, his sharp and loving mother Pia, the comings and goings of relatives, and above all his tender, stumbling crush on a classmate. Around the kitchen table, ordinary joys and small embarrassments play out with humor and affection, even as the grown-ups try to shield the children from the harsher realities outside their door.

Bittersweet and gently comic, the show balances nostalgia with quiet poignancy, letting big historical moments register through the eyes of people simply trying to live decent lives. The result is a coming-of-age tale about innocence, courage, and the everyday tenderness of one Palermo family.

Production Details & Legacy

The Mafia Only Kills in Summer was created by Pif (Pierfrancesco Diliberto), Michele Astori and Michele Pellegrini and originally aired on Rai 1, with streaming available on RaiPlay. The series ran for 2 seasons and 24 episodes from 2016-2018, establishing itself as a landmark entry in the comedy and drama and coming-of-age and italian and period genres. Since its conclusion, The Mafia Only Kills in Summer has continued to attract new viewers through streaming platforms and remains a frequent subject of critical reappraisal and fan discussion.

The series features a rich ensemble of characters that have become iconic within television fandom. TVCeleb profiles 3 key characters from The Mafia Only Kills in Summer, including Salvatore Giammarresi (), Lorenzo Giammarresi (), Pia Giammarresi (). Each character has inspired dedicated fan communities, extensive analysis, and passionate debate about their motivations, relationships, and story arcs throughout the series.

The Mafia Only Kills in Summer holds a Fan Heat Score of 69 out of 100 on TVCeleb, reflecting the intensity and passion of its fanbase. The show has built a committed and enthusiastic community of viewers who continue to engage with and champion the series. The series is notable for its italian, coming of age, dramedy qualities, which have contributed to its enduring appeal and cross-generational viewership.

Characters (3)

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? Frequently Asked Questions

Not really. Despite its title, the series is a warm coming-of-age dramedy centered on the Giammarresi family and young Salvatore's first love and everyday adventures in Palermo. The historical backdrop of the era is handled soberly and from a child's perspective rather than as the main focus.

Yes. It is adapted from Pif's acclaimed 2013 film of the same name (La mafia uccide solo d'estate). Pif, born Pierfrancesco Diliberto, co-created the series and also serves as the adult narrator looking back on Salvatore's childhood.

The show ran for two seasons and 24 episodes between 2016 and 2018, originally airing on Rai 1 in Italy. The story follows Salvatore and his family as they grow up across the late 1970s and the years that follow.