“Prima di noi” lands on Rai 1 tonight — why this three‑generation saga should be on your watchlist
Daniele Luchetti, whose work on acclaimed TV and film projects has won him international attention, returns with a sweeping family chronicle: “Prima di noi.” The 10‑episode series, adapted from Giorgio Fontana’s novel, promises to trace nearly sixty years of Italian history through the lives of the Sartori family — from 1917 to 1978. It’s not just a period drama; it’s an intimate lens on social change, political convulsions and the small, stubborn acts that shape a family across generations.
A panorama of modern Italy
The series opens in the last years of the First World War and moves through the post‑war period, the economic boom, urbanisation and the turbulent years of social protest and political violence. This timeline offers fertile ground for storytelling: the transformation from rural landscapes to industrial centres, the migration of families toward cities, and the way national events ripple through private lives. Luchetti and his team have chosen locations that mirror that journey — from the Friulian countryside to the factories and piazzas of Turin.
Central characters and moral conflict
At the heart of the story are Nadia Tassan and Maurizio Sartori. Nadia, a resolute young woman from a rural community, finds shelter for the deserter Maurizio during the war. Their secret, an unexpected child and the pressures of survival set the couple on a path that will define the family for decades. Maurizio is a haunted figure — a man tormented by choices made in war and their moral consequences — while Nadia embodies resilience, determination and the often unseen labour that holds families together.
Three generations, three perspectives
The series follows the Sartori children — Renzo, Domenico and Gabriele — as they come of age and confront post‑war realities: factory life, partisan bonds, the rise of political ideologies and the personal costs of social change. By charting three generations, “Prima di noi” explores how history’s large movements translate into small acts of courage, compromise and endurance within a household.
Production values and atmosphere
Luchetti’s reputation rests on his ability to blend human drama with social observation, and this series appears to follow that instinct. Filming locations were carefully selected to evoke authenticity: the Pordenone area’s wooded valleys and rural settings for early episodes, transitioning to Turin’s industrial heart for mid‑20th century chapters. Such attention to place helps the show feel rooted and immediate, and the production’s aesthetic — costumes, set design and lighting — aims to convey each era’s texture without slipping into nostalgia.
Why Nadia matters
Nadia is the emotional centre of the story: through her we witness the private costs of public upheaval. As a character, she resists simple categorisation. She’s loving and pragmatic, and her choices illuminate the gendered pressures women faced in a century of rapid transformation. Her arc offers a nuanced depiction of female agency within family and community — a particularly resonant thread for contemporary viewers.
Key themes to watch for
What to expect from the first episode
The pilot sets the tone firmly in 1917. Maurizio, a deserter, finds refuge in Nadia’s family home. Their immediate connection is complicated by fear, superstition and the social realities of the time. Luchetti introduces the folkloric motif of the Cjalcjut — a symbolic presence that haunts Maurizio — adding a layer of psychological tension. By the end of the episode, the foundations of a long, complicated family saga are laid: love, loss and the first seeds of a legacy.
How the show fits into today’s TV landscape
In an era saturated with prestige TV, “Prima di noi” distinguishes itself by pairing intimate family drama with a panoramic historical sweep. It will appeal to viewers who appreciate rich character work, as well as those interested in history told through personal narratives. Its availability on Rai 1 and RaiPlay also makes it accessible to a broad audience, including international viewers curious about contemporary Italian storytelling.
Practical viewing tips
“Prima di noi” promises to be both a rich family tale and a mirror of Italy’s century of change. Whether you’re drawn to historical drama, character‑led storytelling or simply high‑quality production, Luchetti’s new series is poised to offer a meaningful, emotionally charged journey across generations.
