Don Matteo


Don Matteo is an Italian television series that has been airing on Rai 1, Italian national television's first channel, since 2000.

History

The protagonist of the series is Father Matteo, a Catholic priest in a parish of the town of Gubbio, who is also known for his unrivaled talent in investigating local crime stories. Father Matteo is a wise and respected person who really manages to understand people's problems, and always appears to be willing to help. Thanks to his charm and positivity, he often helps criminals on their way to redeeming and he always convinces them to confess their crimes and to accept their responsibilities.
Comedian Nino Frassica portrays Marshal Antonio Cecchini, a middle aged Carabiniere who also happens to be Matteo's best friend. Cecchini is one of the main co-protagonists and often provides the humor and comic relief in the series. Other notable cast members include Flavio Insinna, who portrayed Captain Flavio Anceschi from 2000 to 2006, Milena Miconi, who played Laura, the mayor of Gubbio as well as Anceschi's love interest and Simone Montedoro who has been playing the role of Captain Giulio Tommasi, successor to Anceschi, since the sixth season.
From season 8, Don Matteo is filmed in HDTV 1080i.

Syndication

The series is syndicated in the United States by MHz Networks.

Synopsis

The plot primarily revolves around the titular Matteo, a Catholic priest with an impressive insight in human nature, aiding the Carabinieri, the national as opposed to local police force personnel in solving crimes. In this he usually finds support in marshal Antonio Cecchini, a warrant officer who often shares with him important details and clues, but also hostility, in the figure of Cecchini's direct superior, captain Flavio Anceschi, who has little tolerance for the priest's continuous interference with the investigation.

Cast and characters

Reception

The series received two awards at the 42nd Monte-Carlo Television Festival in 2002: Terence Hill won the award for Best Actor and Alessandro Jacchia won the award for Best Producer.