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In Italy, the world of cooking on television shows no sign of slowing down. What began as a cooking program has evolved into a great foundation of the entertainment business. It's nearly hard to give an accurate number because cookery has overloaded every time slot, but it's anticipated that over 50 original productions air annually on generalist, thematic, and pay-TV channels, in addition to hundreds of hours of reruns. Among thematic channels, Food Network, which is totally dedicated to food, stands out. Long-running programs such as MasterChef Italia also remain popular, now in its 15th edition. Among the new trends, 2025/2026 has witnessed an increase in "hybrid" programs, such as "Foodish" on TV8 (presented by Joe Bastianich), which combine cuisine with social responsibility. The sector generates not merely ratings, but also a multibillion-dollar business. Although the whole television advertising market in Italy is estimated to be around 3.7 billion euros (2025 statistics), cookery programs are the most popular among advertisers in the "Food & Beverage" and household appliances sectors, as they promise a highly profiled and loyal target audience.
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