Oscar-winning U.S. director Jessica Yu, known for her acclaimed works such as “Quiz Girl” and “Fosse/Verdon,” is set to helm the exciting new Prime Video Italy authentic series titled “Italian Postcards.” This engaging show will follow the life of a spoiled young New York heiress who is unexpectedly dispatched to Sicily by her grandfather to immerse herself in the family’s real estate business. Through this unique premise, viewers will experience a blend of cultural differences and personal growth as the heiress navigates her new surroundings.
The English-language series, whose cast details are still under wraps, promises to feature a well-known U.S. actor portraying the role of the grandfather. Nicole Morganti, the head of originals for Prime Video Southern Europe, revealed that alongside this established actor, there will be a young U.S. star and two talented Italian actors fluent in English. This diverse casting is designed to appeal to a wide audience while showcasing international talent, enhancing the series’ global reach and relatability.
“Italian Postcards” was officially announced during a vibrant Prime Video Upfronts event held in Rome on Thursday, generating excitement among fans and industry insiders alike. This announcement marks a significant milestone for Prime Video as it continues to expand its original content offerings, particularly in Southern Europe, tapping into the rich storytelling traditions of Italy while appealing to modern audiences.
Before the presentation, Morganti spoke exclusively to Variety about her strategic vision for Italy and how “Italian Postcards” reflects her commitment to engaging with the young-adult audience. This targeted approach aims to capture the interests and preferences of a demographic that is increasingly influential in shaping viewing trends and content consumption.
Exploring the Expanded Editorial Strategy for Young Audiences
Indeed, our editorial strategy has evolved to be broader and more diverse, which caters to the largest possible audience while maintaining quality. However, within this overarching goal, we are currently focusing on attracting a younger target audience. This shift is evident in our upcoming lineup, which is designed to resonate with younger viewers, reflecting their interests and lifestyle choices.
Understanding the Shift Towards Young Viewers
The decision to skew towards a younger demographic stems from our significant growth and the broad fan base we’ve cultivated. As our reach expands, it’s essential to connect with audiences who may not yet be our core viewers, but who represent a vital segment of future potential. This strategy has proven effective in regions like Spain, where our tailored lineup has achieved remarkable success, and we are now excited to extend this approach to the rest of Southern Europe. Many of the titles we plan to announce in September, particularly from France, will also cater to the young-adult audience.
Defining Prime Video’s Unique Italian Editorial Approach
What sets Prime Video apart in its Italian editorial strategy is its division into three distinct categories. The first is the hyper-local bucket, which has always been a cornerstone of our content, aimed specifically at engaging Italian viewers. This category includes a variety of entertaining titles, such as “The Traitors Italia” and original formats like “Roast in Peace” and “Pink Carpet – Vip al Tappeto,” now entering its second season. These shows consistently perform well, demonstrating the demand for unscripted content that offers a fresh perspective compared to traditional linear television.
Next, we focus on the hyper-local scripted and film category, exemplified by the film “Il Ministero dell’Amore” (“The Ministry of Love”). This film is deeply rooted in Italian culture, featuring numerous references to local politics and the complexities of love, illustrating how these themes are intricately intertwined in ways that resonate with Italian audiences.
Diving into Italian-Language Films for a Global Audience
Our second focus area is represented by the title “No Place to Be Single,” based on a popular IP by Felicia Kingsley. This project, which has gained traction not just in Italy but internationally, features an all-Italian cast and creative team that we plan to promote globally. Its release is scheduled for the first quarter of next year, and we are optimistic about its potential to connect with viewers around the world. We aim to bolster our offerings of Italian films and scripted content that can travel and resonate beyond national borders.
Exploring International Creativity Through Italian Content
We began developing this third category two years ago, and we are excited to finally unveil our first title, “Lodge Costiera,” set to premiere on September 24. This project represents Italian creativity tailored for a global audience, featuring an international cast alongside Italian writers and directors. This fusion of talent will enhance the narrative depth and cultural authenticity of the content, creating a unique blend that captures the essence of Italy while appealing to audiences worldwide. Upcoming titles include “Love Me, Love Me,” the first IP by Italian author Stefania S. We are collaborating closely with her, similar to our partnership with Mercedes Ron, the author of Culpa Mia in Spain, to further extend our reach into the young-adult segment. Additionally, “Italian Postcards” will feature emerging Italian talent, showcasing new faces in the industry. Under the guidance of Academy Award-winning director Jessica Yu, we are committed to nurturing and promoting fresh talent alongside established names in the industry.
Highlighted Upcoming Titles from Prime Video for Global Audience
“Italian Postcards” – This new Prime Video original series, directed by Jessica Yu (known for “Quiz Girl,” “Only Murders in the Building,” and “The Morning Show”), follows the adventures of Mia, a young and spoiled New York heiress who is sent by her grandfather to Palermo without any money or luxuries to work as a real estate agent in the family business. The synopsis poses the intriguing question: will this Upper West Side girl manage to survive in Sicily without even a bank card? Production for this film, co-produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Gaumont Italia, is set to commence in Sicily in the coming months.
“No Place to Be Single” – This exciting film, which is set to receive a global push, is based on a bestseller by Felicia Kingsley. The story unfolds in the picturesque Tuscan town of Belvedere in Chianti, where everyone seems to be either in a relationship or searching for their soulmate—except for Elisa, a single mother running Le Giuggiole winery. The unexpected return of her childhood friend Michele turns her world upside down, reigniting feelings she thought she had buried forever. This film is co-produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Italian International Film – Lucisano Media Group and will be exclusively released on Prime Video worldwide in 2026.
“Love Me, Love Me” – Based on the bestselling novel from the successful four-book series by Stefania S., which has garnered over 22 million reads on Wattpad, this film tells the story of a 16-year-old named June, portrayed by the talented Mia Jenkins from Britain. June becomes entangled in a love triangle with two best friends while uncovering hidden truths about herself and her relationships. Co-produced by Lotus Production</b—part of the Leone Film Group—and Amazon MGM Studios, with the additional support of Wattpad Webtoon Studios, this film is set to premiere globally on Prime Video in 2026.
