Live and let live

The 2020 broadcast of Vivi e lascia vivere marked a defining shift for Italian state television. By presenting Laura Ruggero as a morally complex matriarch rather than a simplified figure of sacrifice, the series challenged traditional domestic narratives. Its legacy is rooted in the massive ratings it secured during a period of national isolation, providing a shared cultural experience that blended family drama with elements of a psychological thriller. The show’s success proved that mainstream audiences were ready for grittier, more modern portrayals of female agency and the messy reality of starting over. Though the narrative arc of the Ruggero family has concluded, its influence persists in the current wave of sophisticated Italian dramas. Be sure to set a reminder just in case of future revivals or spin-off news.