Colpo Grosso and Avanti un Altro – Their Return and Impact

After years of silence, two of Italy’s most unconventional game shows are staging a comeback. Colpo Grosso, the infamous late-night strip game show of the 1980s, and Avanti un Altro!, the quirky quiz show known for its eccentric characters and unpredictable format, are both back in the spotlight.

But why, you ask? Well, their return isn’t just a nostalgic nod. Rather, it’s a statement about the shifting nature of televised entertainment.

In many ways, this shift mirrors how gamified experiences are drawing in entertainment-hungry audiences. The Mayan Chief slot is a prime example, with an RTP of 97%. Both formats reflect a broader shift toward experiential, emotionally engaging content.

Read on to explore the elements that made these shows iconic, the criticisms they’ve faced, and what their revival signals for the future of entertainment.

(source: YouTube)

A Look Back: The Legacy of the Two Shows

Colpo Grosso aired from 1987 to 1992. Created by Giancarlo Bettè, it somehow mixed trivia with striptease and theatrical absurdity. The show was unapologetically risqué, to say the least!

Contestants answered questions, and wrong answers led to clothes coming off. Isn’t that something? In fact, models like Cristina and Samantha Fox became cultural icons, owing to the show. And all the while, the show drew in high viewership numbers with low-brow appeal.

Avanti un Altro, on the other hand, debuted in 2011 on Canale 5, led by Paolo Bonolis. However, it managed to flip the classic quiz show on its head. Contestants drew questions randomly from a question conveyor belt. Moreover, the topics ranged from absurd to highly risqué.

Ultimately, characters like the “Alien” and “Miss Claudia” created a carnival-like atmosphere on set. You can safely say that both shows were radical in tone, and that made them truly iconic:

• Colpo Grosso: Injected erotica into game shows.
• Avanti un Altro!: Fused sketch comedy, variety acts, and trivia.

Why They’re Coming Back Now

Avanti un Altro! returned to Canale 5 with new episodes. It kept its chaotic quiz format and Paolo Bonolis as host. Its continued success lies in its:

• Fast pace
• Bizarre characters
• Refusal to follow the rules of traditional game shows

And, with Colpo Grosso, the current programming shows a clear trend toward nostalgic and unconventional formats. In the US alone, the popularity of game shows has risen from 17% in 2019 to 24% in 2023. Thus, the demand for bold, offbeat entertainment is back. And these shows fit the bill perfectly.

For more such bold, fascinating graphics, users love trying out online casinos. One popular option is Ice Casino, a real-money online casino offering over 3,500 slot games and immersive live dealer experiences.

How They’re Changing the Perception of Game Shows

These revivals are not merely reruns for boosting viewership. Instead, they reflect a broader trend! The world of game shows is evolving from pure competition to immersive, genre-bending experiences. Take a look at how they’re changing perception:

Blurring Genre Lines

Avanti un Altro! is part sitcom, part variety show, and part satire. Contestants, thus, interact with recurring characters, not just a quizmaster. One minute, you’re answering questions; the next, you’re facing a man in a nun’s costume.

Colpo Grosso pioneered this decades ago by merging adult entertainment with a quiz format. Today, this genre-mixing is more common. And, streaming platforms favor shows that resist neat categorization.

(source: Wikipedia)

Prioritizing Experience Over Competition

Traditional game shows are more focused on who wins. Nevertheless, these two shows focus on how it feels to watch and participate. The audience doesn’t just wait for a winner; they’re there for the journey. From the laughs to the absurdities and the innuendos.

Here’s a comparison of traditional Game Shows with Colpo Grosso/Avanti un Altro!

Embracing Edginess & Satire

Colpo Grosso’s original episodes flirted heavily with censorship. That’s because it was pushing erotic content onto primetime. Its return continues that legacy, albeit adapted for today’s streaming culture.

Meanwhile, Avanti un Altro! thrives on social satire. It’s a mirror to society, but a funhouse mirror. This comedic commentary aligns with Italy’s television legacy. That, too, where satire has long been a vehicle for social dialogue. It’s sometimes wrapped in absurdity, sometimes barbed with truth.

Tapping Into Social Media Culture

Both shows feed the meme economy in their own ways. Here’s how:

• Colpo Grosso: Clips from the original episodes are shared widely across social platforms as vintage curiosities.
• Avanti un Altro!: It generates fresh viral moments with each character-driven sketch.

This meme-ability keeps the shows culturally relevant amongst youngsters.

Challenges and Criticisms

Given the context of these shows, neither of them is free from controversy. For starters, Colpo Grosso was heavily criticized in its day for objectifying women. Its return draws scrutiny, particularly in today’s climate.

Though the format is reportedly updated, critics remain wary of recycling content that once thrived on stripping female contestants. Avanti un Altro! also walks a tightrope, despite not being as provocative. Its exaggerated characters, drawn from the following stereotypes, can and do raise eyebrows:

• Mental illness
• Disability
• Ethnicity

And what some see as satire, others interpret as tasteless. Critics also question:

• Is the satire punching up or down?
• Are old taboos being challenged or just exploited?

Yet both shows continue to remain popular. This proves that controversy doesn’t always hurt ratings. In fact, it can boost them, even if it’s out of curiosity.

What This Says About the Future of Entertainment

The comeback of these shows reveals a shift in viewer tastes. Audiences are tired of formulaic formats; they now want chaos, satire, and surprise. And, these shows deliver exactly that.

Entertainment today thrives less on who wins and more on what goes viral. Memorable moments, absurdity, and irony are what keep people watching and sharing.

This reflects a deeper media legacy, shaped by figures like Silvio Berlusconi. His empire blended politics, spectacle, and sexuality, and that influence still lingers. These game shows aren’t just for fun; they’re also cultural mirrors.

Conclusion

These revivals aren’t nostalgia trips; rather, they’re blueprints. Colpo Grosso and Avanti un Altro! show how game shows can be irreverent, theatrical, and conversation-worthy. They prove that in a highly crowded content landscape, boldness beats tradition. It’s no longer about who wins, is it? Rather, it’s about who watches, laughs, and keeps talking.