Gerry Scotti beats Stefano De Martino at the premiere of the new season.

The first game of the new television season goes to Gerry Scotti. The prime-time access duel between Affari Tuoi and La Ruota della Fortuna (The Wheel of Fortune) resumes with Canale 5 as the star: on Sunday evening, September 6, Scotti's quiz drew 3,72 million viewers with a 25,3% share, significantly outperforming the Rai 1 program, which held steady at 3,32 million and 22,4%. This lead of approximately 400 viewers immediately reignites one of the most-watched contests on Italian television.

The first is by Scotti

The debut verdict is clear and rewards consistency. Wheel of Fortune never stopped during the summer, maintaining daily contact with the public. This advantage was felt against Affari Tuoi, struggling with the complexities of its debut. However, it would be reductive to interpret the result as a failure for Stefano De Martino. Recent history reveals a much more complex and constantly evolving challenge.

Last season's comeback

Scotti won the first round of the new championship, but the final part of the 2025-2026 season painted a different picture. At the end of the season, La Ruota della Fortuna had won 142 matches compared to Affari Tuoi's 103, but the figures change dramatically when looking at the second half of the year.

After a start dominated by Canale 5 (104 wins to 6), from January onwards Rai mounted an impressive comeback, finishing with 97 wins to 38. The season finale left De Martino with the wind in his sails, fueling expectations for his new debut.

“Less brilliant”, the social debate

And that's precisely why the subdued debut has sparked controversy. On social media, many viewers noted that De Martino seemed less relaxed and lively than usual. Some described the show as "awkward," others speculated that the excitement of the debut was a factor, and others blamed the new environment. These are impressions, not a verdict, but they do raise a fundamental question: how long will it take for the host to regain his rhythm and familiarity?

The new study factor

A crucial element in answering this question is the change of location. Affari Tuoi has left Rome's Teatro delle Vittorie for the RAI Production Center on Via Mecenate in Milan. A significant move, bringing with it a completely renovated studio: out goes the "artisanal" look of the wooden platform and table, and into a more technologically advanced setting, dominated by the color blue, with LED walls and light displays. De Martino will have to familiarize himself with the new space, a process that takes time and may have influenced the perception of his inaugural performance.

Tommasino, the new mascot

Among the new additions is a new favorite. Tommasino, a Jack Russell puppy, has made his debut, replacing the longtime mascot Gennarino, who retired after a distinguished 13-year career. Introduced as his predecessor's "grandson" (he was born to Gennarino's sister), Tommasino turned one on the very day of his debut. A detail that didn't go unnoticed by the audience, already won over by the new mascot.

Herbert's Counter-Package and Miliddi's Dance

In terms of format, Herbert Ballerina's presence is confirmed and expanded. The comedian, who already presented his inventions, now stops the game when a contestant draws a "counterpackage" and performs a surprise performance: a gag, a monologue, or the introduction of a guest. In the first episode, the counterpackage was worth €1250 and featured a Renato Zero impersonator. A quiet but positive debut was also made for dancer Martina Miliddi, who only appeared in the final minutes with a choreography set to the tune of "September."

The challenge has just begun

For De Martino, there's no cause for alarm after just one episode. The championship is a very long one, and last spring's comeback shows that the balance of power can shift quickly. The first day handed Gerry Scotti the lead, but the real battle will hinge on Affari Tuoi's ability to rediscover its true spirit in its new environment and on the response from the crowd. The initial verdict is clear, but the story remains to be written.