Stefano De Martino officially took the helm of the long-running Italian game show Affari Tuoi in September 2024, succeeding Amadeus as the program’s host. Airing on Rai 1, the show features 20 contestants—each representing one of Italy’s 20 regions—who compete to win cash prizes by selecting mystery packages while negotiating with an anonymous figure known as "Il Dottore."
The Transition to Stefano De Martino
The departure of Amadeus, who hosted Affari Tuoi during its highly successful revival, prompted Rai to select Stefano De Martino as his successor. According to official communications from Rai, the network sought to maintain the show’s format while introducing a new energy to the access prime-time slot. De Martino, a former professional dancer turned television presenter, moved to the role after establishing his profile on programs such as Stasera tutto è possibile.
How the Game Format Works
The core mechanics of Affari Tuoi remain consistent under the new leadership. The game relies on a blend of probability and psychological strategy:
- The Contestants: Each night, one contestant is chosen to represent their region. They are tasked with opening 20 sealed packages, each containing an undisclosed sum of money ranging from a few cents to 300,000 euros.
- The Dottore: Throughout the game, an unseen character referred to as "Il Dottore" observes the proceedings and offers the contestant various deals, such as swapping their package or accepting a guaranteed cash sum to quit the game early.
- The Objective: The player must decide whether to trust their intuition and keep their original package or accept the offers made by the Dottore.
Production Context and Audience Reach
Affari Tuoi is a cornerstone of the Italian public service broadcaster’s schedule. As noted by Auditel, the data tracking service for Italian television, the program consistently ranks among the most-watched shows in its time slot. The format, which is an adaptation of the international Deal or No Deal franchise created by Endemol, has maintained high viewer engagement since its return to the Rai 1 lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current host of Affari Tuoi?
Stefano De Martino is the current host, having assumed the role in September 2024.
How many contestants participate in each episode?
There are 20 contestants in each episode, with each individual representing one of the 20 regions of Italy.
What is the maximum prize money available?
The top prize in the current iteration of the game is 300,000 euros.
Is the Dottore a real person?
The Dottore is a character within the show’s format, designed to provide the game with its primary source of tension and negotiation. The identity of the person voicing or portraying the Dottore is part of the show’s established mystery.
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