Striscia la Notizia Finale di Stagione: Ospiti, Anticipazioni e il Golden Tapir a Pucci

Tonight, February 19th, marks the final episode of Striscia la Notizia’s prime-time season on Channel 5. The broadcast will feature a lineup of guests, surprises, and the presentation of the Golden Tapir award to comedian Andrea Pucci, following his withdrawal from the upcoming Sanremo Festival 2026.

Guests and Performances

The episode will open with a return appearance by Ficarra and Picone, who previously hosted the satirical news program for sixteen seasons. Federica Nargi and Costanza Caracciolo, iconic showgirls who rose to fame on the program eighteen years ago, will also be featured, performing alongside their partners, Alessandro Matri and Christian Vieri (“Bobo”), and the current showgirls: Alessia Anzioli, Lavinia Circeo, Ginevra Festa, Lara Granata, Nausica Marasca and Virginia Stablum.

Francesca Manzini will reprise some of her most beloved impersonations. Paolo Ruffini will team up with actor Federico Parlanti to present the “shit” award to those illegally occupying parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities.

Social Commentary and Investigations

Valerio Staffelli will present a social experiment focusing on mistreatment in Milan, although Luca Abete will investigate an alleged fake veterinarian offering advice on how to dispose of pets. Rajae Bezzaz will travel to Romania to explore the self-proclaimed “king of Rome,” and provide an update on an illegally occupied villa in Portogruaro.

Moreno Morello will spotlight a tax judge and university professor accused of providing tax evasion advice, and Francesco Mazza will continue his exploration of cultural differences between East and West in Japan. Michele Macrì will revisit the issue of illegal whitebait fishing, and Enrico Lucci will document the meeting between the singers of the Sanremo Festival and President Sergio Mattarella, playfully challenging the artists to say “something good” about Giorgia Meloni.

Other Segments

The episode will also include segments featuring Giuseppe Longinotti and his mayoral campaign in Milan, Rosaria Rollo with “I Nuovi Mostri,” Barbascura X, and quick-change artist Dario Ballantini impersonating Vasco Rossi. Davide Rampello will be present with his signature folding chair, alongside the graphics of Cristiano Militello, and the closing theme “Dazi” with Gabibbo and the six showgirls.

Golden Tapir Awarded to Andrea Pucci

Valerio Staffelli will present the Golden Tapir to Andrea Pucci, who recently withdrew from participating in the Sanremo Festival 2026 amid controversy. Pucci stated, “My comedy has become far-right, so it can no longer be heard.” He dismissed accusations regarding a Celtic cross image, stating, “Even those who said I had a Celtic cross in the dressing room should prove it with documents.” He also offered a sarcastic remark about Fiorello’s parody of him on the radio.

Controversy Surrounding Showgirls

The program addressed recent criticism regarding the role of showgirls, responding to a social media post that characterized them as mere stage presences. Striscia la Notizia defended the showgirls, highlighting the contributions of iconic figures like Elisabetta Canalis and Maddalena Corvaglia, and their active participation in the program over the years.

Prime Time Ratings

The prime-time edition of Striscia la Notizia debuted with an 18% share on January 22nd, but subsequent episodes experienced a decline in viewership.