A doctor in the family

The Martini household is the center of this warm, episodic sitcom, where Nonno Libero's boundless energy and stubborn optimism keep family life lively. Set in a provincial town, the series follows Grandpa Libero as he meddles, mends and motivates his adult children and grandchildren through everyday crises, romantic mix-ups and neighborhood squabbles. Each episode frames a domestic problem as a source of comedy and gentle moral correction, leaning on physical humor and affectionate banter rather than dramatic stakes. The stories highlight how routines shift when a persuasive elder insists on doing things his way, and how love and patience smooth out the family's more chaotic moments.

Released in 1998, the Italian television series was created by Carlo Bixio and directed by Isabella Leoni and Elisabetta Marchetti, with Lino Banfi starring as Nonno Libero, supported by Milena Vukotić, Michael Cadeddu, Eleonora Cadeddu and Paolo Sassanelli.

There are no widely reported major international awards or high-profile nominations associated with the show. It functioned mainly as a domestic family entertainment piece, earning viewer appreciation rather than festival or awards recognition.

Lino Banfi's portrayal of an indefatigable grandfather became a recognizable face in late 1990s Italian family comedy, reinforcing a tradition of character-driven sitcoms on national TV. While it didn't spark a broad cultural movement, the series is remembered by fans for its recurring domestic scenarios and the comforting predictability of its family-centered humor.

Audience ratings suggest steady fondness: the show holds a 7.6/10 average from 29 votes on user-driven sites, reflecting generally positive viewer response. Commenters and reviewers tend to point to its focus on intergenerational dynamics, lighthearted misunderstandings, and community ties, with episodes that prize reconciliation, everyday ethics and the comic authority of Grandpa Libero.