Boris

Boris follows the chaotic, often absurd daily life on the set of a second-rate Italian soap, Gli occhi del cuore 2, where a jaded director, René Ferretti, and a troupe of actors, writers, and technicians try to keep the show running despite constant compromises. The series pulls back the curtain on petty rivalries, budget cuts, and creative laziness, showing how TV gets made when commercial pressures outweigh artistic intent. It balances sharp satire with character-driven humor, letting you laugh at the industry while caring about the small, messy relationships that hold the crew together.

Originally airing from 2007 to 2010, with a revival season released in 2022, Boris was created by Luca Manzi, Carlo Mazzotta, and Nicola Lusuardi. Direction on various episodes was handled by Davide Marengo and Mattia Torre, and the series became known for its authentic, rocky-on-the-set feel.

Boris built a loyal fanbase in Italy and has been frequently referenced in conversations about national television culture. Certain jokes and character beats entered everyday talk among viewers, and the show is often pointed to as a rare insider satire that exposed how mainstream Italian fiction is produced, influencing later creators and parodies.

Critics and audiences reacted strongly to Boris, reflected in an 8.6/10 average from viewers. Reviewers praised its sharp writing, ensemble performances, and willingness to lampoon familiar TV tropes. Major themes include the tension between commerce and art, workplace survival tactics, and the small acts of solidarity that keep a dysfunctional team afloat, all delivered with dry humor and an eye for detail.

While Boris didn't become a major international award winner, it earned solid recognition at home and helped raise the profiles of its cast, especially Francesco Pannofino as René. Over time it came to be seen as an influential piece of Italian television comedy, respected for its honesty about the business it satirizes.