One Step from Heaven

Set in the alpine town of San Candido, One Step from Heaven follows the local Forestry Corps as they handle crimes, accidents and neighborhood disputes across rugged terrain and tight-knit communities. The series tracks a rotating roster of cases — missing hikers, poaching, small-town thefts and family feuds — while giving space to the daily rhythms of mountain life. Pietro, the seasoned officer played by Terence Hill, anchors the unit, and episodes mix lighter, humorous moments with tense action and procedural mystery. The show keeps individual plots self-contained so viewers can jump in, while relationships and local history develop more slowly.

First broadcast in 2011, the series was created by Salvatore Basile and stars Terence Hill, Daniele Liotti, Gaia Bermani Amaral, Katia Ricciarelli and Enrico Ianniello. It was produced for Italian television and leans on genre mixing to reach broad family audiences.

The series did not pick up major international awards, and there are no widely reported Emmy or Golden Globe wins. It drew some attention on the domestic circuit and from fans of the cast, but it wasn't a prize-driven phenomenon on the festival or awards circuits.

Terence Hill's involvement gave the show added visibility, especially among viewers familiar with his earlier work, and the mountain setting became a recognizable backdrop. Scenes of rescue work and local festivals linger with audiences, and the show's blend of crime procedural and family-friendly humor carved out a modest place in Italian TV offerings of the period.

Critics have been mixed, reflected in a modest user score around 5.1 out of 10, based on limited votes. Reviewers and viewers tend to praise the series for its pleasant scenery, steady lead performances and genre variety, while noting uneven plotting and tonal shifts. Themes include community responsibility, the bond between officers and residents, respect for nature, and how small communities handle legal and moral gray areas.