The third season of the popular travel series Dream of Italy, distributed by American Public Television, is set to return to PBS stations across the United States this winter. Premiering in January and February 2024, the season comprises six episodes hosted by Kathy McCabe, known for her captivating blend of star power and authentic experiences in Italy. Viewers can catch the episodes on-demand through PBS.org, the PBS app, and PBS Passport.
Kathy McCabe leads the audience on a journey featuring special appearances by renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, Academy Award-winning actress Marisa Tomei, and 3-Michelin Star Chef Massimo Bottura.
The season commences with a visit to Andrea Bocelli’s home on the Tuscan coast, where the tenor shares moments with Kathy, introduces his four dogs, and performs cherished songs. The inaugural episode, “Andrea Bocelli’s Tuscany,” explores the significant places that have shaped Bocelli’s life, including Forte dei Marmi, Lajatico, and the inspirational towns of Lucca and Torre del Lago associated with opera composer Giacomo Puccini.
In another episode, Marisa Tomei joins McCabe to uncover the mysteries of the Black Madonna in their shared ancestral region of Campania. The season also delves into the culinary delights of Italy with two episodes featuring Massimo Bottura and his wife Lara Gilmore, who have crafted a culinary empire in Modena, at the heart of Italy’s “food valley.”
The new season of Dream of Italy reflects the growing trend of Americans relocating and retiring in Italy, exploring the allure of one-euro houses. Kathy McCabe connects with four American expats who have purchased homes in the scenic Abruzzo region, sharing their experiences of embracing the Italian lifestyle, the sense of community, and the affordable healthcare that influenced their decision to start anew in Italy.
Kathy McCabe, serving as both host and executive producer, expresses her excitement about the season, stating, “Italy is so much more than a destination for our viewers, but rather a place that evokes deep connection and the sense of possibility.” The season not only uncovers new and surprising corners of Italy, such as regal Caserta, but also takes an intimate journey with celebrities who reveal a different side of themselves and their profound love for Italy.
The six Season 3 episodes, presented in the order they will air, include:
- Andrea Bocelli’s Tuscany
- Americans Moving to Abruzzo
- Caserta: A Grand Palace and Pizza (with Chef Franco Pepe)
- Massimo Bottura: Slow Food, Fast Cars, Big Dreams
- Massimo Bottura Part 2: Modena, Philanthropy, and Opera
- The Black Madonna with Marisa Tomei
McCabe not only hosts but also executive produces Dream of Italy and the upcoming public television series Dream of Europe. The series is accessible to 97% of U.S. television households through broadcast, streaming, and VOD on PBS.org, the PBS app, and PBS Passport. Season 3 is made possible by the support of underwriters, including the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium, Go Traveler, Dalla Fonte, and Italian Culinary Adventures, among others.
