Netflix has officially announced Sicilia Express, a new five-episode Christmas comedy created by and starring the beloved Sicilian duo Ficarra & Picone.
The series will premiere on December 22, 2025, bringing a mix of holiday warmth, magical surprises, and sharp Italian humor to global audiences.
Known for their witty, character-driven comedies and long careers on Italian television and film, Salvo Ficarra and Valentino Picone are stepping back into the spotlight with a story that blends everyday struggles with unexpected fantasy, just in time for the festive season.
Salvo and Valentino between Milan and Sicily
Sicilia Express follows Salvo (Ficarra) and Valentino (Picone), two Sicilian nurses living a split life between their demanding jobs in Milan and their families back home in Sicily. Just a few days before Christmas, a discovery changes everything: the men stumble upon a magical portal that promises to alter their lives. However, the adventure it triggers may cause more chaos than joy.
The premise lets the duo explore their trademark mix of comedy rooted in real life, family obligations, cultural contrasts, and personal dreams, while injecting an element of holiday magic.
Netflix released the first two images alongside the announcement, offering a glimpse of Salvo and Valentino’s dynamic and the tone of the series. The show appears to combine the duo’s classic humor with a slightly surreal twist, setting it apart from traditional Christmas comedies while staying true to their Sicilian identity.
Supporting cast and creative team
Alongside Ficarra and Picone, the series features Katia Follesa and Barbara Tabita, both well-known in Italian entertainment for their comedic timing and warm on-screen presence.
Behind the scenes, the writing team includes:
- Salvo Ficarra & Valentino Picone
- Fabrizio Cestaro
- Nicola Guaglianone (They Call Me Jeeg, Freaks Out)
- Fabrizio Testini
The series is produced by Tramp Limited, continuing Netflix’s investment in locally created Italian content with international appeal.
Why it matters
Ficarra & Picone have a long-standing following in Italy and beyond thanks to their smart, satirical yet heartfelt storytelling. By combining a holiday backdrop with their signature humor and a magical twist, Sicilia Express has the potential to become Netflix’s next Italian-language holiday hit. It also reflects the platform’s growing commitment to regional storytelling with global reach.
For fans of Italian comedy, this marks the duo’s first new series since their work on Framed! A Sicilian Murder Mystery (Incastrati), making it a notable return ahead of the holiday streaming season.
Key Details
- Title: Sicilia Express
- Format: Limited series (5 episodes)
- Release Date: December 22, 2025 (Netflix exclusive)
- Creators / Writers: Salvo Ficarra, Valentino Picone, Fabrizio Cestaro, Nicola Guaglianone, Fabrizio Testini
- Directors: Salvo Ficarra & Valentino Picone
- Production Company: Tramp Limited
- Cast: Salvo Ficarra, Valentino Picone, Katia Follesa, Barbara Tabita
- Genre: Christmas-themed comedy with fantasy elements
- Country of Origin: Italy