The twelfth season of the Italian reality show Pechino Express is set to launch exclusively on Sky and streaming platform NOW, promising an “extreme” journey for its ten competing couples. The program, the Italian adaptation of the Dutch-Belgian Peking Express, will take participants across Indonesia, China, and Japan, according to an official announcement.
This season marks a shift in presentation, with veteran host Costantino della Gherardesca now accompanied by three correspondents: Lillo, Giulia Salemi, and Guido Meda. Della Gherardesca has hosted the show since , taking over from Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, who led the first season in .
The ten couples competing for the title include well-known faces from Italian entertainment. Biagio Izzo and Francesco Paolantoni, known as “Gli Spassusi,” will participate, as will Chanel Totti and Filippo Laurino, dubbed “I Raccomandati.” Other contestants include DJ duo Jo Squillo and Michelle Masullo (“Le Dj”), athletes Fiona May and Patrick Stevens (“I Veloci”), rappers Dani Faiv and Tony 2Milli (“I Rapper”), former couple Steven Basalari and Viviana Vizzini (“Gli Ex”), comedians Tay Vines and Assane Diop (“I Comedian”), social media creators Elisa Maino and Mattia Stanga (“I Creator”), and the Argentinian duo Candelaria and Camila Solórzano (“Le Albiceleste”), alongside Gaia De Laurentiis and Agnese Catalani (“Le Biondine”).
The format of Pechino Express challenges couples to race across a route spanning ten legs, navigating unfamiliar territories with limited resources. Contestants are provided with a minimal amount of supplies in a backpack and a daily allowance of one euro in local currency, which cannot be used for transportation but can be used to solicit help from local residents. Throughout the journey, couples encounter “quests” that must be completed to progress in the competition.
The show’s origins lie in the Dutch-Flemish reality program Peking Express, created by Ludo Poppe. The original series, first broadcast in , followed couples hitchhiking to or from Beijing, though later seasons expanded the destinations. The Italian adaptation, launched in on Rai 2, has since moved to Sky Uno, NOW, and TV8 for reruns, demonstrating its enduring popularity with Italian audiences.
The production of the latest season is being handled by Banijay Italy, with Andrea Toscano directing for Sky Creative Italy. The creative team includes Claudia Strada as Head of Sky Creative Next Gen and Sara Bottani as Creative Director. Roadmovie is listed as the production house, with MRK production handling editing and sound design. STS communication is providing virtual production supervision and post-production services.
The announcement of the new season comes as the reality television landscape continues to evolve, with shows like Pechino Express offering a blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and interpersonal dynamics. The show’s appeal lies in its ability to showcase the challenges and rewards of navigating unfamiliar environments and relying on the kindness of strangers. The choice of Indonesia, China, and Japan as the backdrop for this season suggests a focus on the cultural richness and logistical complexities of East and Southeast Asia.
While the show’s premise of limited resources and reliance on local assistance remains consistent, the addition of three correspondents alongside Costantino della Gherardesca signals a potential shift in the show’s narrative approach. The involvement of Lillo, Giulia Salemi, and Guido Meda, each with distinct backgrounds in comedy, social media, and sports journalism, could introduce new perspectives and enhance the show’s engagement with audiences.
The selection of contestants also reflects a deliberate attempt to appeal to a broad demographic. The mix of actors, athletes, musicians, and social media personalities ensures a diverse range of personalities and skill sets, potentially leading to compelling interactions and strategic alliances throughout the competition. The inclusion of a former couple adds an additional layer of intrigue, raising questions about their ability to cooperate and navigate the challenges ahead.
