‘Hotel Portofino’ future confirmed: Will there be a second season?
It’s been revealed if Hotel Portofino is returning for another season!
The lavish new period drama follows a British family who open a hotel for upper class travellers on the magical Italian Riviera during the ‘Roaring 20s.’
Described as “an exhilarating cocktail of romance, glamour and mystery,” Hotel Portofino premiered in the US on PBS last night.
Watch the trailer:
Adapted from JP O’Connell’s book by screenwriter Matt Baker (Before We Die), Hotel Portofino comes from Professor T executive producers Jo McGrath and Walter Iuzzolino.
The six-part first season was a hit when it launched in the UK on BritBox in January, with the Daily Mail calling it “a romantic costume drama that’s as blissful as a good gin cocktail.”
Hotel Portofino has become one of BritBox’s highest streaming launch originals, and in Australia it’s the second most-watched series on demand on Foxtel.
Italian fans loved the show too, with its debut becoming the second highest for an international drama on Sky Italia’s Sky Serie channel.
With the first season now sold to over 55 territories around the world, in five continents, it’s no surprise to report that it’ll be back for a second season!
The producers have officially confirmed that Hotel Portofino has been renewed for another six episodes, with Season 1’s writer and director both returning.
Season 2 will once again be filmed in Portofino, Italy, with additional scenes shot on the coast of Croatia.
Natascha McElhone (Ladies in Lavender) and Mark Umbers (Home Fires) will reprise their roles as British expat hoteliers Bella and Cecil Ainsworth.
Season 2 will premiere in 2023 on BritBox in the UK and on PBS in the US.
The first season is also going to air on ITV this autumn in the UK.
Watch a clip:
The official synopsis for Season 1 reads: “Hotel Portofino tells the story of the Ainsworth family that has relocated from Britain to open an upscale hotel on the Italian coastline.
“Set in the breathtakingly beautiful resort town of Portofino, this new period drama is about personal awakening at a time of global upheaval in the traumatic aftermath of World War I and the liberating influence of Italy’s enchanting culture, climate and cuisine on elite British travelers.
“As distinguished guests like the imperious Lady Latchmere check into the hotel, matriarch Bella Ainsworth tries to keep up with their constant demands.”
JP O’Connell’s Hotel Portofino novel is available on Amazon.