Kevin Spacey steps back onto the small screen for the first time since his 2017 exit from House of Cards. He joins the Italian comedy series Minimarket, produced by Italy’s state broadcaster RAI. In the show the two‑time Oscar winner plays a fictional version of himself as a mentor to a young shop clerk in Rome.
What Minimarket is about
Minimarket follows a hopeful employee named Manlio Viganò who works in a Rome convenience store. He dreams of becoming a TV star. Spacey appears as Viganò’s artistic conscience and unpredictable mentor. Their relationship is built on bickering, misunderstandings and teasing. The series blends comedy with a hint of drama as the mentor guides the aspiring star.
Music and moments that stand out
In a promotional clip Spacey sings Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and the Frank Sinatra classic “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” alongside Italian actor Filippo Laganà. The musical duet adds a playful tone and shows Spacey’s willingness to experiment in this low budget production.
How the series will be released
Minimarket consists of ten episodes. RAI will launch the series on its RaiPlay streaming service on December 26. Fans can watch the episodes online without a traditional TV contract. This release plan gives the show a modern distribution model and reaches a global audience.
Kevin Spacey’s recent legal battles
Spacey was acquitted of sexual assault charges in a 2023 U.K. criminal trial. He now faces three civil claims in a London court. He has denied two of the claims and has not yet filed a defense for the third. Despite the legal drama, the actor continues to pursue acting projects.
Why Italy welcomed him back
Italy has been a friendly market for Spacey in recent years. In 2021 he appeared in Franco Nero’s low budget indie drama L’uomo Che Disegnò Dio. He also played a character called The Devil in Massimo Paolucci’s thriller The Contract. These roles helped him rebuild his career and led to the current Minimarket opportunity.
Other recent work
In March 2024 Spacey returned to U.S. movie screens with the indie thriller Peter Five Eight. The film marked his first leading role after the 2023 trial. He also starred in the unreleased British indie action thriller The Awakening and directed the supernatural action thriller Holiguards. These projects show his effort to stay active in the industry.
Overall, Kevin Spacey TV comeback with Minimarket offers a fresh start on a new platform. The series mixes humor, music and mentorship while giving the actor a chance to reconnect with audiences. Fans of the actor and lovers of Italian comedy will find plenty to enjoy.
Source: Variety
