‘Sopranos’ star takes Sicily in ‘My Big Italian Adventure’
Italian renovation: Ciao, all home renovation lovers! Italy welcomes actress Lorraine Bracco (“The Sopranos”) on the small screen as “My Big Italian Adventure” premieres Friday, Oct. 30, on HGTV.
You might be wondering what a Hollywood star is doing with a home renovation show; admittedly, Bracco has no experience. But when the little town of Sambuca Di Sicilia started offering their rustic hillside homes for only one euro, that was an offer she couldn’t refuse.
And Bracco’s not the only one who can get in on this unprecedented price. The mayor of Sambuca has placed several aging homes for sale at the low (almost free) price of one euro as a plan to boost the city’s economy, so you could snatch one up, too — provided, of course, that you’ll be able to complete all of the restorations within a few short years.
As the clock ticks down for Bracco and the home she purchased — 1,075 square feet of pure, 200-year-old rustic charm with no kitchen, bathroom, electricity or running water — it would seem that the entire building is crumbling around her. But there is nothing that a bit of elbow grease can’t fix, right? Especially for a single, measly euro up front.
Thankfully, she’s not doing it all on her own. By her side is Cynthia, an Italian translator, and Piero, her contractor, to help her create her Sicilian dream home. And although Bracco has a lot of support from both the town of Sambuca and her friends back home in the states, this is still giving us some serious “Under the Tuscan Sun” (2003) vibes.
Throughout the build, Bracco hopes to pay homage to her Sicilian heritage and, if she can turn her plans into a reality, this sweet country home will definitely be a stunner. Designing with local influences in mind, some of the main features Bracco hopes to incorporate are a central patio and a gorgeous fountain.
You can watch the full transformation and Bracco’s journey into the world of homeownership, beginning Friday, Oct. 30, on HGTV.
Mommy dearest: It’s time to cut the apron strings! TLC has done it again, and we just can’t look away from its newest relationship series, “I Love a
Mama’s Boy,” premiering Sunday, Oct. 25, on TLC.
When 25-year-old Stephanie suspected there was another woman in her boyfriend Mike’s life, she never thought it’d be his 49-year-old mother, Liz. No, he’s not dating his mom, but their relationship is still a little too close for comfort. And, as it turns out, Stephanie’s not alone in her struggles. In this new series, TLC follows four couples with mothers who just can’t leave their sons alone.
Of course, there are Stephanie and Mike, who have happily moved in together. Stephanie hopes a ring is coming in the not-so-distant future, but it looks like Liz might stand in their way. Can she get the stamp of approval without bowing down?
Next up are Kim and Matt. After living with her boyfriend at his mom’s place, Kim is ready for them to grow up and build their own place. But when their perfect home is right behind Matt’s mother’s house, it turns out Kim’s dreams may not be so perfect after all.
Then, Justina and her fiancé, Jason, struggle with an overbearing future mother-in-law who won’t butt out of their wedding plans. Unfortunately for Justina, it doesn’t look like Jason is ready to stand up to mommy dearest.
Finally, for Shekeb and Emily, motherly love isn’t the only thing standing in their way. Shekeb’s mother, 61-yearold Laila, has very strong cultural and religious beliefs that are often at odds with Emily’s. As Emily continues to disagree with Laila, she begins to wonder if there is any hope for her future with Shekeb.
Follow along as these ladies come face to face with their partners’ respective momzillas in “I Love a Mama’s Boy,” starting Sunday, Oct. 25, on TLC.
The kennel club: There is nothing quite like the bond between a pet and its owner. On Thursday, Oct. 29, CBS All Access rolls out the heartwarming and hilarious new docuseries “That Animal Rescue Show.”
This 10-episode series will take a close look at animal lovers in Austin, Texas, exploring the loyalty between man and these gentle furry beasts. The show features a number of different pet owners. From a homeless woman who cares for three cows and a family who rehomes large pigs to a no-kill animal shelter, to a veterinarian who serves her community by rescuing wildlife, this new show is sure to be one amazing journey. And these sweet animals aren’t the only ones getting rescued: get ready for goats and horses that help heal the disabled, and women in prison who find a new purpose in caring for puppies.
The show was created by Academy Award-recognized filmmakers Richard Linklater (“School of Rock,” 2003) and Bill Guttentag (“You Don’t Have to Die,” 1988) and, thanks to CBS All Access, you can satisfy all your binge-watching needs — all eight episodes of the series will be released at once.
Snuggle up with your favorite pet and tune in for “That Animal Rescue Show,” premiering Thursday, Oct. 29, on CBS All Access.