---
title: "X Factor"
year: 2008
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/x-factor-2008"
media_type: "tv"
tmdb_id: 16322
imdb_id: "tt1194223"
status: "Returning Series"
seasons_count: 19
episodes_count: 251
runtime_minutes: 180
community_rating: 7.5
vote_count: 12
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# X Factor (2008) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/x-factor-2008

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

X Factor is the Italian television adaptation of the British musical talent show designed to find new singing talent. The program initially aired its first four seasons on Rai 2. Following the decision by Rai to discontinue the show due to high production costs, Sky Italia acquired the format. Since 2011, the series has been broadcast on Sky Uno, with reruns appearing on TV8, and the network has extended its broadcast through 2024. Beginning with the eleventh season, RTL 102.5 became the official radio station for the program, taking over the role previously held by Radio Deejay and Radio 105. The show has featured several hosts throughout its run, including Francesco Facchinetti, who served from 2008 to 2010, followed by Alessandro Cattelan from 2011 to 2020. Subsequent hosts have included Ludovico Tersigni in 2021 and Francesca Michielin from 2022 to 2023. The production continues with new developments starting from 2024. The series is categorized within the reality and family television genres.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "This Italian musical competition series searches for the next big singing talent through rigorous auditions."

### Why Watch
- features diverse singing talent
- high production value

### Caveats & Content Note
- frequent changes in network and hosts
- Tone & Suitability: The show is a standard reality music competition suitable for general audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: competitive, musical, energetic, reality

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |

## Season Architecture & Lore Primers

### Season 1 (12 Episodes)
## Filler vs. Essential Episode Classifier

- **Total Tracked Episodes**: 64
- **Crucial Mytharc Episodes**: 7 (11%)
- **Character Core Episodes**: 57 (89%)
- **Side Quest / Filler Episodes**: 0 (0%)

## Creative Credits

- **Created by**: Simon Cowell
- **Networks / Studios**: Rai 2, Sky Uno, Sky Italia, TV8, TV 8

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Alessandro Cattelan** as *Self - Presenter*
- **Morgan** as *Self - Judge*
- **Fedez** as *Self - Judge*
- **Mara Maionchi** as *Self - Judge*
- **Manuel Agnelli** as *Self - Judge*
- **MIKA** as *Self - Judge*
- **Elio** as *Self - Judge*
- **Simona Ventura** as *Self - Judge*
- **Francesco Facchinetti** as *Self - Presenter*
- **Arisa** as *Self - Judge*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is X Factor?
It is the Italian version of the British musical talent show format.

### Q: Which networks have aired the show?
The show originally aired on Rai 2 before moving to Sky Uno.

### Q: Who has hosted the series?
Hosts have included Francesco Facchinetti, Alessandro Cattelan, Ludovico Tersigni, and Francesca Michielin.

### Q: When did the show move to Sky Uno?
The series moved to Sky Uno in 2011.

### Q: What is the official radio station?
Since the eleventh season, RTL 102.5 has served as the official radio station.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [X Factor — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/16322)
- [The X Factor (British TV series) series 3 - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eton_Road)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*