The format that turns diversity into strength, and the table into a stage
Don’t just call it a program: Cooked Hard – Cooked Hard, conceived by Marco Calisse, is a meal of the kind you won’t forget. The kind where, between bites, you discover that diversity is not a side dish, but the main ingredient. Here the table becomes the stage and the people-the real ones, not actors on coffee break-are the real stars. Inspired by the human magic of the iconic terrace lunch in The Ignorant Fairies, this format takes that concept and brings it into 2025: real stories, real lives, genuine emotions. No scripts, just truth served hot, seasoned with smiles, a few tears and-why not? -a bit of well-placed irony.
It is actually not just a program, but a revolution with legs under the table. In a world where the media still stumbles over the word inclusion, Cooked Hard takes the word a step forward decisively and invites everyone: neurodivergents, LGBTQIA+ activists, artists, single parents, performers, migrants, people with disabilities…in short, anyone with a story worth hearing (spoiler: all of us). Here no one has to raise his or her hand to ask permission to exist. Here we listen, we welcome, we celebrate.
Strong fears? And how. But always served with grace and that touch of irony that helps digest even the hardest truths. The stories? They touch deep chords, but with the lightness of those who know that talking about serious things does not mean being serious: sign language and accessibility; mental health and neurodivergence; addictions and rising up; psychological violence and redemption; adoption, nature, and animal rights. Tough topics, in short. But served with beauty and humanity, because delicacy is the sauce that binds everything together.
Gastronomy and mixology: the art of caring for the palate as well
Chef Massimiliano Mennieli orchestrates 0-km dishes, designed even for celiacs and those with intolerances (no one is left looking at other people’s bread here), and each episode has a color theme: we start with green, the color of rebirth. At the bar, Fabrizio Caponnetti prepares non-alcoholic cocktails in perfect palette. In short, if diversity can be seen, it can also be tasted here. Running the show (elegantly): Dr. Anadela Serra Visconti, flanked by actor Marco Falovo. Around it, a living, real table, where no one makes up the numbers.
The guiding color: light, rebirth, hope
Each episode has a guiding color that ignites dishes and conversations. It starts with green, a symbol of hope and nature, a common thread that illuminates the whole experience.
Footprints that make history
In each episode, participants leave their colored footprint on a blank canvas-a simple, powerful gesture reminiscent of cave paintings. Traces of existence, signs of passage. All the canvases will form a final exhibition, because here every story deserves a place on the walls, not just in memories.
Special guest: Ugo, the house dog
As a reminder that inclusion has no species, Ugo-the format’s “family” dog-sails among the tables as only true hosts know how to do. Moral: If Hugh doesn’t like it, maybe something needs to be revised!
A format that lives beyond the screen
With editorial shoots, emotional videos, and reels designed for TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, Cooked Hard moves out of TV and into everyone’s digital life. Because inclusion has no format limitation.
A table set with humanity
Cotto Duro is the invitation we deserve: to sit down without filters, listen to each other without judgment, and understand that equality is not all the same, but all different with the same dignity. And in the end, let’s say it: together, we are all better off. (Also at the table.)
Where to find it
The format will air on Sky channels, regional networks and major online platforms. The production is open to collaborations with ethical sponsors, cultural bodies and media partners. Those with ears (and hearts), come forward.
Cooked Hard – Cooked Hard. It makes noise, but good noise. And it doesn’t just make you hungry: it makes you want to be there.
