In a much-anticipated announcement made today, PBS disclosed that British drama enthusiasts can look forward to their much-awaited return to Hotel Portofino with Season 2 debuting on the network this upcoming Fall. The narrative, settled in the fascinating era of the 1920s, orbits around an Italian hotel, under the proprietorial guidance of a family battling an array of tribulations to ensure the survival and prosperity of their enterprise. The second season promises to once again immerse viewers in the world of Bella Ainsworth (portrayed by Natascha McElhone) and her family as they strive to accommodate their affluent clientele visiting the scenic resort town nestled in the Italian Riviera, where exceptional service and experience are prerequisites.
In the impending season, Bella is provided with an opportunity to realize her grand vision for her distinctly “English” hotel after overcoming initial setbacks. Despite the upturn in the business situation, the budget remains a stumbling block, a fact Bella is confronted with while trying to incorporate a spa within the hotel’s luxurious offerings. Her trials continue to escalate with an impending inspection, coupled with the daunting prospect of a critique from a travel guide – a factor that could bolster Hotel Portofino’s appeal as an imperative destination or plunge it into disrepute.
Parallelly, Bella’s personal life is a whirlpool of challenges. Her mounting concerns for her children’s future continue to add to her stress. Lucian’s (characterized by Oliver Dench) matrimonial life is waning, while Alice (played by Olivia Morris) seems on the brink of needing a hiatus from her responsibilities at the hotel. To further complicate matters, Cecil (brought to life by Mark Umbers) reappears after a year’s unexplained absence, eager to ingratiate himself with Bella, no matter the cost. The most pressing concern, however, emerges as the threatening shadows of Mussolini’s fascism touch the precincts of Hotel Portofino, jeopardizing Bella’s ethical stance.
“Hotel Portofino” Aligns Perfectly With PBS’s Portfolio
The brainchild of Matt Baker, renowned for his work on British series like Professor T and Before We Die, Hotel Portofino is a Britbox original. Encouragingly, the streaming platform has already committed to a third season, indicating that PBS will likely continue delivering fresh episodes to its American audience. As always, the series leverages its stunning locales and awe-inspiring architecture to ensure viewers are granted an immersive, memorable sojourn.
In the aftermath of its inaugural season, Hotel Portofino garnered impressive traction, earning recognition in countries such as Australia, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and naturally, Italy. For American viewers, the appeal of Hotel Portofino is not hard to decipher, considering it seamlessly aligns with other popular PBS titles such as Sanditon, All Creatures Great and Small, and Downton Abbey.
Audiences can look forward to the Season 2 premiere of Hotel Portofino on PBS this Fall. However, a precise release schedule remains undisclosed by the network at this time. For those eager to catch a glimpse of what lies ahead, the original Britbox trailer is available for viewing:
