New season of the series "Viola like the sea" to release without Can Yaman
Fans of the popular Italian romantic-detective series "Viola come il mare" are adjusting to radical changes as the official expansion of the project brings shocking news. Production for the long-awaited Season 3 officially kicked off in early February 2026 in Rome and Palermo. Viewers can expect a full continuation of the story, which will now total 36 episodes—12 episodes per season. However, the main sensation of the new episodes will be a complete renewal of the cast at the leading position: Turkish superstar Can Yaman, who portrayed Inspector Francesco Demir, has fully left the project.
As a reminder, the second season ended on an emotional peak—with Demir's long-awaited declaration of love and the moment when Viola was finally able to discern his color through her unique neurological condition, synesthesia. Despite the logical continuation of the romantic storyline, the actor decided not to sign a new contract, choosing instead to focus on large-scale projects where he will serve as the sole main lead. The character of Francesco Demir says a final goodbye to Palermo, leaving behind an open book of investigations.
The vacant spot for the key male character and Viola's partner will be filled by popular Argentine actor Rodrigo Guirao Díaz, well-known to European viewers for his roles in the teen hit "Il mondo di Patty" and the historical drama "Terra Ribelle." In the new season, Rodrigo will portray Max (Massimo) Paternò—the new charismatic, confident, and handsome chief police inspector of Palermo, who will have to build a complex relationship with the local press.
The storylines of Season 3 will focus on a new emotional and professional clash. The communication between the charming reporter Viola Vitale and the new inspector will begin with fierce friction and mutual misunderstandings due to their different work methods. However, Viola's journalistic curiosity, her investigative podcast, and her synesthetic gift will once again become the perfect complement to police experience, gradually igniting a new romantic spark between the characters. At the same time, Viola will continue to unravel the threads of the main mystery of her private life—the search for her father, who is the only one who can help her manage her degenerative illness.
The cast of the series, led by the charming Francesca Chillemi and Giovanni Nasta, who invariably plays assistant inspector Turi D'Agata, is already actively working on the filming sets and has officially introduced their new colleague. The production of the new 12 episodes is handled by RTI and Lux Vide for the media giant Mediaset. The official premiere of the revamped Season 3 on the Italian TV channel Canale 5 is scheduled for Autumn 2026, promising viewers a fresh look at the beloved sunny landscapes of Sicily and new dangerous criminal puzzles.
