France 2 is turning the Italian thriller Dolomites into a winter TV event, airing the entire first season over just two nights. If you’re wondering how many episodes there are, how the broadcast is organized, and whether this mini-series tells a complete story, this guide breaks everything down clearly.
How Many Episodes Are in Dolomites Season 1?
The first season of Dolomites is structured as a compact, limited run of 8 episodes. Each installment runs for about 55 minutes, giving the show enough time to develop its characters and mystery without dragging out the plot.
This season corresponds to the Italian narrative arc originally released under the title Black Out – Vite sospese. In practice, that means viewers are getting the full Italian first chapter of the story, simply repackaged for French television as Dolomites.
Broadcast Schedule on France 2: Two Nights, Full Season
Instead of spreading the episodes over several weeks, France 2 chose a binge-friendly format that mirrors how many viewers now watch thrillers on streaming platforms. The entire first season is programmed in just two consecutive Saturdays:
- Saturday, December 28: Episodes 1 to 4
- Saturday, January 5: Episodes 5 to 8
Across these two dates, all 8 episodes are aired, so audiences can follow the narrative almost like a long, multi-part movie. There’s no weekly cliffhanger to wait for; the escalation of tension and the resolution of the main mystery are accessible within a tight viewing window.
A Snowed-In Alpine Thriller With a Closed-Circle Mystery
Dolomites leans into the classic “closed-circle” thriller format: a group of characters is cut off from the outside world, secrets boil to the surface, and danger can come from nature as much as from other people.
The story unfolds in an isolated alpine valley suddenly severed from the rest of the world after a devastating avalanche. Guests and staff at a mountain hotel are forced to stay together, unable to leave and with very limited contact with civilization.
This setup isn’t just a visual backdrop. The mountains play a central narrative role: the snow, the remoteness, and the physical danger amplify the psychological pressure. Every interaction is magnified by the fact that there is no easy way out for anyone involved.
Key Character: Giovanni Lo Bianco and His Shadowy Past
Among the ensemble cast, one figure stands out: Giovanni Lo Bianco, portrayed by Italian actor Alessandro Preziosi. His history, initially kept vague, gradually becomes a source of tension and suspicion for the rest of the group.
As the avalanche forces everyone into close quarters, long-buried elements of Giovanni’s past begin to surface. The series uses him as a focal point to explore how personal secrets, hidden agendas, and old misdeeds can destabilize already fragile alliances. In a place where trust is scarce and escape is impossible, every revelation carries extra weight.
A Complete Story Arc in Season 1
From a storytelling standpoint, Dolomites Season 1 has been crafted as a self-contained narrative arc. Viewers get a beginning, middle, and end to the primary storyline set in the isolated valley, with the key mysteries and character dynamics brought to a conclusion by the end of episode 8.
That said, this is not a one-off project in Italy. The creative team designed the overall concept to unfold over two seasons. Season 1 lays down the foundation: it introduces the characters, defines the main conflicts, and resolves the central tension of the “Vite sospese” storyline.
For audiences watching on France 2, this means you can enjoy Season 1 on its own terms. You get the complete initial arc without needing immediate access to the continuation to understand what happened in the mountains.
Is There a Dolomites Season 2?
Yes. In Italy, the story continues beyond the first eight episodes. A second season has already been produced and broadcast under the title Black Out – Le verità nascoste (“The Hidden Truths”). This follow-up builds on the events of the first season and focuses on the characters who make it out of the original disaster.
However, as of the publication date, France 2 has not officially confirmed any plans to air Season 2. There is no announced schedule, no acquisition confirmation, and no broadcast window publicly communicated for French viewers.
For now, anyone watching Dolomites on France 2 should treat Season 1 as a complete chapter, while keeping an eye on future announcements if they’re eager to see how the Italian sequel expands on the surviving characters and unresolved threads.
Why the Two-Night Format Works for a Series Like Dolomites
For modern audiences used to streaming marathons, the decision to compress Dolomites into two intense evenings has some clear advantages:
- Continuous immersion: The suspense and emotional stakes don’t get diluted across multiple weeks.
- Stronger narrative momentum: The thriller structure—secrets, revelations, twists—benefits from short gaps between episodes.
- Event-style viewing: Positioning the show as a “mini-season event” helps it stand out in a crowded TV landscape.
This approach aligns with the way many viewers in the U.S. and Europe now consume crime dramas and thrillers on streaming platforms: in long sittings rather than in small, weekly portions.
Quick Recap: What Viewers Need to Know
- Number of episodes: 8 episodes in Season 1.
- Episode length: About 55 minutes each.
- Broadcast on France 2: Four episodes on December 28 and four on January 5.
- Scope of the broadcast: The entire first season is included in these two nights.
- Season 2 status: Produced and aired in Italy, not yet announced for France 2.
FAQ
How many episodes are in Dolomites Season 1?
Dolomites Season 1 includes a total of 8 episodes, each running about 55 minutes. Together, they form a complete first chapter of the story originally released as Black Out – Vite sospese in Italy.
When is Dolomites Season 1 airing on France 2?
France 2 is airing the entire first season on two Saturdays: December 28 (episodes 1–4) and January 5 (episodes 5–8). All eight episodes are scheduled across those two nights.
Does the France 2 broadcast cover the whole first season?
Yes. The programming on December 28 and January 5 includes the full set of eight episodes. Viewers who tune in on both nights will see the entire Season 1 storyline from start to finish.
Is Dolomites Season 2 available on France 2?
Not at this time. While a second season (titled Black Out – Le verità nascoste in Italy) has been produced and broadcast there, France 2 has not yet announced a date or confirmed its acquisition for French television. Fans will have to wait for an official statement from the network regarding Season 2.
