Luca Argentero leaves DOC, leading man changed

A change of direction for Doc, Nelle tue mani : Luca Argentero will no longer play Dr. Andrea Fanti after the fourth season. The Rai series, produced by Rai Fiction and Lux ​​Vide, will not be canceled but will continue with a new protagonist, following the same format already tested with Don Matteo and Che Dio Ci Aiuti. A new phase begins for Argentero, between film and new projects. Here's what we know.

The fourth season will be the last with Luca Argentero

Luca Argentero is leaving Doc, Nelle tue mani at the end of its fourth season, which will be a true lap of honor for the Piedmontese actor. The decision was announced in the past few hours and immediately sparked discussion among fans of the series, who over the years have linked Argentero to that of Dr. Andrea Fanti, the chief physician who struggles between memory and profession. The character has brought him enormous popularity, so much so that he's now identified with the white coat. For this reason, according to TvBlog, Argentero has chosen to take a break and explore other territories. The series, however, isn't stopping: Rai Fiction and Lux ​​Vide are already working on a new protagonist who will take over, with a narrative that, according to previews, will veer more toward crime. For fans, this is a transitional moment, and many fear that the series' storyline may be distorted. It will be up to the writers to find a balance that doesn't make us yearn for the glories of the past, as has already happened with other flagship series on the small screen.

The precedent of Don Matteo and Che Dio Ci Aiuti

Rai's decision to continue Doc without its star is no exception in the Italian television landscape. The most well-known case is that of Don Matteo : Terence Hill left the Raiuno series in 2022, and in his place came a permanent guest, Raoul Bova . Initial audience reluctance gave way to curiosity and a following, thanks to the work of the writers, who were able to adapt the narrative line over time. A key role in this continuity is played by the so-called bridge characters: in the case of Don Matteo, it is Marshal Cecchini, played by Nino Frassica, who represents the glue between the different seasons. A similar argument applies to Che Dio Ci Aiuti , which began with Elena Sofia Ricci as the lead and continued with Francesca Chillemi and Valeria Fabrizi, with the longtime actress occasionally returning for cameos. The important thing, in these cases, is to find a common ground that holds the narrative together and gives the audience a reason to stick around. The ratings, in the end, will give the final verdict.

Argentero's new projects and the future of the series

For Luca Argentero, leaving Doc certainly doesn't mean a break. At Christmas 2026, he'll be seen in Ferzan Ozpetek 's new film , Nella gioia e nel dolore , in a part the director described as tailor-made for the actor. Argentero has also recently starred in Avvocato Ligas , demonstrating his desire to expand his repertoire beyond medical dramas. His exit, in short, is a choice of artistic freedom rather than a closure. Meanwhile, Rai, as reported by TvBlog, doesn't want to give up a series that has become an institution, with remakes increasingly numerous, even abroad. The challenge will be finding a credible face for the new protagonist and a direction that will satisfy longtime fans without denying the series' identity. The transition isn't always successful: the case of Imma Tataranni , which Rai is still mulling over following Vanessa Scalera's exit, demonstrates that every change must be handled with care. For now, Doc is preparing Dr. Fanti's final tour of duty, while waiting for a worthy replacement.