The show's "in-your-face" style has often blurred the line between journalism and sensationalism.
While it began with celebrity pranks and humor, it gained national significance by "biting" into social and political injustices that mainstream news sometimes overlooks. Major Impact Stories
Some critics argue the show focuses on "easy indignation" and "gut reactions" rather than deep, objective analysis. Le iene
It faced heavy criticism for its 2013 coverage of the unproven "Stamina" therapy, which experts argued promoted pseudo-science.
The "story" of is one of evolution from a lighthearted satirical variety show into a powerful, often controversial, pillar of Italian investigative journalism. Debuting in 1997 on Italia 1 , the program is famous for its reporters (known as "Hyenas") who wear black suits and ties in an homage to the film Reservoir Dogs . The show's "in-your-face" style has often blurred the
Reporters have been accused of harassment, such as a 2015 incident where they reportedly entered the garage of MotoGP racer Marc Márquez uninvited, leading to a physical altercation.
More recently, it has championed the right to dignity in end-of-life care, following the stories of patients like Laura Santi in their legal battles for assisted dying. Controversies and Criticism It faced heavy criticism for its 2013 coverage
In 2025, the show was credited with finding Carlotta Morri and her daughter after years of silence, a case that had captivated the Italian public.
