The phrase refers to the search for online streaming versions of film or television adaptations of Alessandro Manzoni’s classic Italian novel, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed), typically on unauthorized pirate sites like Altadefinizione.

The Digital Betrothed: Manzoni’s Masterpiece in the Streaming Era

Because the novel is so visually descriptive and dramatically paced, it has been adapted numerous times. Notable versions include:

The search for these adaptations on sites like Altadefinizione01 highlights a specific cultural moment. Despite the novel being nearly 200 years old, there is a persistent demand for its visual representation. Students looking for summaries or "quick fixes" for their studies, and cinephiles looking for historical dramas, turn to streaming platforms to see the Great Plague of Milan or the "Night of Tricks" brought to life in high definition.

Directed by Sandro Bolchi, this version is often considered the most faithful "television novel."