Which Shows Global Audiences Are Tuning Into, Including Soap Operas from Brazil to Superheroes Made of Sweet Bean Filling
Recently, this publication examined the trend of international post-apocalyptic dramas arriving to viewers worldwide. These series delivered stories of environmental disaster, harsh dictatorships, and extraterrestrial attacks from diverse countries such as Argentina, Africa, and Korea. Beyond highlighting global anxieties about societal breakdown, it also emphasized how interconnected the TV landscape has become in the current year. Streaming platforms, satellite channels, video platforms, and unofficial streams can instantly deliver regional shows from every continent—except Antarctica, although one might wonder if any Arctic series exist there.
However, even with the extent of international exchange in television today, many shows stay mostly unseen outside their home countries even though huge success locally. Recently, we aimed to spotlight these programs by inquiring correspondents based in various countries about the shows audiences are viewing in their areas. Read on for accounts of morning shows in Jamaica, Brazilian telenovelas, and Japanese red bean paste-based animated heroes.
In Brazil | Vale Tudo
Even if Brazil's traditional love affair for soap operas has been somewhat affected by streaming services and rivalry from K-dramas and shows from Turkey, the most talked-about and highest-rated television program in Brazil is, expectedly, a soap opera. Vale Tudo is a reboot of a production considered as one of the most important in its category and a huge hit in 1988 and 1989, when Brazil was still recovering from a brutal 20-year authoritarian rule. The original version revolved around the theme: "Does it pay to be ethical in Brazil?"
The updated series—released during a time of deep political division—has moved away from the original's political focus, but has drawn high viewership and sparked heated online debates. While many viewers enjoy the new version, with clips going viral on online platforms, there has also been backlash over changes to the original plot and the portrayal of stereotypes commonly linked to African-descendant women in relation to one of the main characters.
Nigeria | Big Brother Naija
One could write a compelling dissertation on Nigeria's interest with social dynamics and the nation's ongoing curiosity in observing over twenty unknown individuals confined to a shared home. The current edition of BBNaija is on now, and it continues to drive more conversation, especially on social media, than any other entertainment happening except for soccer matches.
BBNaija enjoys a degree of mainstream penetration that makes the drama hard to ignore even if you don't watch it. Contestants can typically leverage their appearances into a career of celebrity and brand deals, however temporary. This is likely to continue for as long as the producers maintain their skill to select the perfect mix of contestants who all seem destined for the constant spotlight.
Japan | Bean Paste Hero
According to the latest figures released, Japan's top-rated regularly scheduled show is the series Anpan. It's the latest in a long series of short daily series, called asadora, aired in the morning Monday through Saturday by public broadcaster the Japanese broadcasting corporation. Anpan is based on the life of a woman named Nobu Komatsu, whose husband, Takashi Yanase, created the Anpanman (literally Red Bean Bun Man) children's books and animated series that have amused and captivated multiple age groups of Japanese kids.
The series recounts the grit-through-to-glory story of a young woman who lives through the horrors of the World War II and, alongside her spouse, creates a gentle-spirited picture book series in the 1970s. Its main character Anpanman—a red-bean-filled pastry with a cape—selflessly helps those in peril and need, offering pieces of his soft, sweet head to feed the starving. Like most asadora, the show is visual comfort food, with a touching, uplifting story that calms the anxious atmosphere of today's times.
In Jamaica | Smile Jamaica
Usually, the majority in Jamaica get their television shows from the United States, but even so the domestic station TVJ's Smile Jamaica breakfast program continues to be a essential part of the national daily life.
Broadcast from early morning, with a Saturday edition on Saturdays, it features an eclectic mix of fun segments and segments on serious current topics. Audiences can enjoy popular dance and pilates tutorials, interesting conversations with a local performer and the makers of a recent food product, but also discussions on Jamaica's firearms laws and the difficult topic of mental health awareness after the nation was shaken by the passing of a beauty pageant alumna at just 26. The program is a prime illustration of significant funding in its film and TV industry, with multiple annual movie events and the government recently announcing millions in local currency for local film productions.
Poland | International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition
It may not fit the usual definition of a mass-audience show, able to draw millions of viewers. Nevertheless, a large part of the country will be glued to their screens for the next three weeks following the excitement of the new installment of a prestigious piano competition honoring Poland's composer and virtuoso the composer Chopin.
The 19th edition of the Chopin Piano Competition began recently. It will feature 84 pianists from 20 countries—selected from over six hundred applicants—contending for the first place, often seen as a key opportunity to perform in the top international venues.
The event, resembling the Olympic Games for pianists, takes place quinquennially and attracts thousands of music enthusiasts to the city of Warsaw, with admissions selling out a year in advance. This edition, the host nation has thirteen contestants, but pianists from the United States, North America, and Korea are regarded as some of the favourites.
The competition is televised by Poland's public broadcaster and available via live stream, with the winner's performances starting in late October.
