Which Shows Global Audiences Are Tuning Into, Including Brazilian Telenovelas to Superheroes Made of Red Bean Paste

Not long ago, this publication looked into the surge of global dystopian series making their way to viewers worldwide. These shows brought tales of environmental disaster, violent autocracy, and alien invasions from various countries such as Argentina, Africa, and Korea. Beyond highlighting global anxieties about institutional collapse, it also emphasized how interconnected the TV landscape has become in the current year. Streaming platforms, satellite channels, video platforms, and unofficial streams can quickly provide regional shows from every continent—except Antarctica, although one might wonder if any penguin-themed dramas exist there.

However, despite the extent of global intermingling in television today, many shows stay largely unknown outside their home countries despite huge success locally. This week, we set out to spotlight these series by inquiring journalists covering different nations about the shows audiences are viewing in their areas. Continue for stories of Jamaican breakfast television, soap operas from Brazil, and Japanese sweet bean-filled superheroes.

In Brazil | Vale Tudo

Although Brazil's longstanding love affair for soap operas has been slightly influenced by streaming services and competition from Korean series and Turkish equivalents, the most discussed and highest-rated television program in Brazil is, unsurprisingly, a soap opera. Anything Goes is a reboot of a series regarded as one of the key in its category and a huge hit in 1988 and 1989, when Brazil was still recovering from a brutal two-decade military dictatorship. The original version revolved around the theme: "Is it worth to be honest in Brazil?"

The updated series—released during a period of profound political polarisation—has largely abandoned the original's political focus, but has achieved strong ratings and ignited intense discussions on the internet. While many viewers like the new version, with scenes going viral on online platforms, there has also been backlash over changes to the original plot and the reproduction of cliches often associated with African-descendant women in relation to one of the protagonists.

Nigeria | BBNaija

You could conduct an in-depth study on Nigeria's interest with social dynamics and the country's continued interest in observing over twenty strangers confined to a communal house. The current edition of Big Brother Naija is currently airing, and it continues to generate more discussion, particularly on social media, than virtually every entertainment happening aside from soccer matches.

BBNaija experiences a level of mainstream penetration that makes the drama hard to ignore even if you aren't a viewer. Participants can typically leverage their time on the show into a career of fame and endorsements, however temporary. This is likely to continue for as long as the creators keep up their skill to choose the perfect mix of contestants who all seem destined for the constant spotlight.

In Japan | Anpan

According to the latest figures released, Japan's top-rated consistently aired show is Anpan. It's the latest in a extensive lineup of short daily series, called asadora, aired in the morning on weekdays by public broadcaster the Japanese broadcasting corporation. The show is based on the story of Nobu Komatsu, whose spouse, the creator Takashi Yanase, developed the Anpanman (meaning Red Bean Bun Man) children's books and animated series that have entertained and captivated multiple age groups of Japanese kids.

The series tells the grit-through-to-glory story of a female protagonist who experiences the atrocities of the second world war and, with her husband, establishes a gentle-spirited book collection in the seventies. Its main character the hero Anpanman—a red-bean-filled pastry wearing a cape—selflessly helps those in danger and need, offering parts of his own head to nourish the hungry. Similar to other asadora, the show is soothing viewing, with a heartwarming, inspiring story that calms the anxious atmosphere of today's times.

Jamaica | The Morning Show

Usually, the majority in Jamaica access their television shows from the United States, but even so the local channel TVJ's Smile Jamaica morning show continues to be a critical part of the country's routine.

Airing from 6-8.30am, with a weekend version on the weekend, it features an diverse range 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 producers of a new canned curry goat, but also debates on gun regulations in Jamaica and the difficult topic of mental health awareness after the country was rocked by the death of a former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant at just twenty-six. The show is a prime illustration of Jamaica's heavy investment in its entertainment sector, with several annual movie events and the authorities just pledging millions in local currency for domestic movie projects.

Poland | Chopin Piano Contest

It's perhaps not the standard idea of a TV blockbuster, able to draw huge audiences. Still, much of Poland will be glued to their screens for the coming weeks following the excitement of the new installment of a renowned piano competition honoring Poland's composer and virtuoso Fryderyk Chopin.

The 19th edition of the Chopin Piano Competition started this week. It will include eighty-four musicians from twenty nations—selected from over six hundred applicants—vying for the first place, widely considered a key opportunity to play in the top international venues.

The competition, like the global sports event for keyboard artists, is held quinquennially and attracts many of classical music lovers to the Polish capital, with tickets selling out a year in advance. This time, the home country has 13 participants, but musicians from the United States, North America, and Asia are seen as leading contenders.

The event is broadcast by Poland's national TV and streamed online, with the champion's performances starting in the latter part of the month.