Which Shows the World Are Tuning Into, From Brazilian Telenovelas to Superheroes Created from Red Bean Paste
Not long ago, this publication looked into the wave of international post-apocalyptic dramas making their way to viewers across the globe. These shows delivered stories of environmental disaster, harsh dictatorships, and alien invasions from diverse locations such as Argentina, Africa, and Asia. Beyond revealing worldwide fears about societal breakdown, it also underscored how linked the TV landscape has become in the current year. Streaming platforms, satellite channels, YouTube, and pirated content can quickly provide regional shows from every continent—except Antarctica, though one might wonder if any Arctic series exist there.
Still, despite the high level of global intermingling in television today, many shows stay mostly unseen beyond domestic borders despite massive popularity at home. This week, we aimed to highlight these programs by asking correspondents based in different nations about the shows people are viewing in their areas. Read on for accounts of morning shows in Jamaica, Brazilian telenovelas, and Japan's red bean paste-based animated heroes.
Brazil | Vale Tudo
Although Brazil's traditional passion for telenovelas has been somewhat affected by online platforms and rivalry from Korean series and Turkish equivalents, the most discussed and highest-rated TV show in Latin America's largest country is, expectedly, a soap opera. Vale Tudo is a revival of a series considered as one of the most important in its category and a massive success in 1988 and 1989, when Brazil was recovering from a harsh two-decade military dictatorship. The original version revolved around the theme: "Is it worth to be honest in Brazil?"
The new version—released during a time of profound political polarisation—has largely abandoned the original's political focus, but has drawn high viewership and ignited intense discussions on the internet. While many viewers like the reboot, with scenes going viral on social media, there has also been criticism over alterations to the story and the reproduction of cliches commonly linked to Black women in relation to one of the main characters.
Nigeria | Big Brother Naija
You could conduct an in-depth study on Nigeria's fascination with social dynamics and the country's ongoing curiosity in observing over twenty unknown individuals locked in a shared home. The current edition of Big Brother Naija is currently airing, and it continues to generate more discussion, particularly on online networks, than any other entertainment happening aside from soccer matches.
Big Brother Naija enjoys a level of mainstream penetration that makes the show difficult to avoid whether or not you aren't a viewer. Contestants can still expect their appearances into a life of fame and endorsements, however temporary. This is likely to continue for as long as the creators maintain their skill to select the perfect mix of contestants who all seem destined for the constant spotlight.
In Japan | Anpan
According to the latest figures available, Japan's top-rated consistently aired show is the series Anpan. It's the latest in a long series of short daily series, called asadora, broadcast in the early hours on weekdays by national network NHK. Anpan is inspired by the story of Nobu Komatsu, whose husband, the creator Takashi Yanase, created the Anpanman (literally Bean Paste Man) picture books and animated series that have amused and captivated generations of Japanese kids.
The series tells the grit-through-to-glory story of a female protagonist who experiences the atrocities of the World War II and, alongside her spouse, establishes a gentle-spirited picture book series in the 1970s. Its hero the hero Anpanman—a red-bean-filled pastry wearing a cape—selflessly helps those in danger and distress, offering parts of his own head to nourish the hungry. Similar to other asadora, Anpan is visual comfort food, with a touching, inspiring story that calms the anxious atmosphere of today's times.
Jamaica | The Morning Show
Usually, the majority in Jamaica access their media content from the United States, but despite this the local channel TVJ's the show Smile Jamaica breakfast program remains a critical part of the national daily life.
Airing from early morning, with a weekend version on Saturdays, it offers an diverse range of light entertainment and segments on serious current topics. Audiences can see viral dance and pilates tutorials, intriguing interviews with a Jamaican Michael Jackson impersonator and the makers of a new canned curry goat, but also discussions on gun regulations in Jamaica and the tough subject of mental health awareness after the nation was shaken by the death of a beauty pageant alumna at just 26. The program is a great example of significant funding in its film and TV industry, with multiple local film festivals and the government just pledging millions in local currency for domestic movie projects.
Poland | Chopin Piano Contest
It's perhaps not the standard idea of a mass-audience show, capable of attracting millions of viewers. Still, much of Poland will be tuned in for the coming weeks due to the excitement of the new installment of a renowned piano competition celebrating Poland's composer and virtuoso the composer Chopin.
The 19th edition of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition began this week. It will include eighty-four musicians from 20 countries—selected from over six hundred applicants—vying for the top prize, often seen as a key opportunity to perform in the top international venues.
The event, resembling the Olympic Games for keyboard artists, is held every five years and attracts many of classical music lovers to the city of Warsaw, with admissions being reserved a year in advance. This edition, the host nation has thirteen contestants, but musicians from the US, North America, and Asia are regarded as some of the favourites.
The competition is broadcast by Poland's public broadcaster and streamed online, with the champion's concerts beginning in late October.