Which Shows Global Audiences Are Tuning Into, From Brazilian Telenovelas to Superheroes Made of Sweet Bean Filling
A short time ago, this publication explored the surge of international dystopian series making their way to viewers worldwide. These shows brought stories of climate catastrophe, violent autocracy, and extraterrestrial attacks from diverse countries such as South America, Nigeria, and Asia. Aside from revealing worldwide fears about institutional collapse, it also emphasized how linked the television industry has become in the current year. Streaming platforms, broadcast networks, YouTube, and unofficial streams can instantly deliver regional shows from every continent—excluding Antarctica, though one might wonder if any penguin-themed dramas exist there.
However, despite the extent of international exchange in television today, numerous programs remain largely unknown beyond domestic borders despite massive popularity locally. Recently, we aimed to spotlight these series by asking journalists based in different nations about the shows audiences are viewing in their regions. Read on for accounts of morning shows in Jamaica, soap operas from Brazil, and Japan's red bean paste-based animated heroes.
Brazil | Vale Tudo
Although Brazil's longstanding passion for telenovelas has been somewhat affected by online platforms and rivalry from Korean series and Turkish equivalents, the most talked-about and highest-rated television program in Brazil is, unsurprisingly, a telenovela. Anything Goes is a revival of a series considered 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 centered on the theme: "Does it pay to be honest in Brazil?"
The new version—released during a period of profound political polarisation—has moved away from the political themes of the first, but has drawn high viewership and sparked heated online debates. While numerous fans enjoy the reboot, with clips spreading widely 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 neighborly boundaries and the country's continued interest in watching more than two dozen strangers locked in a shared home. The current edition of Big Brother Naija is on now, and it continues to generate more discussion, especially on online networks, than virtually every pop culture event aside from soccer matches.
BBNaija experiences a level of cultural breakthrough that makes the drama difficult to avoid whether or not you don't watch it. Contestants can still expect their appearances into a life of fame and brand deals, even if short-lived. This is likely to continue for as long as the producers keep up their incredible ability to choose the perfect mix of contestants who all seem born for the 24-hour stage.
In Japan | Anpan
Based on the most recent data available, Japan's top-rated regularly scheduled show is Anpan. It's the latest in a long series of short daily series, called asadora, broadcast in the early hours Monday through Saturday by national network NHK. The show is based on the story of a woman named Nobu Komatsu, whose spouse, the creator Takashi Yanase, developed the Anpanman (meaning Red Bean Bun Man) children's books and animated series that have amused and enthralled generations of children in Japan.
The series recounts the grit-through-to-glory story of a female protagonist who lives through the horrors of the second world war and, with her husband, creates a gentle-spirited book collection in the 1970s. Its hero the hero Anpanman—a sweet bun with bean paste with a cape—generously aids those in danger and need, even giving parts of his own head to nourish the starving. Similar to other asadora, the show is soothing viewing, with a heartwarming, inspiring story that calms the unsettled mood of the moment.
In Jamaica | The Morning Show
Usually, the majority in Jamaica access their media content from the United States, but even so the local channel Television Jamaica's Smile Jamaica morning show remains a essential part of the country's routine.
Airing from 6-8.30am, with a weekend version on Saturdays, it features an diverse range of fun segments and sections on heavy topical issues. Viewers can see viral dance and exercise guides, interesting conversations with a local performer and the producers of a recent food product, but also debates on Jamaica's firearms laws and the difficult topic of suicide prevention after the nation was shaken by the passing of a beauty pageant alumna at just 26. The program is a prime illustration of Jamaica's heavy investment in its entertainment sector, with multiple local film festivals and the authorities recently announcing substantial funds for local film productions.
Poland | Chopin Piano Contest
It may not fit the standard idea of a TV blockbuster, capable of attracting huge audiences. Still, a large part of the country will be tuned in for the next three weeks due to the twists and turns of the new installment of a renowned music contest celebrating Poland's musical genius Fryderyk Chopin.
The nineteenth iteration of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition began this week. It will feature 84 pianists from twenty nations—selected from over six hundred applicants—vying for the top prize, widely considered a key opportunity to play in the world's greatest concert halls.
The event, like the global sports event for pianists, is held quinquennially and attracts many of music enthusiasts to the city of Warsaw, with admissions being reserved a year in advance. This edition, the home country has 13 participants, but pianists from the United States, Canada, and Korea are seen as leading contenders.
The event is televised by Poland's national TV and available via live stream, with the champion's performances starting in the latter part of the month.
