Which Shows Global Audiences Is Watching, Including Brazilian Telenovelas to Heroic Characters Made of Red Bean Paste
Recently, our coverage looked into the surge of global post-apocalyptic dramas making their way to audiences worldwide. These shows brought tales of climate catastrophe, harsh dictatorships, and extraterrestrial attacks from diverse locations such as Argentina, Africa, and Korea. Beyond revealing worldwide fears about institutional collapse, 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 local content from every continent—except Antarctica, though one might wonder if any penguin-themed dramas exist there.
However, despite the extent of international exchange in TV today, many shows remain largely unknown outside their home countries despite huge success locally. This week, we set out to spotlight these programs by inquiring journalists based in various countries about the shows people are watching in their regions. Read on for accounts of morning shows in Jamaica, soap operas from Brazil, and Japanese red bean paste-based superheroes.
In Brazil | Vale Tudo
Although Brazil's traditional passion for telenovelas has been slightly influenced by online platforms and rivalry from Korean series and shows from Turkey, the most talked-about and most watched television program in Brazil is, expectedly, a soap opera. Anything Goes is a revival of a series considered as one of the key in its category and a massive success in the late 80s, when Brazil was still recovering from a brutal two-decade military dictatorship. The original version centered on the question: "Is it worth to be honest in Brazil?"
The updated series—launched during a time of deep political division—has largely abandoned the political themes of the first, but has drawn high viewership and ignited intense discussions on the internet. While many viewers enjoy the reboot, with clips going viral on social media, there has also been criticism over changes to the original plot and the portrayal of stereotypes often associated with African-descendant women in relation to one of the protagonists.
In Nigeria | BBNaija
You could write a compelling dissertation on Nigeria's fascination with social dynamics and the nation's continued interest in observing over twenty unknown individuals locked in a communal house. The latest season of Big Brother Naija is on now, and it continues to generate more discussion, particularly on online networks, than virtually every entertainment happening except for soccer matches.
Big Brother Naija experiences a degree of cultural breakthrough that makes the show difficult to avoid even if you aren't a viewer. Contestants can typically leverage their time on the show into a life of fame and endorsements, 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 participants who all seem born for the constant spotlight.
In Japan | Bean Paste Hero
According to the latest figures available, Japan's highest rated regularly scheduled show is Anpan. It's the newest in a long series of 15-minute dramas, called asadora, aired in the morning on weekdays by public broadcaster the Japanese broadcasting corporation. The show is inspired by the story of Nobu Komatsu, whose husband, Takashi Yanase, created the Anpanman (literally Bean Paste Man) picture books and animated series that have entertained and enthralled multiple age groups of Japanese kids.
The series recounts the rags-to-riches narrative 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 Anpanman—a red-bean-filled pastry with a cape—selflessly helps those in peril and distress, even giving 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 unsettled mood of today's times.
Jamaica | The Morning Show
Typically, the majority in Jamaica access their television shows from the United States, but despite this the domestic station TVJ's Smile Jamaica breakfast program continues to be a critical part of the country's routine.
Broadcast from early morning, with a weekend version on the weekend, it offers an eclectic mix of light entertainment and sections on heavy topical issues. Audiences can enjoy viral dance and exercise guides, intriguing interviews with a local performer and the makers of a recent food product, but also discussions on gun regulations in Jamaica and the tough subject of mental health awareness after the nation 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 film and TV industry, with several annual movie events and the government just pledging millions in local currency for domestic movie projects.
Poland | Chopin Piano Contest
It may not fit the standard idea of a TV blockbuster, capable of attracting millions of viewers. Nevertheless, a large part of the country will be tuned in for the next three weeks following the excitement of the latest edition of a renowned music contest celebrating Poland's composer and virtuoso the composer Chopin.
The 19th edition of the Chopin Piano Competition began recently. It will feature 84 pianists from twenty nations—narrowed down from more than 640 submissions—vying for the first place, often seen as a golden ticket to play in the world's greatest concert halls.
The event, like the Olympic Games for pianists, takes place quinquennially and draws thousands of music enthusiasts to the city of Warsaw, with admissions selling out a long beforehand. This edition, the host nation has 13 participants, but pianists from the US, North America, and Asia are regarded as some of the favourites.
The event is televised by Poland's public broadcaster and available via live stream, with the winner's concerts starting in the latter part of the month.
