Which Shows Global Audiences Is Watching, From Soap Operas from Brazil to Heroic Characters Made of Sweet Bean Filling
Recently, our coverage explored the wave of global post-apocalyptic dramas making their way to audiences across the globe. These series brought tales of environmental disaster, harsh dictatorships, and alien invasions from various countries such as Argentina, Nigeria, and Korea. Beyond revealing worldwide fears about societal breakdown, it also emphasized how interconnected the TV landscape has become in the current year. Streaming platforms, broadcast networks, YouTube, and pirated content can quickly provide regional shows from every continent—except Antarctica, although it's interesting to consider if any Arctic series exist there.
However, despite the high level of global intermingling in TV today, numerous programs stay mostly unseen beyond domestic borders even though massive popularity at home. This week, we aimed to spotlight these programs by inquiring correspondents covering various countries about what audiences are watching in their regions. Continue for accounts of Jamaican breakfast television, Brazilian telenovelas, and Japan's sweet bean-filled animated heroes.
In Brazil | Anything Goes
Even if Brazil's longstanding love affair for soap operas has been somewhat affected by streaming services and rivalry from Korean series and Turkish equivalents, the most talked-about and highest-rated television program in Latin America's largest country is, expectedly, a telenovela. Anything Goes is a revival of a production considered as one of the key of the genre and a massive success in the late 80s, when Brazil was still recovering from a harsh 20-year authoritarian rule. The original version centered on the theme: "Does it pay to be honest in Brazil?"
The updated series—released during a period of profound political polarisation—has moved away from the original's political focus, but has achieved strong ratings and sparked intense discussions on the internet. While numerous fans enjoy the new version, with clips spreading widely on online platforms, there has also been backlash over changes to the original plot and the portrayal of cliches commonly linked to Black women in relation to one of the main characters.
Nigeria | BBNaija
One could write a compelling dissertation on Nigeria's fascination with neighborly boundaries and the country's ongoing curiosity in watching more than two dozen unknown individuals confined to a communal house. The latest season of Big Brother Naija is currently airing, and it continues to drive more conversation, especially on online networks, than any other entertainment happening aside from soccer matches.
BBNaija experiences a degree of mainstream penetration that makes the show difficult to avoid whether or not you aren't a viewer. Participants can still expect their appearances into a life of celebrity and brand deals, however temporary. This will endure for as long as the creators keep up their skill to choose the perfect mix of contestants who all seem born for the 24-hour stage.
Japan | Bean Paste Hero
Based on the most recent data released, Japan's highest rated consistently aired show is the series Anpan. It's the newest in a extensive lineup of short daily series, called asadora, broadcast in the morning on weekdays by national network NHK. Anpan is based on the life of Nobu Komatsu, whose husband, the creator Takashi Yanase, created the Anpanman (meaning Bean Paste Man) picture books and cartoon show that have entertained and enthralled generations of Japanese kids.
Anpan tells the grit-through-to-glory narrative of a young woman who experiences the horrors of the second world war and, alongside her spouse, creates a gentle-spirited picture book series in the 1970s. Its main character Anpanman—a sweet bun with bean paste wearing a cape—generously aids those in danger and distress, offering pieces of his soft, sweet head to nourish the hungry. Like most asadora, the show is visual comfort food, with a touching, inspiring plot that calms the anxious atmosphere of today's times.
In Jamaica | Smile Jamaica
Typically, the majority in Jamaica access their media content from the US, but despite this the domestic station TVJ's Smile Jamaica morning show remains a essential part of the national daily life.
Broadcast from early morning, with a weekend version on Saturdays, it features an diverse range of light entertainment and sections on heavy topical issues. Viewers can enjoy popular dance and pilates tutorials, interesting conversations with a Jamaican Michael Jackson impersonator and the makers of a new canned curry goat, but also discussions on Jamaica's firearms laws and the tough subject of suicide prevention after the nation was rocked by the passing of a beauty pageant alumna at just twenty-six. The program is a great example of Jamaica's heavy investment in its entertainment sector, with multiple annual movie events and the government just pledging substantial funds for local film productions.
Poland | International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition
It's perhaps not the usual definition of a TV blockbuster, able to draw millions of viewers. Nevertheless, a large part of the country will be glued to their screens for the next three weeks due to the excitement of the latest edition of a prestigious music contest celebrating Poland's musical genius Fryderyk Chopin.
The 19th edition of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition began this week. It will include 84 pianists from twenty nations—selected from over six hundred applicants—contending for the first place, widely considered a key opportunity to play in the top international venues.
The event, like the global sports event for pianists, is held quinquennially and draws thousands of classical music lovers to the Polish capital, with admissions being reserved a long beforehand. This edition, the host nation has thirteen contestants, but pianists from the United States, Canada, and Korea are regarded as leading contenders.
The competition is broadcast by Poland's public broadcaster and available via live stream, with the winner's performances beginning in the latter part of the month.