Which Shows the World Are Tuning Into, Including Soap Operas from Brazil to Heroic Characters Created from Red Bean Paste
Not long ago, our coverage examined the wave of international dystopian series making their way to audiences worldwide. These shows brought stories of environmental disaster, violent autocracy, and extraterrestrial attacks from diverse countries such as South America, Nigeria, and Korea. Beyond highlighting worldwide fears about societal breakdown, it also underscored how linked the TV landscape has become in the current year. Streaming platforms, satellite channels, video platforms, and unofficial streams can instantly deliver regional shows from across the world—except Antarctica, although one might wonder if any penguin-themed dramas exist there.
However, despite the extent of global intermingling in television today, numerous shows remain largely unknown outside their home countries despite massive popularity locally. This week, we set out to highlight these programs by inquiring correspondents based in various countries about the shows people are viewing in their areas. Read on for accounts of Jamaican breakfast television, soap operas from Brazil, and Japanese red bean paste-based animated heroes.
In Brazil | Anything Goes
Although Brazil's longstanding passion for telenovelas has been somewhat affected by online platforms and competition from K-dramas and shows from Turkey, the most talked-about and most watched TV show in Latin America's largest country is, expectedly, a telenovela. Vale Tudo is a revival of a series considered as one of the key of the genre and a huge hit in the late 80s, when Brazil was recovering from a harsh two-decade military dictatorship. The original version revolved around the theme: "Is it worth to be ethical in Brazil?"
The updated series—released during a period of deep political division—has largely abandoned the original's political focus, but has achieved strong ratings and sparked heated online debates. While many viewers enjoy the new version, with scenes spreading widely on social media, there has also been backlash over alterations to the story and the portrayal of stereotypes commonly linked to African-descendant women in relation to one of the protagonists.
Nigeria | Big Brother Naija
One could conduct an in-depth study on Nigeria's interest with social dynamics and the nation's continued interest in observing more than two dozen strangers locked in a shared home. The current edition of BBNaija is on now, and it still manages to generate more discussion, particularly on online networks, than any other pop culture event except for Premier League football.
Big Brother Naija enjoys a degree of mainstream penetration that makes the drama hard to ignore whether or not you don't watch it. Participants can typically leverage their time on the show into a career of celebrity and brand deals, however temporary. This will endure for as long as the creators maintain their incredible ability to select the ideal combination of contestants who all seem born for the constant spotlight.
Japan | Bean Paste Hero
According to the most recent data available, Japan's highest rated regularly scheduled programme is Anpan. It's the latest in a long series of 15-minute dramas, called asadora, broadcast in the morning Monday through Saturday by public broadcaster NHK. The show is inspired by the story of Nobu Komatsu, whose spouse, the creator Takashi Yanase, developed the Anpanman (meaning Red Bean Bun Man) picture books and cartoon show that have amused and enthralled multiple age groups of Japanese kids.
Anpan recounts the rags-to-riches narrative of a young woman who experiences the horrors of the World War II and, alongside her spouse, establishes a kind-hearted picture book series in the seventies. Its hero Anpanman—a sweet bun with bean paste with a cape—selflessly helps those in danger and distress, even giving parts of his own head to feed the starving. Similar to other asadora, the show is visual comfort food, with a touching, uplifting story that soothes the anxious atmosphere of today's times.
Jamaica | Smile Jamaica
Typically, most people in Jamaica access their media content from the United States, but despite this the local channel Television Jamaica's Smile Jamaica morning show continues to be a essential part of the country's routine.
Airing from early morning, with a Saturday edition on the weekend, it offers an eclectic mix of light entertainment and sections on heavy topical issues. Audiences can enjoy popular dance and exercise guides, intriguing interviews with a Jamaican Michael Jackson impersonator 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 country was shaken by the death 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 annual movie events and the authorities recently announcing substantial funds for local film productions.
In Poland | International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition
It may not fit the usual definition 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 following the twists and turns of the latest edition of a prestigious music contest honoring Poland's musical genius the composer Chopin.
The 19th edition of the Chopin Piano Competition started recently. It will feature 84 pianists from 20 countries—narrowed down from over six hundred applicants—contending for the top prize, widely considered a key opportunity to perform in the world's greatest concert halls.
The competition, like the global sports event for pianists, takes place every five years and draws many of music enthusiasts to the Polish capital, with admissions selling out a long beforehand. This time, the home country has thirteen contestants, but pianists from the US, North America, and Asia are seen as some of the favourites.
The competition is televised by Poland's public broadcaster and available via live stream, with the champion's concerts beginning in the latter part of the month.
