Which Shows the World Are Tuning Into, Including Soap Operas from Brazil to Heroic Characters Made of Sweet Bean Filling
Recently, our coverage looked into the surge of global post-apocalyptic dramas arriving to audiences across the globe. These series delivered stories of climate catastrophe, harsh dictatorships, and extraterrestrial attacks from various countries such as Argentina, Nigeria, and Asia. Beyond highlighting worldwide fears about institutional collapse, it also underscored how interconnected the TV landscape has become in the current year. Online services, broadcast networks, YouTube, and pirated content can instantly deliver local content from across the world—excluding Antarctica, although one might wonder if any Arctic series exist there.
However, even with the high level of international exchange in television today, numerous programs stay largely unknown outside their home countries despite massive popularity locally. This week, we set out to spotlight these series by inquiring journalists covering different nations about what audiences are viewing in their areas. Read on for stories of morning shows in Jamaica, Brazilian telenovelas, and Japanese red bean paste-based animated heroes.
In Brazil | Anything Goes
Even if Brazil's longstanding passion for soap operas has been slightly influenced by streaming services and rivalry from Korean series and Turkish equivalents, the most talked-about and highest-rated TV show in Latin America's largest country is, unsurprisingly, a telenovela. Vale Tudo is a reboot of a production considered as one of the most important 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 revolved around the question: "Does it pay to be ethical in Brazil?"
The new version—launched during a time of deep political division—has moved away from the political themes of the first, but has achieved strong ratings and ignited heated online debates. Although many viewers enjoy the new version, with clips going viral on online platforms, there has also been backlash over alterations to the story and the reproduction of cliches commonly linked to African-descendant women in relation to one of the protagonists.
In Nigeria | BBNaija
One could write a compelling dissertation on Nigeria's fascination with neighborly boundaries and the country's continued interest in watching over twenty strangers locked in a shared home. The current edition of BBNaija is on now, and it continues to drive more conversation, particularly on social media, than any other entertainment happening aside from Premier League football.
BBNaija enjoys a degree of mainstream penetration that makes the drama difficult to avoid even if you aren't a viewer. Contestants can still expect their time on the show into a life of celebrity and brand deals, however temporary. This is likely to continue for as long as the producers keep up their skill to choose the ideal combination of participants who all seem destined for the constant spotlight.
In Japan | Anpan
According to the latest figures released, Japan's top-rated consistently aired show is the series Anpan. It's the newest in a extensive lineup of 15-minute dramas, called asadora, broadcast in the morning Monday through Saturday by public broadcaster the Japanese broadcasting corporation. Anpan is inspired by the story of a woman named Nobu Komatsu, whose husband, Takashi Yanase, created the Anpanman (meaning Bean Paste Man) picture books and cartoon show that have amused and enthralled generations of children in Japan.
Anpan recounts the rags-to-riches narrative of a female protagonist who experiences the atrocities of the second world war and, alongside her spouse, creates a kind-hearted picture book series in the seventies. Its main character the hero Anpanman—a sweet bun with bean paste with a cape—selflessly helps those in danger and distress, offering pieces of his soft, sweet head to nourish the starving. Like most asadora, Anpan is visual comfort food, with a heartwarming, uplifting plot that calms the unsettled mood of today's times.
Jamaica | The Morning Show
Usually, most people in Jamaica access their media content from the United States, but despite this the local channel Television Jamaica's Smile Jamaica breakfast program remains a critical part of the national daily life.
Airing from early morning, with a Saturday edition on Saturdays, it offers an diverse range of light entertainment and segments on serious current topics. Audiences can see popular dance and exercise guides, intriguing interviews with a Jamaican Michael Jackson impersonator and the producers of a recent food product, but also discussions on Jamaica's firearms laws and the tough subject of mental health awareness after the nation was rocked by the passing of a beauty pageant alumna at just twenty-six. The show is a prime illustration of Jamaica's heavy investment in its entertainment sector, with multiple local film festivals and the authorities just pledging substantial funds for domestic movie projects.
In Poland | Chopin Piano Contest
It may not fit the usual definition of a TV blockbuster, capable of attracting millions of viewers. Nevertheless, much of Poland will be glued to their screens for the coming weeks due to the twists and turns of the new installment of a renowned piano competition honoring Poland's musical genius the composer Chopin.
The nineteenth iteration of the Chopin Piano Competition began recently. It will include 84 pianists from twenty nations—narrowed down from more than 640 submissions—vying for the first place, widely considered a key opportunity to play in the top international venues.
The event, resembling the global sports event for keyboard artists, is held quinquennially and draws thousands of classical music lovers to the city of Warsaw, with tickets being reserved a long beforehand. This edition, the host nation has thirteen contestants, but pianists from the US, Canada, and Asia are regarded as some of the favourites.
The event is televised by Poland's public broadcaster and streamed online, with the winner's performances beginning in the latter part of the month.
