What Global Audiences Are Tuning Into, From Soap Operas from Brazil to Heroic Characters Created from Sweet Bean Filling
A short time ago, this publication looked into the trend of global post-apocalyptic dramas arriving to viewers across the globe. These series brought tales of environmental disaster, violent autocracy, and alien invasions from various locations such as Argentina, Nigeria, and Asia. Aside from highlighting global anxieties about institutional collapse, it also underscored how interconnected the TV landscape has become in 2025. Online services, satellite channels, video platforms, and unofficial streams can instantly deliver local content from across the world—except Antarctica, though it's interesting to consider if any Arctic series exist there.
Still, despite the high level of international exchange in television today, many programs stay largely unknown beyond domestic borders even though huge success at home. This week, we set out to highlight these programs by asking correspondents based in different nations about what people are viewing in their regions. Continue for stories of morning shows in Jamaica, Brazilian telenovelas, and Japan's red bean paste-based animated heroes.
Brazil | Vale Tudo
Although Brazil's longstanding love affair for soap operas has been somewhat affected by online platforms and competition from Korean series and shows from Turkey, the most talked-about and highest-rated TV show in Latin America's largest country is, unsurprisingly, a soap opera. Anything Goes is a revival of a production considered as one of the most important in its category and a huge hit in 1988 and 1989, when Brazil was still recovering from a harsh two-decade military dictatorship. The first version centered on the theme: "Does it pay to be ethical in Brazil?"
The new version—released during a period of deep political division—has moved away from the political themes of the first, but has achieved strong ratings and sparked intense discussions on the internet. Although numerous fans like the reboot, with clips going viral on online platforms, there has also been criticism over changes to the original plot and the reproduction 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 interest with social dynamics and the country's continued interest in watching more than two dozen unknown individuals confined to a shared home. The latest season of Big Brother Naija is on now, and it continues to generate more discussion, especially on online networks, than any other entertainment happening except for soccer matches.
BBNaija experiences a degree of cultural breakthrough that makes the drama difficult to avoid even if you aren't a viewer. Contestants can still expect their appearances into a career 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 ideal combination of contestants who all seem born for the constant spotlight.
In Japan | Bean Paste Hero
According to the latest figures released, Japan's top-rated consistently aired show is the series Anpan. It's the latest in a long series of short daily series, called asadora, aired in the morning on weekdays by public broadcaster the Japanese broadcasting corporation. The show is inspired by the life of a woman named Nobu Komatsu, whose husband, Takashi Yanase, developed the Anpanman (meaning Bean Paste Man) picture books and cartoon show that have amused and captivated generations of Japanese kids.
The series tells the grit-through-to-glory story of a female protagonist who experiences the atrocities of the second world war and, with her husband, establishes a kind-hearted book collection in the seventies. Its main character 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 hungry. Like most asadora, the show is visual comfort food, with a heartwarming, uplifting plot that soothes the anxious atmosphere of today's times.
Jamaica | The Morning Show
Typically, most people in Jamaica get their television shows from the United States, but even so the local channel Television Jamaica's the show Smile Jamaica breakfast program continues to be a essential part of the national daily life.
Airing from 6-8.30am, with a weekend version on Saturdays, it offers an diverse range of light entertainment and sections on heavy topical issues. Viewers can enjoy popular dance and exercise guides, intriguing interviews with a Jamaican Michael Jackson impersonator and the producers of a new canned curry goat, but also discussions on gun regulations in Jamaica and the tough subject of suicide prevention after the nation was shaken by the death of a beauty pageant alumna at just 26. The show is a prime illustration of significant funding in its film and TV industry, with several annual movie events and the authorities just pledging millions in local currency for local film productions.
Poland | International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition
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 next three weeks following the excitement of the new installment of a renowned piano competition celebrating Poland's composer and virtuoso the composer Chopin.
The nineteenth iteration of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition began recently. It will feature eighty-four musicians from twenty nations—narrowed down from over six hundred applicants—vying for the first place, often seen as a key opportunity to play in the top international venues.
The competition, resembling the global sports event for keyboard artists, is held every five years and draws many of classical music lovers to the Polish capital, with tickets selling out a year in advance. This edition, the home country has 13 participants, but pianists from the US, Canada, and Korea are regarded as some of the favourites.
The event is televised by Poland's national TV and available via live stream, with the champion's concerts beginning in the latter part of the month.
