Which Shows Global Audiences Are Tuning Into, From Soap Operas from Brazil to Superheroes Made of Red Bean Paste

A short time ago, our coverage examined the trend of international post-apocalyptic dramas making their way to viewers worldwide. These series delivered tales of climate catastrophe, violent autocracy, and alien invasions from various countries such as Argentina, Nigeria, and Asia. Beyond revealing global anxieties about societal breakdown, it also underscored how interconnected the television industry has become in the current year. Streaming platforms, satellite channels, YouTube, and unofficial streams can instantly deliver local content from every continent—except Antarctica, although one might wonder if any Arctic series exist there.

Still, despite the high level of international exchange in television today, numerous shows remain mostly unseen beyond domestic borders even though huge success locally. This week, we set out to highlight these programs by inquiring correspondents covering various countries about what audiences are watching in their regions. Continue for accounts of Jamaican breakfast television, soap operas from Brazil, and Japanese sweet bean-filled animated heroes.

In Brazil | Vale Tudo

Although Brazil's longstanding love affair for soap operas has been somewhat affected by online platforms and competition from K-dramas and Turkish equivalents, the most talked-about and highest-rated television program in Latin America's largest country is, expectedly, a soap opera. Anything Goes is a reboot of a series 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 centered on the question: "Is it worth to be ethical in Brazil?"

The updated series—launched during a period of deep political division—has moved away from the political themes of the first, but has drawn high viewership and ignited heated online debates. Although numerous fans enjoy the new version, with scenes going viral on social media, there has also been backlash over changes to the original plot and the portrayal of cliches commonly linked to African-descendant women in relation to one of the main characters.

In Nigeria | BBNaija

One could conduct an in-depth study on Nigeria's fascination with neighborly boundaries and the nation's continued interest in observing more than two dozen unknown individuals confined to a communal house. The latest season of BBNaija is on now, and it still manages to drive more conversation, especially on online networks, than any other entertainment happening aside from Premier League football.

Big Brother Naija enjoys a degree of cultural breakthrough that makes the drama difficult to avoid even if you aren't a viewer. Participants can still expect their time on the show into a life of celebrity and endorsements, even if short-lived. This is likely to continue for as long as the creators keep up their skill to select the ideal combination of participants who all seem born for the 24-hour stage.

Japan | Anpan

According to the latest figures available, Japan's top-rated regularly scheduled show is Anpan. It's the newest in a extensive lineup of 15-minute dramas, called asadora, aired in the early hours on weekdays 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) children's books and animated series that have entertained and enthralled generations of children in Japan.

The series tells the rags-to-riches story of a female protagonist who experiences the horrors of the second world war and, alongside her spouse, creates a kind-hearted picture book series in the seventies. Its main character Anpanman—a red-bean-filled pastry wearing a cape—generously aids those in danger and distress, even giving parts of his own head to nourish the starving. Like most asadora, the show is soothing viewing, with a touching, inspiring story that soothes the unsettled mood of today's times.

In Jamaica | The Morning Show

Typically, most people in Jamaica get their television shows from the United States, but even so the domestic station Television Jamaica's the show Smile Jamaica breakfast program continues to be a essential part of the national daily life.

Broadcast from 6-8.30am, with a Saturday edition on Saturdays, it offers an diverse range of fun segments and segments on heavy topical issues. Audiences can enjoy popular dance and pilates tutorials, intriguing interviews with a local performer and the producers of a recent food product, but also debates on Jamaica's firearms laws and the tough subject of mental health awareness after the nation was shaken by the passing of a beauty pageant alumna at just 26. The program is a great example of Jamaica's heavy investment in its entertainment sector, with several local film festivals and the government recently announcing substantial funds for domestic movie projects.

In Poland | International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition

It's perhaps not the usual definition of a TV blockbuster, capable of attracting huge audiences. Nevertheless, a large part of the country will be glued to their screens for the next three weeks following the excitement of the latest edition of a renowned piano competition celebrating Poland's composer and virtuoso the composer Chopin.

The 19th edition of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition started recently. It will include 84 pianists from 20 countries—narrowed down from more than 640 submissions—vying for the first place, widely considered a golden ticket to play in the world's greatest concert halls.

The event, resembling the Olympic Games for keyboard artists, is held every five years and draws thousands of music enthusiasts to the Polish capital, with admissions being reserved a year in advance. This time, the host nation has 13 participants, but pianists from the United States, North America, and Korea are regarded as leading contenders.

The competition is broadcast by Poland's public broadcaster and available via live stream, with the champion's performances beginning in the latter part of the month.