What Global Audiences Are Tuning Into, From Soap Operas from Brazil to Superheroes Created from Red Bean Paste
Not long ago, our coverage explored the trend of global dystopian series arriving to audiences worldwide. These series delivered tales of environmental disaster, violent autocracy, and extraterrestrial attacks from various countries such as Argentina, Nigeria, and Korea. Aside from highlighting global anxieties about institutional collapse, it also underscored how linked the TV landscape has become in 2025. Online services, broadcast networks, YouTube, and unofficial streams can instantly deliver regional shows from every continent—excluding Antarctica, though it's interesting to consider if any Arctic series exist there.
Still, despite the extent of global intermingling in television today, numerous programs stay mostly unseen outside their home countries despite massive popularity at home. Recently, we set out to highlight these series by inquiring correspondents based in various countries about the shows audiences are watching in their regions. Continue for stories of morning shows in Jamaica, Brazilian telenovelas, and Japan's red bean paste-based animated heroes.
In Brazil | Vale Tudo
Although Brazil's traditional passion for soap operas has been somewhat affected by streaming services and rivalry from K-dramas and shows from Turkey, the most discussed and highest-rated TV show in Latin America's largest country is, unsurprisingly, a soap opera. Vale Tudo is a revival of a series regarded as one of the key of the genre and a huge hit in 1988 and 1989, when Brazil was still recovering from a brutal 20-year authoritarian rule. The first version revolved around the question: "Is it worth to be ethical in Brazil?"
The new version—released during a period of deep political division—has moved away from the original's political focus, but has drawn high viewership and ignited heated online debates. While many viewers enjoy the reboot, with clips spreading widely on online platforms, there has also been backlash over changes to the original plot and the reproduction of stereotypes often associated with African-descendant women in relation to one of the protagonists.
Nigeria | Big Brother Naija
You could conduct an in-depth study on Nigeria's interest with social dynamics and the country's ongoing curiosity in observing over twenty strangers locked in 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 soccer matches.
Big Brother Naija experiences a degree of cultural breakthrough that makes the drama difficult to avoid whether or not you don't watch it. Participants can typically leverage their time on the show into a life of fame and endorsements, even if short-lived. This will endure for as long as the producers keep up their incredible ability to choose the perfect mix of participants who all seem born for the constant spotlight.
In Japan | Anpan
Based on the most recent data available, 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 early hours Monday through Saturday by national network NHK. Anpan is based on the story of Nobu Komatsu, whose spouse, the creator Takashi Yanase, developed the Anpanman (literally Bean Paste Man) children's books and animated series that have amused and enthralled generations of Japanese kids.
Anpan recounts the rags-to-riches story of a young woman who lives through the horrors of the second world war and, with her husband, creates a gentle-spirited picture book series in the seventies. Its hero the hero Anpanman—a sweet bun with bean paste with a cape—generously aids those in danger and need, even giving parts of his own head to feed the starving. Like most asadora, the show is visual comfort food, with a heartwarming, inspiring story that calms the unsettled mood of today's times.
Jamaica | The Morning Show
Usually, the majority in Jamaica get their media content from the US, but despite this the local channel TVJ's Smile Jamaica breakfast program remains a essential part of the national daily life.
Airing from early morning, with a weekend version on Saturdays, it offers an eclectic mix of light entertainment and segments on serious current topics. Audiences can see popular dance and pilates tutorials, intriguing interviews with a local performer and the makers of a new canned curry goat, but also discussions on gun regulations in Jamaica and the difficult topic of suicide prevention after the country was rocked by the death of a beauty pageant alumna at just 26. The program is a prime illustration of Jamaica's heavy investment in its film and TV industry, with multiple annual movie events and the government recently announcing 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, able to draw huge audiences. Still, much of Poland will be glued to their screens for the next three weeks due to the excitement of the new installment of a renowned music contest celebrating Poland's composer and virtuoso Fryderyk Chopin.
The 19th edition of the Chopin Piano Competition started recently. It will feature eighty-four musicians from twenty nations—selected from over six hundred applicants—vying for the first place, often seen as a key opportunity to perform in the top international venues.
The event, 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 admissions being reserved a long beforehand. This edition, the home country has 13 participants, but pianists from the US, Canada, and Asia are seen as leading contenders.
The event is televised by Poland's national TV and streamed online, with the champion's performances starting in the latter part of the month.
