What Global Audiences Are Tuning Into, Including Soap Operas from Brazil to Heroic Characters Made of Red Bean Paste

A short time ago, this publication explored the wave of global dystopian series making their way to viewers worldwide. These shows delivered tales of environmental disaster, violent autocracy, and extraterrestrial attacks from various countries such as Argentina, Africa, and Asia. Aside from highlighting global anxieties about institutional collapse, it also emphasized how interconnected the television industry has become in 2025. Online services, satellite channels, YouTube, and unofficial streams can instantly deliver local content from across the world—except Antarctica, although one might wonder if any Arctic series exist there.

Still, even with the extent of international exchange in television today, numerous programs stay mostly unseen outside their home countries even though huge success locally. Recently, we set out to spotlight these programs by inquiring correspondents covering various countries about the shows people are viewing in their regions. Continue for stories of Jamaican breakfast television, soap operas from Brazil, and Japan's red bean paste-based superheroes.

In Brazil | Vale Tudo

Even if Brazil's traditional passion for telenovelas has been somewhat affected by streaming services and rivalry from K-dramas and shows from Turkey, the most discussed and most watched TV show in Brazil is, expectedly, a telenovela. Anything Goes is a reboot of a series regarded as one of the key 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 updated series—launched during a time of deep political division—has moved away from the original's political focus, but has achieved strong ratings and ignited heated online debates. Although numerous fans enjoy the new version, with clips going viral on online platforms, there has also been criticism over changes to the original plot and the reproduction of stereotypes often associated with African-descendant women in relation to one of the main characters.

Nigeria | BBNaija

One could write a compelling dissertation on Nigeria's fascination with neighborly boundaries and the nation's ongoing curiosity in observing over twenty strangers confined to a shared home. The current edition of BBNaija is currently airing, and it still manages to drive more conversation, particularly on social media, than any other pop culture event except for Premier League football.

Big Brother Naija experiences a degree of mainstream penetration that makes the drama difficult to avoid even if you don't watch it. Participants can typically leverage their appearances into a life of fame and endorsements, however temporary. This is likely to continue for as long as the creators keep up their skill to choose the ideal combination of participants who all seem destined for the constant spotlight.

Japan | Anpan

According to the latest figures released, Japan's top-rated regularly scheduled programme is the series Anpan. It's the latest in a long series of 15-minute dramas, called asadora, aired in the early hours Monday through Saturday by national network NHK. Anpan is based on the life of Nobu Komatsu, whose spouse, Takashi Yanase, developed the Anpanman (meaning Bean Paste Man) picture books and cartoon show that have entertained and captivated multiple age groups of children in Japan.

Anpan tells the grit-through-to-glory narrative of a female protagonist who experiences the atrocities of the second world war and, alongside her spouse, creates a kind-hearted book collection in the seventies. Its hero the hero Anpanman—a sweet bun with bean paste wearing a cape—generously aids those in danger and need, offering pieces of his soft, sweet head to nourish the starving. Like most asadora, Anpan is soothing viewing, with a touching, uplifting story that calms the anxious atmosphere of the moment.

Jamaica | Smile Jamaica

Usually, the majority in Jamaica access their media content from the US, but despite this the local channel TVJ's Smile Jamaica breakfast program continues to be a essential part of the country's routine.

Broadcast from early morning, with a weekend version on Saturdays, it offers an diverse range of light entertainment and sections on serious current topics. Viewers can see popular dance and exercise guides, interesting conversations with a local performer and the producers of a new canned curry goat, but also discussions on gun regulations in Jamaica and the difficult topic of suicide prevention after the nation was rocked by the passing of a former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant at just twenty-six. The show is a prime illustration of Jamaica's heavy investment in its entertainment sector, with multiple annual movie events and the authorities 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, capable of attracting huge audiences. Still, a large part of the country will be glued to their screens for the coming weeks due to the excitement of the latest edition of a prestigious music contest honoring Poland's composer and virtuoso Fryderyk Chopin.

The nineteenth iteration of the Chopin Piano Competition began 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 top international venues.

The event, resembling the Olympic Games for keyboard artists, takes place quinquennially and draws many of classical music lovers to the city of Warsaw, with admissions selling out a long beforehand. This edition, the host nation has thirteen contestants, but pianists from the US, Canada, and Korea are seen as some of the favourites.

The competition is broadcast by Poland's public broadcaster and streamed online, with the champion's concerts beginning in late October.