What Global Audiences Are Tuning Into, Including Soap Operas from Brazil to Heroic Characters Created from Red Bean Paste
Recently, this publication looked into the wave of global post-apocalyptic dramas making their way to audiences across the globe. These shows brought tales of climate catastrophe, violent autocracy, and extraterrestrial attacks from various countries such as Argentina, Nigeria, and Asia. Beyond highlighting worldwide fears about institutional collapse, it also emphasized how interconnected the television industry has become in 2025. Online services, satellite channels, YouTube, and unofficial streams can quickly provide local content from across the world—except Antarctica, although one might wonder if any penguin-themed dramas exist there.
However, despite the extent of global intermingling in TV today, numerous shows remain mostly unseen beyond domestic borders even though massive popularity at home. This week, we aimed to highlight these programs by asking correspondents based in different nations about what audiences are viewing in their regions. Continue for stories of morning shows in Jamaica, soap operas from Brazil, and Japanese sweet bean-filled superheroes.
In Brazil | Anything Goes
Even if Brazil's traditional passion for soap operas has been somewhat affected by online platforms and rivalry from K-dramas and Turkish equivalents, the most discussed and highest-rated TV show in Brazil is, unsurprisingly, a telenovela. Anything Goes is a reboot of a series regarded as one of the most important of the genre and a massive success in the late 80s, when Brazil was still recovering from a harsh two-decade military dictatorship. The original version revolved around the theme: "Is it worth to be honest in Brazil?"
The new version—launched during a period of profound political polarisation—has moved away from the political themes of the first, but has drawn high viewership and sparked heated online debates. Although many viewers like the new version, with scenes going viral on online platforms, there has also been backlash over changes to the original plot and the reproduction of cliches commonly linked to African-descendant women in relation to one of the protagonists.
In Nigeria | BBNaija
One could conduct an in-depth study on Nigeria's interest with neighborly boundaries and the country's continued interest in watching more than two dozen strangers confined to a communal house. The current edition of Big Brother Naija is on now, and it still manages to generate more discussion, especially on online networks, than virtually every pop culture event aside from Premier League football.
Big Brother Naija enjoys a degree of mainstream penetration that makes the show difficult to avoid whether or not you don't watch it. Contestants can still expect 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 select the perfect mix of participants who all seem born for the 24-hour stage.
In Japan | Anpan
According to the latest figures released, Japan's highest rated regularly scheduled programme is Anpan. It's the newest in a extensive lineup of 15-minute dramas, called asadora, aired in the morning on weekdays by public broadcaster the Japanese broadcasting corporation. Anpan is based on the life of Nobu Komatsu, whose spouse, Takashi Yanase, developed the Anpanman (meaning Red Bean Bun Man) children's books and animated series that have entertained and enthralled multiple age groups of children in Japan.
The series recounts the rags-to-riches story of a female protagonist who experiences the atrocities of the second world war and, with her husband, establishes a gentle-spirited picture book series in the 1970s. Its main character the hero Anpanman—a red-bean-filled pastry with a cape—selflessly helps those in peril and distress, offering parts of his own head to nourish the hungry. Like most asadora, the show is soothing viewing, with a heartwarming, inspiring story that calms the anxious atmosphere of today's times.
In Jamaica | Smile Jamaica
Typically, most people in Jamaica access their media content from the United States, but even so the domestic station Television Jamaica's Smile Jamaica morning show continues to be a essential part of the national daily life.
Broadcast from 6-8.30am, with a weekend version on the weekend, it features an eclectic mix of fun segments and segments on serious current topics. Audiences can see viral dance and exercise guides, interesting conversations 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 mental health awareness after the country was rocked by the passing of a beauty pageant alumna at just 26. The show is a prime illustration of significant funding in its entertainment sector, with several annual movie events and the authorities just pledging millions in local currency for domestic movie projects.
In Poland | International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition
It may not fit the usual definition of a mass-audience show, able to draw huge audiences. Still, a large part of the country will be glued to their screens for the coming weeks following the excitement of the latest edition of a renowned music contest honoring Poland's musical genius Fryderyk Chopin.
The 19th edition of the Chopin Piano Competition started recently. It will include 84 pianists from 20 countries—narrowed down from over six hundred applicants—vying for the top prize, often seen as a key opportunity to perform in the world's greatest concert halls.
The event, like the global sports event for pianists, takes place quinquennially and draws many of music enthusiasts to the city of Warsaw, with tickets selling out a year in advance. This edition, the home country has thirteen contestants, but musicians from the United States, Canada, and Asia are seen as leading contenders.
The event is broadcast by Poland's national TV and available via live stream, with the champion's concerts beginning in late October.
