Which Shows Global Audiences Is Watching, Including Brazilian Telenovelas to Superheroes Made of Red Bean Paste
Not long ago, this publication explored the wave of global dystopian series making their way to audiences across the globe. These shows brought stories of climate catastrophe, harsh dictatorships, and extraterrestrial attacks from diverse 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 2025. Online services, broadcast networks, YouTube, and pirated content can instantly deliver local content from every continent—except Antarctica, though one might wonder if any penguin-themed dramas exist there.
However, even with the high level of international exchange in television today, numerous programs remain mostly unseen outside their home countries despite huge success at home. Recently, we set out to spotlight these series by asking journalists covering different nations about the shows people are viewing in their areas. Continue for accounts of Jamaican breakfast television, Brazilian telenovelas, and Japan's red bean paste-based animated heroes.
In Brazil | Vale Tudo
Even if Brazil's longstanding love affair for soap operas has been slightly influenced by streaming services and rivalry from Korean series and Turkish equivalents, the most discussed and highest-rated television program in Brazil is, unsurprisingly, a soap opera. Vale Tudo is a revival of a series regarded as one of the key in its category and a huge hit in the late 80s, when Brazil was recovering from a brutal two-decade military dictatorship. The original version revolved around the question: "Is it worth to be ethical in Brazil?"
The new version—released during a period of profound political polarisation—has moved away from the political themes of the first, but has drawn high viewership and ignited intense discussions on the internet. While many viewers enjoy the new version, with scenes going viral on online platforms, there has also been criticism over alterations to the story and the reproduction of cliches commonly linked to Black women in relation to one of the main characters.
Nigeria | BBNaija
You could conduct an in-depth study on Nigeria's fascination with neighborly boundaries and the nation's continued interest in watching over twenty strangers locked in a shared home. The latest season of Big Brother Naija is currently airing, and it continues to drive more conversation, especially on online networks, than virtually every entertainment happening except for soccer matches.
Big Brother Naija enjoys a level of mainstream penetration that makes the drama hard to ignore even if you don't watch it. Contestants can typically leverage their appearances into a life of fame and brand deals, however temporary. This is likely to continue for as long as the producers keep up their incredible ability to select the ideal combination of participants who all seem born for the 24-hour stage.
Japan | Bean Paste Hero
According to the latest figures released, Japan's highest rated consistently aired show is the series Anpan. It's the latest in a long series of short daily series, called asadora, broadcast in the early hours on weekdays by public broadcaster the Japanese broadcasting corporation. Anpan is based on the life of Nobu Komatsu, whose spouse, the creator Takashi Yanase, created the Anpanman (meaning Bean Paste Man) picture books and animated series that have amused and enthralled multiple age groups of Japanese kids.
Anpan recounts the rags-to-riches story of a female protagonist who lives through the atrocities of the World War II and, with her husband, creates a kind-hearted picture book series in the 1970s. Its main character the hero Anpanman—a sweet bun with bean paste wearing a cape—selflessly helps those in peril and distress, offering parts of his own head to feed the starving. Similar to other asadora, the show is soothing viewing, with a touching, uplifting story that soothes the unsettled mood of today's times.
Jamaica | The Morning Show
Typically, most people in Jamaica get their media content from the United States, but despite this the local channel Television Jamaica's the show Smile Jamaica morning show continues to be a essential part of the national daily life.
Broadcast from early morning, with a weekend version on the weekend, it features an eclectic mix of light entertainment and segments on heavy topical issues. Viewers can enjoy viral dance and pilates tutorials, intriguing interviews with a local performer and the makers of a recent food product, but also debates on gun regulations in Jamaica and the tough subject of suicide prevention after the country was rocked by the death of a former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant at just 26. The show is a prime illustration of Jamaica's heavy investment in its entertainment sector, with multiple local film festivals and the authorities recently announcing millions in local currency for domestic movie projects.
In Poland | Chopin Piano Contest
It may not fit the standard idea of a mass-audience show, capable of attracting huge audiences. Still, a large part of the country will be tuned in for the coming weeks due to the twists and turns of the new installment of a prestigious piano competition celebrating Poland's composer and virtuoso Fryderyk Chopin.
The nineteenth iteration of the Chopin Piano Competition began this week. It will include 84 pianists from 20 countries—narrowed down from more than 640 submissions—contending for the top prize, widely considered a golden ticket to play in the top international venues.
The event, resembling the global sports event for pianists, is held quinquennially and attracts many of music enthusiasts to the Polish capital, with tickets selling out a long beforehand. This time, the home country has 13 participants, but musicians from the United States, Canada, and Korea are seen as leading contenders.
The event is broadcast by Poland's public broadcaster and available via live stream, with the champion's concerts starting in the latter part of the month.
