Which Shows Global Audiences Is Watching, Including Brazilian Telenovelas to Superheroes Made of Red Bean Paste
Not long ago, this publication examined the trend of global post-apocalyptic dramas arriving to audiences across the globe. These series brought stories of climate catastrophe, harsh dictatorships, and extraterrestrial attacks from diverse locations such as South America, Nigeria, and Korea. Beyond highlighting global anxieties about institutional collapse, it also emphasized how linked the TV landscape has become in 2025. Streaming platforms, satellite channels, video platforms, and pirated content can instantly deliver regional shows from across the world—excluding Antarctica, although it's interesting to consider if any Arctic series exist there.
However, even with the high level of global intermingling in TV today, many programs remain largely unknown outside their home countries despite huge success locally. Recently, we set out to spotlight these programs by inquiring correspondents based in various countries about the shows people are viewing in their regions. Read on for accounts of Jamaican breakfast television, soap operas from Brazil, and Japan's sweet bean-filled superheroes.
In Brazil | Vale Tudo
Although Brazil's longstanding passion for soap operas has been slightly influenced by online platforms and rivalry from K-dramas and shows from Turkey, the most discussed and highest-rated TV show in Latin America's largest country is, expectedly, a telenovela. Anything Goes is a reboot of a production regarded as one of the key of the genre and a massive success in the late 80s, when Brazil was still recovering from a brutal 20-year authoritarian rule. The first version revolved around the question: "Does it pay to be ethical in Brazil?"
The updated series—released during a time 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. Although many viewers like the new version, with scenes spreading widely on online platforms, there has also been backlash over changes to the original plot and the reproduction of stereotypes often associated with Black women in relation to one of the main characters.
Nigeria | Big Brother Naija
One could conduct an in-depth study on Nigeria's interest with social dynamics and the nation's continued interest in watching over twenty unknown individuals locked in a communal house. The latest season of Big Brother Naija is currently airing, and it continues to generate more discussion, particularly on online networks, than virtually every entertainment happening aside from Premier League football.
Big Brother Naija enjoys a degree of mainstream penetration that makes the drama hard to ignore even if you don't watch it. Contestants can still expect their appearances into a life of celebrity and brand deals, even if short-lived. This is likely to continue for as long as the producers maintain their incredible ability to choose the ideal combination of participants who all seem destined for the 24-hour stage.
In Japan | Anpan
Based on the latest figures available, Japan's highest rated consistently aired programme is Anpan. It's the newest in a long series of short daily series, called asadora, broadcast in the early hours Monday through Saturday by national network the Japanese broadcasting corporation. Anpan is inspired by the life of a woman named Nobu Komatsu, whose husband, Takashi Yanase, created the Anpanman (meaning Bean Paste Man) children's books and animated series that have entertained and captivated multiple age groups of children in Japan.
The series tells the rags-to-riches story of a female protagonist who lives through the horrors of the World War II and, alongside her spouse, creates a gentle-spirited picture book series in the 1970s. Its main character Anpanman—a sweet bun with bean paste with a cape—generously aids those in peril and need, even giving pieces of his soft, sweet head to feed the starving. Like most asadora, the show is visual comfort food, with a touching, uplifting story that calms the anxious atmosphere of today's times.
Jamaica | Smile Jamaica
Typically, most people in Jamaica access their television shows from the US, but despite this the domestic station TVJ's the show Smile Jamaica breakfast program remains a essential part of the national daily life.
Airing from early morning, with a weekend version on the weekend, it offers an eclectic mix of fun segments and segments on heavy topical issues. Viewers can see viral dance and pilates tutorials, 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 tough subject of mental health awareness after the country was rocked by the death of a beauty pageant alumna at just 26. The show is a prime illustration of significant funding in its entertainment sector, with several local film festivals and the authorities just pledging substantial funds for domestic movie projects.
In Poland | International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition
It may not fit the standard idea of a TV blockbuster, able to draw huge audiences. Still, a large part of the country will be tuned in for the coming weeks following the excitement of the new installment of a prestigious music contest celebrating Poland's musical genius Fryderyk Chopin.
The nineteenth iteration of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition started recently. It will feature 84 pianists from 20 countries—narrowed down from over six hundred applicants—vying for the top prize, often seen as a key opportunity to play in the world's greatest concert halls.
The event, resembling the global sports event for keyboard artists, is held every five years and draws thousands of classical music lovers to the Polish capital, with tickets selling out a long beforehand. This edition, the host nation has 13 participants, but musicians from the United States, North America, and Korea are regarded as some of the favourites.
The event is broadcast by Poland's national TV and streamed online, with the champion's concerts beginning in late October.
