What the World Are Tuning Into, Including Brazilian Telenovelas to Superheroes Made of Red Bean Paste
Recently, this publication examined the trend of international dystopian series making their way to audiences worldwide. These series brought stories of climate catastrophe, harsh dictatorships, and extraterrestrial attacks from diverse countries such as Argentina, Africa, and Asia. Aside from highlighting worldwide fears about institutional collapse, it also emphasized how interconnected the television industry has become in 2025. Online services, broadcast networks, video platforms, and pirated content can instantly deliver regional shows from every continent—excluding Antarctica, though one might wonder if any penguin-themed dramas exist there.
However, even with the extent of international exchange in television today, many programs remain mostly unseen beyond domestic borders despite massive popularity locally. Recently, we aimed to highlight these programs by inquiring correspondents covering different nations about what people are watching in their regions. Continue for accounts of morning shows in Jamaica, Brazilian telenovelas, and Japanese sweet bean-filled animated heroes.
Brazil | Anything Goes
Although Brazil's traditional love affair for telenovelas has been somewhat affected by streaming services and competition from K-dramas and Turkish equivalents, the most talked-about and most watched TV show in Brazil is, expectedly, a telenovela. Anything Goes is a revival of a production considered as one of the key of the genre and a massive success in 1988 and 1989, when Brazil was still recovering from a brutal 20-year authoritarian rule. The first version centered on the question: "Is it worth to be honest in Brazil?"
The updated series—released during a time of profound political polarisation—has largely abandoned the political themes of the first, but has achieved strong ratings and sparked heated online debates. While numerous fans like the reboot, with scenes going viral on online platforms, there has also been backlash over alterations to the story and the reproduction of cliches commonly linked to Black women in relation to one of the main characters.
Nigeria | Big Brother Naija
One could conduct an in-depth study on Nigeria's fascination with social dynamics and the country's continued interest in watching over twenty strangers confined to a communal house. The current edition of Big Brother Naija is on now, and it continues to drive more conversation, particularly on online networks, than virtually every entertainment happening aside from soccer matches.
BBNaija experiences a degree of cultural breakthrough that makes the drama hard to ignore whether or not you don't watch it. Contestants can still expect their appearances into a life of fame and brand deals, even if short-lived. This is likely to continue for as long as the creators keep up their incredible ability to choose the ideal combination of participants who all seem destined for the 24-hour stage.
In Japan | Anpan
According to the most recent data released, Japan's highest rated regularly scheduled programme is the series Anpan. It's the latest 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. The show is inspired by the life of Nobu Komatsu, whose spouse, the creator Takashi Yanase, created the Anpanman (literally Red Bean Bun Man) picture books and cartoon show that have amused and enthralled generations of children in Japan.
The series recounts the grit-through-to-glory story of a young woman who experiences the atrocities of the second world war and, with her husband, establishes a gentle-spirited book collection in the 1970s. Its hero the hero Anpanman—a sweet bun with bean paste wearing a cape—generously aids those in danger and need, even giving parts of his own head to feed the hungry. Like most asadora, the show is visual comfort food, with a touching, uplifting plot that calms the anxious atmosphere of the moment.
In Jamaica | Smile Jamaica
Typically, most people in Jamaica access their television shows from the US, but even so the domestic station TVJ's the show Smile Jamaica morning show remains a critical part of the country's routine.
Airing from early morning, with a Saturday edition on the weekend, it features an diverse range of fun segments and segments on heavy topical issues. Audiences can see popular dance and exercise guides, intriguing interviews with a local performer and the producers of a new canned curry goat, but also debates on gun regulations in Jamaica and the tough subject of mental health awareness after the country was shaken by the passing of a former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant at just 26. The program is a prime illustration of Jamaica's heavy investment in its film and TV industry, with several local film festivals and the authorities just pledging substantial funds for domestic movie projects.
In Poland | Chopin Piano Contest
It may not fit the usual definition of a TV blockbuster, able to draw huge audiences. Nevertheless, a large part of the country will be glued to their screens for the next three weeks due to the twists and turns of the latest edition of a renowned piano competition celebrating Poland's musical genius the composer Chopin.
The 19th edition of the Chopin Piano Competition started this week. It will include 84 pianists from twenty nations—narrowed down from more than 640 submissions—vying for the top prize, widely considered a golden ticket to perform in the top international venues.
The event, like the global sports event for keyboard artists, is held every five years and draws thousands of music enthusiasts to the Polish capital, with admissions being reserved a long beforehand. This time, the host nation has thirteen contestants, but pianists from the United States, North America, and Asia are seen as some of the favourites.
The event is televised by Poland's national TV and streamed online, with the champion's performances beginning in late October.
