Which Shows the World Are Tuning Into, Including Brazilian Telenovelas to Superheroes Made of Red Bean Paste
A short time ago, this publication explored the trend of international post-apocalyptic dramas making their way to viewers across the globe. These series brought stories of climate catastrophe, violent autocracy, and alien invasions from diverse countries such as Argentina, Africa, and Korea. Aside from revealing worldwide fears about societal breakdown, it also underscored how linked the television industry has become in 2025. Streaming platforms, satellite channels, video platforms, and unofficial streams can quickly provide regional shows from every continent—excluding Antarctica, though it's interesting to consider if any penguin-themed dramas exist there.
Still, despite the high level of international exchange in television today, many programs stay largely unknown outside their home countries even though massive popularity locally. Recently, we aimed to spotlight these series by asking correspondents covering different nations about what audiences are watching in their regions. Read on for stories of morning shows in Jamaica, Brazilian telenovelas, and Japanese sweet bean-filled superheroes.
Brazil | Vale Tudo
Although Brazil's longstanding love affair for telenovelas has been somewhat affected by online platforms and competition from K-dramas and Turkish equivalents, the most discussed and highest-rated television program in Latin America's largest country is, unsurprisingly, a soap opera. Anything Goes is a reboot of a series considered as one of the key in its category and a huge hit in the late 80s, when Brazil was recovering from a harsh 20-year authoritarian rule. The first version revolved around the theme: "Does it pay to be honest in Brazil?"
The new version—released during a period of profound political polarisation—has moved away from the original's political focus, but has drawn high viewership and ignited intense discussions on the internet. While many viewers like the reboot, with scenes going viral on social media, there has also been criticism over alterations to the story and the reproduction of cliches often associated with Black women in relation to one of the protagonists.
In Nigeria | Big Brother Naija
One could conduct an in-depth study on Nigeria's fascination with neighborly boundaries and the nation's continued interest in observing over twenty strangers locked in a communal house. The latest season of BBNaija is on now, and it still manages to drive more conversation, especially on online networks, than any other pop culture event except for soccer matches.
BBNaija enjoys a level of cultural breakthrough that makes the show hard to ignore whether or not you aren't a viewer. Contestants can typically leverage their time on the show into a life of celebrity and brand deals, even if short-lived. This will endure for as long as the creators maintain their incredible ability to select the perfect mix of participants who all seem destined for the constant spotlight.
Japan | Anpan
Based on the most recent data available, Japan's highest rated consistently aired show is the series Anpan. It's the newest in a long series of 15-minute dramas, called asadora, broadcast in the early hours Monday through Saturday by public broadcaster NHK. Anpan is based on the story of a woman named Nobu Komatsu, whose husband, the creator Takashi Yanase, developed the Anpanman (literally Red Bean Bun Man) picture books and animated series that have entertained and enthralled generations of children in Japan.
The series tells the rags-to-riches story of a female protagonist who experiences the atrocities of the World War II and, with her husband, establishes a gentle-spirited book collection in the 1970s. Its hero Anpanman—a red-bean-filled pastry wearing a cape—selflessly helps those in peril and need, even giving parts of his own head to feed the starving. Like most asadora, Anpan is soothing viewing, with a heartwarming, inspiring plot that calms the anxious atmosphere of the moment.
Jamaica | The Morning Show
Typically, most people in Jamaica get their television shows from the United States, but despite this the domestic station Television Jamaica's the show Smile Jamaica morning show remains a essential part of the country's routine.
Broadcast from early morning, with a weekend version on Saturdays, it offers an diverse range of fun segments and segments on serious current topics. Viewers can see viral dance and exercise guides, intriguing interviews with a Jamaican Michael Jackson impersonator and the producers of a recent food product, but also debates on Jamaica's firearms laws and the difficult topic of suicide prevention after the country was shaken by the passing of a beauty pageant alumna at just twenty-six. The program is a great example of significant funding in its entertainment sector, with multiple annual movie events and the authorities just pledging millions in local currency for domestic movie projects.
In Poland | Chopin Piano Contest
It's perhaps not the usual definition of a TV blockbuster, capable of attracting millions of viewers. Still, a large part of the country will be glued to their screens for the coming weeks due to the twists and turns of the latest edition of a renowned piano competition honoring Poland's musical genius Fryderyk Chopin.
The nineteenth iteration of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition started recently. It will feature eighty-four musicians from twenty nations—selected from more than 640 submissions—contending for the first place, widely considered a golden ticket to perform in the world's greatest concert halls.
The competition, resembling the Olympic Games for pianists, takes place every five years and attracts thousands of classical music lovers to the Polish capital, with tickets being reserved a year in advance. This edition, the host nation has 13 participants, but pianists from the United States, North America, and Korea are regarded as leading contenders.
The event is broadcast by Poland's public broadcaster and available via live stream, with the champion's concerts starting in late October.
