What the World Is Watching, Including Brazilian Telenovelas to Superheroes Created from Sweet Bean Filling
Not long ago, this publication examined the surge of international post-apocalyptic dramas arriving to audiences worldwide. These series delivered tales of climate catastrophe, violent autocracy, and alien invasions from various countries such as South America, Nigeria, and Asia. Aside from highlighting global anxieties about societal breakdown, it also emphasized how interconnected the TV landscape has become in the current year. Streaming platforms, broadcast networks, YouTube, and pirated content can instantly deliver local content from across the world—excluding Antarctica, though one might wonder if any Arctic series exist there.
Still, even with the high level of international exchange in TV today, many shows stay mostly unseen beyond domestic borders even though massive popularity at home. This week, we set out to highlight these series by inquiring journalists based in various countries about the shows audiences are watching in their regions. Continue for accounts of Jamaican breakfast television, soap operas from Brazil, and Japanese red bean paste-based superheroes.
Brazil | Vale Tudo
Although Brazil's longstanding passion for soap operas has been slightly influenced by online platforms and competition from K-dramas and shows from Turkey, the most discussed and highest-rated television program in Latin America's largest country is, expectedly, a telenovela. Anything Goes is a revival of a series considered as one of the key in its category and a huge hit in 1988 and 1989, when Brazil was still recovering from a brutal 20-year authoritarian rule. The first version revolved around the theme: "Is it worth to be honest in Brazil?"
The new version—launched during a period of deep political division—has largely abandoned the political themes of the first, but has achieved strong ratings and sparked intense discussions on the internet. Although numerous fans like the reboot, with clips spreading widely on social media, 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.
Nigeria | BBNaija
You could write a compelling dissertation on Nigeria's fascination with social dynamics and the country's ongoing curiosity in watching over twenty unknown individuals locked in a communal house. The latest season of BBNaija is on now, and it still manages to generate more discussion, particularly on social media, than virtually every entertainment happening aside from Premier League football.
BBNaija enjoys a degree of cultural breakthrough that makes the drama difficult to avoid whether or not you aren't a viewer. Participants can still expect their time on the show into a life of celebrity and brand deals, however temporary. This is likely to continue for as long as the creators keep up their skill to select the ideal combination of contestants who all seem destined for the 24-hour stage.
In Japan | Anpan
According to the latest figures available, Japan's top-rated consistently aired show is the series Anpan. It's the latest in a long series of 15-minute dramas, called asadora, aired in the morning on weekdays by public broadcaster the Japanese broadcasting corporation. Anpan is inspired by the story of Nobu Komatsu, whose spouse, Takashi Yanase, created the Anpanman (meaning Bean Paste Man) picture books and cartoon show that have entertained and captivated multiple age groups of Japanese kids.
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 kind-hearted picture book series in the 1970s. Its hero the hero Anpanman—a red-bean-filled pastry with a cape—generously aids those in danger and distress, offering parts of his own head to nourish the hungry. Similar to other asadora, Anpan is soothing viewing, with a heartwarming, uplifting story that soothes the unsettled mood of today's times.
Jamaica | The Morning Show
Usually, the majority in Jamaica access their media content from the US, but despite this the domestic station TVJ's Smile Jamaica breakfast program remains a critical part of the national daily life.
Broadcast from early morning, with a weekend version on Saturdays, it features an eclectic mix of fun segments and sections on serious current topics. Viewers can enjoy 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 gun regulations in Jamaica and the tough subject of suicide prevention after the country was shaken by the passing of a beauty pageant alumna at just 26. The show is a prime illustration of significant funding in its film and TV industry, with several local film festivals and the authorities recently announcing substantial funds for domestic movie projects.
In Poland | Chopin Piano Contest
It's perhaps not the usual definition of a mass-audience show, able to draw huge audiences. Nevertheless, much of Poland will be tuned in for the next three weeks following the twists and turns of the latest edition of a renowned music contest honoring Poland's composer and virtuoso Fryderyk Chopin.
The 19th edition of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition began this week. It will feature eighty-four musicians from twenty nations—narrowed down from more than 640 submissions—contending for the top prize, often seen as a key opportunity to play in the world's greatest concert halls.
The competition, resembling the global sports event for keyboard artists, takes place quinquennially and draws many of music enthusiasts to the city of Warsaw, with tickets being reserved a year in advance. This time, the home country has thirteen contestants, but musicians from the United States, Canada, and Asia are seen as some of the favourites.
The competition is broadcast by Poland's national TV and available via live stream, with the champion's performances beginning in late October.
