Which Shows Global Audiences Are Tuning Into, From Soap Operas from Brazil to Heroic Characters Created from Sweet Bean Filling
Not long ago, our coverage examined the trend of global post-apocalyptic dramas arriving to viewers worldwide. These shows delivered stories of environmental disaster, violent autocracy, and alien invasions from diverse countries such as Argentina, Nigeria, and Asia. Beyond highlighting worldwide fears about institutional collapse, it also emphasized how interconnected the TV landscape has become in 2025. Streaming platforms, broadcast networks, video platforms, and pirated content can instantly deliver local content from across the world—excluding Antarctica, although one might wonder if any penguin-themed dramas exist there.
Still, despite the extent of international exchange in TV today, numerous shows stay mostly unseen beyond domestic borders despite massive popularity at home. This week, we aimed to highlight these series by inquiring journalists based in various countries about the shows audiences are viewing in their areas. Read on for stories of Jamaican breakfast television, Brazilian telenovelas, and Japan's red bean paste-based animated heroes.
Brazil | Anything Goes
Even if Brazil's traditional love affair for soap operas has been somewhat affected by streaming services and competition from Korean series and shows from Turkey, the most discussed and most watched TV show in Latin America's largest country is, expectedly, a soap opera. Anything Goes is a revival of a production considered as one of the most important of the genre and a huge hit in the late 80s, when Brazil was still recovering from a harsh two-decade military dictatorship. The original version centered on the question: "Is it worth to be honest in Brazil?"
The updated series—launched during a period of deep political division—has largely abandoned the political themes of the first, but has achieved strong ratings and ignited heated online debates. While many viewers enjoy the reboot, with clips going viral on social media, there has also been criticism over changes to the original plot and the reproduction of stereotypes commonly linked to African-descendant women in relation to one of the protagonists.
In Nigeria | BBNaija
One could conduct an in-depth study on Nigeria's interest with neighborly boundaries and the nation's ongoing curiosity in watching more than two dozen unknown individuals confined to a communal house. The latest season of BBNaija is on now, and it still manages to generate more discussion, particularly on online networks, than any other pop culture event aside from soccer matches.
Big Brother Naija enjoys a level of mainstream penetration that makes the show difficult to avoid even if you aren't a viewer. Contestants can still expect their time on the show into a career of fame and endorsements, however temporary. This is likely to continue for as long as the creators keep up their skill to choose the ideal combination of participants who all seem born for the 24-hour stage.
Japan | Anpan
Based on the most recent data available, Japan's highest rated consistently aired programme is Anpan. It's the newest in a extensive lineup of short daily series, called asadora, aired in the early hours Monday through Saturday by national network NHK. Anpan is inspired by the story of Nobu Komatsu, whose husband, Takashi Yanase, developed 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 grit-through-to-glory narrative of a young woman who lives through the atrocities of the second world war and, alongside her spouse, creates a kind-hearted picture book series in the 1970s. Its main character Anpanman—a red-bean-filled pastry with a cape—generously aids those in danger and distress, offering pieces of his soft, sweet head to nourish the hungry. Similar to other asadora, the show is soothing viewing, with a heartwarming, inspiring story that calms the anxious atmosphere of the moment.
Jamaica | Smile Jamaica
Typically, the majority in Jamaica get their television shows from the US, but even so the domestic station Television Jamaica's Smile Jamaica breakfast program continues to be a essential part of the country's routine.
Airing from 6-8.30am, with a Saturday edition on Saturdays, it features an diverse range of light entertainment and sections on serious current topics. Viewers can see popular dance and exercise guides, intriguing interviews with a local performer and the makers of a new canned curry goat, but also debates on gun regulations in Jamaica and the difficult topic 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 great example of significant funding in its entertainment sector, with multiple local film festivals and the government recently announcing substantial funds for domestic movie projects.
In Poland | Chopin Piano Contest
It's perhaps not the usual definition of a TV blockbuster, able to draw huge audiences. Nevertheless, much of Poland will be glued to their screens for the coming weeks following the twists and turns of the new installment of a renowned music contest celebrating Poland's musical genius Fryderyk Chopin.
The nineteenth iteration of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition began this week. It will include 84 pianists from 20 countries—selected from over six hundred applicants—contending for the first place, widely considered a key opportunity to play in the world's greatest concert halls.
The competition, resembling the global sports event for pianists, is held quinquennially and attracts thousands of music enthusiasts to the city of Warsaw, with tickets being reserved a year in advance. This edition, the home country has 13 participants, but pianists from the US, Canada, and Asia are seen as leading contenders.
The event is televised by Poland's national TV and available via live stream, with the winner's concerts beginning in the latter part of the month.
