What the World Is Watching, Including Soap Operas from Brazil to Heroic Characters Created from Sweet Bean Filling
Not long ago, our coverage looked into the wave of global post-apocalyptic dramas arriving to audiences worldwide. These shows brought tales of climate catastrophe, harsh dictatorships, and extraterrestrial attacks from various countries such as Argentina, Nigeria, and Asia. Beyond revealing worldwide fears about institutional collapse, it also emphasized how linked the TV landscape has become in the current year. Streaming platforms, broadcast networks, video platforms, and pirated content can quickly provide regional shows from across the world—excluding Antarctica, though it's interesting to consider if any penguin-themed dramas exist there.
However, despite the extent of global intermingling in TV today, many shows stay largely unknown beyond domestic borders even though massive popularity locally. Recently, we set out to spotlight these series by inquiring journalists covering various countries about what people are viewing in their areas. Read on for stories of morning shows in Jamaica, Brazilian telenovelas, and Japanese sweet bean-filled animated heroes.
Brazil | Anything Goes
Although Brazil's traditional love affair for soap operas has been somewhat affected by online platforms and rivalry from Korean series and Turkish equivalents, the most talked-about and most watched television program in Latin America's largest country is, unsurprisingly, a telenovela. Anything Goes is a reboot of a production regarded as one of the key of the genre and a massive success in 1988 and 1989, when Brazil was still recovering from a harsh 20-year authoritarian rule. The first version centered on the theme: "Does it pay to be ethical in Brazil?"
The updated series—launched during a time of deep political division—has moved away from the original's political focus, but has drawn high viewership and ignited heated online debates. While many viewers like the new version, with clips spreading widely on social media, there has also been criticism over alterations to the story and the portrayal of stereotypes commonly linked to African-descendant women in relation to one of the main characters.
Nigeria | BBNaija
One could write a compelling dissertation on Nigeria's fascination with social dynamics and the nation's ongoing curiosity in watching more than two dozen strangers confined to a communal house. The latest season of Big Brother Naija is on now, and it continues to drive more conversation, particularly on social media, 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 whether or not you don't watch it. Participants can still expect their time on the show into a life of fame and brand deals, however temporary. This will endure for as long as the creators maintain their incredible ability to select the perfect mix of contestants who all seem born for the 24-hour stage.
Japan | Anpan
According to the most recent data available, Japan's top-rated regularly scheduled programme is Anpan. It's the newest in a long series of short daily series, called asadora, aired in the morning on weekdays by public broadcaster the Japanese broadcasting corporation. Anpan is based on the life of a woman named Nobu Komatsu, whose husband, Takashi Yanase, created the Anpanman (literally Red Bean Bun Man) picture books and animated series that have amused and captivated generations of children in Japan.
Anpan recounts the rags-to-riches story of a young woman who lives through the horrors of the second world war and, alongside her spouse, establishes a kind-hearted picture book series in the 1970s. Its main character Anpanman—a sweet bun with bean paste wearing a cape—selflessly helps those in peril and need, even giving pieces of his soft, sweet head to nourish the hungry. Similar to other asadora, Anpan is visual comfort food, with a touching, inspiring story that calms the anxious atmosphere of the moment.
In Jamaica | The Morning Show
Usually, the majority in Jamaica get their media content from the United States, but despite this the local channel Television Jamaica's the show Smile Jamaica breakfast program remains a essential part of the national daily life.
Airing from 6-8.30am, with a weekend version on Saturdays, it features an eclectic mix of light entertainment and sections on heavy topical issues. Viewers can see popular dance and exercise guides, intriguing interviews with a Jamaican Michael Jackson impersonator and the makers of a recent food product, but also debates on Jamaica's firearms laws and the tough subject of mental health awareness after the country was shaken by the death of a beauty pageant alumna at just twenty-six. The program is a great example of significant funding in its film and TV industry, with several annual movie events and the government just pledging millions in local currency for domestic movie projects.
Poland | Chopin Piano Contest
It may not fit the standard idea of a TV blockbuster, capable of attracting millions of viewers. Still, much of Poland will be tuned in for the coming weeks following the excitement of the new installment of a renowned music contest celebrating Poland's composer and virtuoso the composer Chopin.
The 19th edition of the Chopin Piano Competition started recently. It will include eighty-four musicians from 20 countries—selected from over six hundred applicants—vying for the first place, often seen as a golden ticket to play in the top international venues.
The event, like the global sports event for pianists, is held quinquennially and attracts many of classical music lovers to the city of Warsaw, with admissions selling out a long beforehand. This edition, the home country has 13 participants, but musicians from the United States, Canada, and Korea are seen as leading contenders.
The event is televised by Poland's public broadcaster and streamed online, with the winner's concerts starting in late October.
