Which Shows the World Is Watching, Including Soap Operas from Brazil to Superheroes Created from Red Bean Paste
A short time ago, our coverage examined the trend of international post-apocalyptic dramas arriving to audiences across the globe. These shows brought tales of climate catastrophe, harsh dictatorships, and alien invasions from various locations such as Argentina, Africa, and Asia. Beyond highlighting worldwide fears about societal breakdown, it also underscored how linked the television industry has become in 2025. Online services, broadcast networks, YouTube, and pirated content can instantly deliver local content from across the world—excluding Antarctica, although it's interesting to consider if any Arctic series exist there.
However, despite the high level of global intermingling in TV today, many shows stay largely unknown beyond domestic borders even though huge success at home. This week, we set out to highlight these series by asking journalists covering different nations about what audiences are viewing in their areas. Read on for accounts of morning shows in Jamaica, soap operas from Brazil, and Japanese red bean paste-based animated heroes.
In Brazil | Anything Goes
Although Brazil's longstanding passion for telenovelas has been slightly influenced by online platforms and competition from K-dramas and Turkish equivalents, the most discussed and most watched TV show in Latin America's largest country is, unsurprisingly, a telenovela. Anything Goes is a revival of a series considered as one of the most important in its category and a huge hit in 1988 and 1989, when Brazil was recovering from a harsh 20-year authoritarian rule. The first version centered on the question: "Is it worth to be ethical in Brazil?"
The new version—launched during a period of profound political polarisation—has moved away from the political themes of the first, but has achieved strong ratings and sparked intense discussions on the internet. While many viewers like the new version, with clips spreading widely on online platforms, there has also been backlash over alterations to the story and the reproduction of cliches commonly linked to African-descendant women in relation to one of the main characters.
In Nigeria | Big Brother Naija
One could conduct an in-depth study on Nigeria's fascination with neighborly boundaries and the country's continued interest in observing more than two dozen strangers locked in a shared home. The current edition of BBNaija is on now, and it still manages to generate more discussion, particularly on social media, than any other entertainment happening aside from soccer matches.
BBNaija experiences a level of cultural breakthrough that makes the show difficult to avoid whether or not you don't watch it. Contestants can still expect their time on the show into a life of fame and endorsements, even if short-lived. This will endure for as long as the creators maintain their skill to choose the ideal combination of contestants who all seem born for the 24-hour stage.
In Japan | Anpan
According to the latest figures available, Japan's top-rated regularly scheduled programme is Anpan. It's the latest in a extensive lineup of short daily series, called asadora, aired in the morning on weekdays by national network the Japanese broadcasting corporation. Anpan is inspired by the story of a woman named Nobu Komatsu, whose spouse, Takashi Yanase, developed the Anpanman (literally Bean Paste Man) picture books and cartoon show that have entertained and captivated multiple age groups of children in Japan.
Anpan tells the rags-to-riches narrative of a young woman who lives through the horrors of the second world war and, with her husband, creates a gentle-spirited book collection in the seventies. Its hero Anpanman—a red-bean-filled pastry wearing a cape—selflessly helps those in danger and need, offering parts of his own head to nourish the starving. Like most asadora, the show is soothing viewing, with a touching, inspiring plot that calms the anxious atmosphere of the moment.
Jamaica | The Morning Show
Usually, the majority in Jamaica access their media content from the US, but despite this the local channel TVJ's the show Smile Jamaica morning show continues to be a essential part of the national daily life.
Airing from early morning, with a Saturday edition on the weekend, it features an eclectic mix of fun segments and segments on serious current topics. Audiences can enjoy popular dance and pilates tutorials, intriguing interviews with a Jamaican Michael Jackson impersonator and the producers of a new canned curry goat, but also debates on Jamaica's firearms laws and the difficult topic of mental health awareness after the nation was shaken by the death of a beauty pageant alumna at just twenty-six. The show is a great example of Jamaica's heavy investment in its film and TV industry, with several annual movie events and the government just pledging millions in local currency for local film productions.
In Poland | Chopin Piano Contest
It's perhaps not the standard idea of a mass-audience show, capable of attracting millions of viewers. Nevertheless, much of Poland will be tuned in for the coming 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 Chopin Piano Competition started this week. It will feature 84 pianists from 20 countries—narrowed down from over six hundred applicants—vying for the first place, widely considered a golden ticket to perform in the world's greatest concert halls.
The event, resembling the Olympic Games for keyboard artists, takes place every five years and attracts many of classical music lovers to the Polish capital, with admissions selling out a long beforehand. This time, the home country has 13 participants, but pianists from the US, North America, and Korea are regarded as some of the favourites.
The competition is broadcast by Poland's public broadcaster and available via live stream, with the champion's performances beginning in late October.
