Which Shows the World Is Watching, Including Soap Operas from Brazil to Superheroes Created from Sweet Bean Filling
A short time ago, our coverage looked into the trend of global post-apocalyptic dramas making their way to audiences across the globe. These series delivered stories of environmental disaster, harsh dictatorships, and extraterrestrial attacks from various locations such as South America, Nigeria, and Korea. Aside from highlighting global anxieties about societal breakdown, it also underscored how linked the television industry has become in 2025. Online services, broadcast networks, video platforms, and pirated content can instantly deliver regional shows from every continent—except Antarctica, although it's interesting to consider if any penguin-themed dramas exist there.
Still, despite the extent of global intermingling in television today, numerous shows remain largely unknown outside their home countries despite huge success locally. Recently, we set out to highlight these series by asking correspondents based in various countries about what audiences are watching in their areas. Read on for stories of Jamaican breakfast television, Brazilian telenovelas, and Japan's sweet bean-filled superheroes.
In Brazil | Anything Goes
Even if Brazil's traditional passion for telenovelas has been slightly influenced by streaming services and rivalry from Korean series and Turkish equivalents, the most discussed and highest-rated television program in Brazil is, unsurprisingly, a telenovela. Vale Tudo is a reboot of a series considered as one of the key in its category and a massive success in the late 80s, when Brazil was still recovering from a brutal two-decade military dictatorship. The original version revolved around the theme: "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 sparked heated online debates. Although many viewers like the reboot, with scenes going viral on social media, there has also been backlash over changes to the original plot and the reproduction of cliches often associated with African-descendant women in relation to one of the protagonists.
In Nigeria | BBNaija
One could conduct an in-depth study on Nigeria's fascination with neighborly boundaries and the nation's ongoing curiosity in observing more than two dozen strangers locked in a communal house. The current edition of Big Brother Naija is currently airing, and it continues to generate more discussion, particularly on social media, than virtually every entertainment happening except for Premier League football.
BBNaija enjoys a degree of mainstream penetration that makes the drama hard to ignore whether or not you don't watch it. Contestants can typically leverage 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 keep up their incredible ability to select the perfect mix of participants who all seem born for the 24-hour stage.
In Japan | Anpan
According to the most recent data released, Japan's top-rated regularly scheduled programme is Anpan. It's the latest in a long series of short daily series, called asadora, aired in the morning on weekdays by public broadcaster the Japanese broadcasting corporation. The show is based on the story of Nobu Komatsu, whose husband, Takashi Yanase, created the Anpanman (meaning Bean Paste Man) picture books and cartoon show that have entertained and enthralled generations of children in Japan.
The series tells the rags-to-riches story of a young woman who experiences the horrors of the second world war and, alongside her spouse, creates a kind-hearted book collection in the seventies. Its main character Anpanman—a red-bean-filled pastry with a cape—selflessly helps those in danger and distress, even giving parts of his own head to nourish the starving. Similar to other asadora, Anpan is soothing viewing, with a touching, inspiring story that calms the anxious atmosphere of today's times.
Jamaica | Smile Jamaica
Usually, the majority in Jamaica access their television shows from the United States, but even so the local channel Television Jamaica's the show Smile Jamaica morning show remains a critical part of the country's routine.
Airing from early morning, with a weekend version on the weekend, it features an diverse range of light entertainment and sections on heavy topical issues. Viewers can enjoy viral dance and pilates tutorials, interesting conversations with a Jamaican Michael Jackson impersonator and the makers of a recent food product, but also debates on gun regulations in Jamaica and the difficult topic of mental health awareness after the country was rocked by the passing of a former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant at just 26. The show is a great example of Jamaica's heavy investment in its entertainment sector, with multiple local film festivals and the government recently announcing millions in local currency for local film productions.
In Poland | International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition
It's perhaps not the usual definition of a mass-audience show, capable of attracting millions of viewers. Nevertheless, a large part of the country will be tuned in for the next three weeks due to the excitement of the new installment of a prestigious piano competition celebrating Poland's composer and virtuoso the composer Chopin.
The 19th edition of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition started recently. It will include eighty-four musicians from twenty nations—narrowed down from over six hundred applicants—contending for the top prize, widely considered a key opportunity to play in the world's greatest concert halls.
The event, resembling the global sports event for pianists, is held quinquennially and draws many of classical music lovers to the Polish capital, with admissions being reserved a long beforehand. This time, the home country has 13 participants, but musicians from the US, North America, and Korea are regarded as leading contenders.
The competition is televised by Poland's national TV and streamed online, with the champion's concerts beginning in the latter part of the month.
