Which Shows Global Audiences Is Watching, From Soap Operas from Brazil to Heroic Characters Made of Sweet Bean Filling
A short time ago, our coverage examined the wave of international dystopian series arriving to audiences worldwide. These series brought tales of environmental disaster, violent autocracy, and alien invasions from various locations such as South America, Nigeria, and Asia. Aside from highlighting global anxieties about institutional collapse, it also underscored how linked the television industry has become in the current year. Online services, broadcast networks, YouTube, and unofficial streams can quickly provide regional shows from every continent—excluding Antarctica, although it's interesting to consider if any Arctic series exist there.
Still, despite the extent of global intermingling in TV today, numerous shows remain mostly unseen beyond domestic borders despite huge success locally. Recently, we set out to highlight these programs by inquiring journalists based in various countries about the shows people are watching in their areas. Continue for accounts of Jamaican breakfast television, soap operas from Brazil, and Japan's red bean paste-based animated heroes.
In Brazil | Vale Tudo
Even if Brazil's longstanding passion for telenovelas has been slightly influenced by streaming services and competition from Korean series and shows from Turkey, the most talked-about and highest-rated TV show in Brazil is, expectedly, a telenovela. Anything Goes is a revival of a production regarded as one of the key in its category and a massive success in 1988 and 1989, when Brazil was recovering from a harsh two-decade military dictatorship. The first version revolved around the question: "Does it pay to be honest in Brazil?"
The new version—launched during a time of deep political division—has largely abandoned the political themes of the first, but has drawn high viewership and ignited intense discussions on the internet. Although many viewers enjoy the reboot, with scenes going viral on online platforms, there has also been criticism over changes to the original plot and the portrayal of stereotypes commonly linked to African-descendant women in relation to one of the main characters.
In Nigeria | BBNaija
You could conduct an in-depth study on Nigeria's fascination with social dynamics and the country's continued interest in observing more than two dozen unknown individuals locked in a communal house. The latest season of BBNaija is on now, and it still manages to drive more conversation, especially on online networks, than virtually every pop culture event except for soccer matches.
BBNaija experiences a degree of cultural breakthrough that makes the drama difficult to avoid whether or not you aren't a viewer. Contestants can still expect their appearances into a life of celebrity and endorsements, even if short-lived. This will endure for as long as the creators maintain their incredible ability to select the ideal combination of contestants who all seem born for the 24-hour stage.
Japan | Bean Paste Hero
According to the latest figures released, Japan's highest rated consistently aired programme is Anpan. It's the latest in a extensive lineup of short daily series, called asadora, broadcast in the morning Monday through Saturday by public broadcaster NHK. The show is based on the life of a woman named Nobu Komatsu, whose husband, Takashi Yanase, created the Anpanman (literally Bean Paste Man) children's books and animated series that have entertained and captivated multiple age groups of Japanese kids.
Anpan recounts the rags-to-riches narrative of a young woman who lives through the atrocities of the second world war and, with her husband, establishes a kind-hearted book collection in the seventies. Its main character the hero Anpanman—a sweet bun with bean paste with a cape—generously aids those in danger and need, even giving parts of his own head to feed the hungry. Similar to other asadora, the show is soothing viewing, with a heartwarming, inspiring story that soothes the unsettled mood of today's times.
In Jamaica | The Morning Show
Typically, most people in Jamaica get their media content from the United States, but despite this the local channel Television Jamaica's Smile Jamaica morning show remains a critical part of the national daily life.
Airing from 6-8.30am, with a Saturday edition on the weekend, it features an eclectic mix of fun segments and sections on serious current topics. Viewers can enjoy viral dance and pilates tutorials, intriguing interviews with a Jamaican Michael Jackson impersonator and the producers of a recent food product, but also discussions on gun regulations in Jamaica and the tough subject of suicide prevention after the nation was shaken by the passing of a former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant at just 26. The show is a prime illustration of Jamaica's heavy investment in its entertainment sector, with several local film festivals and the authorities recently announcing millions in local currency for domestic movie projects.
In Poland | International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition
It's perhaps not the standard idea of a mass-audience show, capable of attracting millions of viewers. Still, a large part of the country will be tuned in for the coming weeks due to the excitement of the new installment of a renowned music contest celebrating Poland's musical genius Fryderyk Chopin.
The 19th edition of the Chopin Piano Competition started recently. It will feature 84 pianists from twenty nations—selected from more than 640 submissions—contending for the top prize, widely considered a golden ticket to play in the top international venues.
The competition, resembling the Olympic Games for keyboard artists, takes place every five years and attracts many of music enthusiasts to the Polish capital, with tickets selling out a long beforehand. This edition, the host nation has 13 participants, but musicians from the United States, North America, and Korea are seen as some of the favourites.
The event is televised by Poland's national TV and available via live stream, with the winner's performances starting in the latter part of the month.
