Recently, our coverage looked into the surge of international post-apocalyptic dramas making their way to audiences worldwide. These shows delivered stories of climate catastrophe, harsh dictatorships, and extraterrestrial attacks from diverse locations such as South America, Nigeria, and Korea. Aside from revealing global anxieties about institutional collapse, it also emphasized how linked the television industry has become in the current year. Online services, satellite channels, video platforms, and unofficial streams can quickly provide regional shows from every continent—except Antarctica, although it's interesting to consider if any penguin-themed dramas exist there.
Still, even with the high level of international exchange in television today, numerous shows stay mostly unseen beyond domestic borders despite massive popularity at home. Recently, we aimed to spotlight these programs by inquiring journalists based in various countries about the shows people are watching in their regions. Read on for accounts of morning shows in Jamaica, soap operas from Brazil, and Japanese red bean paste-based superheroes.
Brazil | Anything Goes
Although Brazil's longstanding passion for soap operas has been somewhat affected by online platforms and competition from Korean series and shows from Turkey, the most discussed and highest-rated TV show in Brazil is, unsurprisingly, a telenovela. Vale Tudo is a revival of a series considered as one of the key in its category and a huge hit in 1988 and 1989, when Brazil was still recovering from a brutal two-decade military dictatorship. The original version centered on the theme: "Does it pay to be ethical in Brazil?"
The updated series—launched during a period of profound political polarisation—has largely abandoned the political themes of the first, but has drawn high viewership and sparked intense discussions on the internet. Although many viewers like the new version, with scenes going viral on online platforms, there has also been backlash over alterations to the story and the reproduction of cliches commonly linked to Black women in relation to one of the protagonists.
Nigeria | Big Brother Naija
One could conduct an in-depth study on Nigeria's fascination with social dynamics and the country's continued interest in watching over twenty strangers confined to a communal house. The current edition of Big Brother Naija is currently airing, and it continues to drive more conversation, especially on social media, than virtually every entertainment happening aside from soccer matches.
Big Brother Naija experiences a level of cultural breakthrough that makes the show hard to ignore even if you don't watch it. Contestants can still expect their appearances into a career of fame and endorsements, however temporary. This will endure for as long as the producers keep up their skill to select the ideal combination of participants who all seem destined for the constant spotlight.
Japan | Anpan
Based on the latest figures available, Japan's top-rated consistently aired show is Anpan. It's the latest in a extensive lineup of 15-minute dramas, called asadora, aired in the morning on weekdays by public broadcaster the Japanese broadcasting corporation. The show is based on the story of a woman named Nobu Komatsu, whose spouse, Takashi Yanase, developed the Anpanman (meaning Bean Paste Man) children's books and animated series that have amused and enthralled generations of Japanese kids.
The series tells the rags-to-riches story of a young woman who experiences the atrocities of the second world war and, with her husband, establishes a kind-hearted book collection in the 1970s. Its hero Anpanman—a red-bean-filled pastry wearing a cape—generously aids those in danger and need, offering pieces of his soft, sweet head to feed the hungry. Like most asadora, the show is soothing viewing, with a heartwarming, inspiring story that soothes the anxious atmosphere of today's times.
Jamaica | Smile Jamaica
Typically, the majority in Jamaica get their television shows from the United States, but even so the domestic station Television Jamaica's Smile Jamaica breakfast program continues to be 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 light entertainment and segments on serious current topics. Audiences can see popular dance and pilates tutorials, 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 rocked by the passing of a former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant at just twenty-six. The show is a great example of significant funding in its entertainment sector, with several local film festivals and the authorities just pledging substantial funds for local film productions.
In Poland | International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition
It may not fit the standard idea of a mass-audience show, able to draw huge audiences. Nevertheless, much of Poland will be tuned in for the coming weeks due to the excitement of the latest edition of a prestigious music contest honoring Poland's musical genius the composer Chopin.
The 19th edition of the Chopin Piano Competition started this week. It will feature 84 pianists from twenty nations—selected from more than 640 submissions—contending for the first place, often seen as a golden ticket to perform in the top international venues.
The competition, resembling the Olympic Games for keyboard artists, is held every five years and draws many of classical music lovers to the city of Warsaw, with tickets being reserved a year in advance. This edition, the host nation has thirteen contestants, but musicians from the United States, North America, and Korea are regarded as leading contenders.
The competition is broadcast by Poland's public broadcaster and available via live stream, with the winner's performances starting in the latter part of the month.
