Which Shows the World Is Watching, From Soap Operas from Brazil to Superheroes Created from Sweet Bean Filling
Recently, our coverage looked into the wave of global dystopian series making their way to audiences worldwide. These series brought stories of environmental disaster, violent autocracy, and alien invasions from diverse locations such as Argentina, Africa, and Korea. Beyond highlighting worldwide fears about institutional collapse, it also emphasized how interconnected the TV landscape has become in 2025. Online services, broadcast networks, YouTube, and pirated content can instantly deliver regional shows from across the world—excluding Antarctica, though one might wonder if any Arctic series exist there.
However, even with the extent of international exchange in TV today, many programs remain largely unknown beyond domestic borders even though massive popularity at home. This week, we aimed to highlight these programs by inquiring journalists covering various countries about what people are viewing in their regions. Read on for accounts of Jamaican breakfast television, soap operas from Brazil, and Japanese sweet bean-filled animated heroes.
Brazil | Anything Goes
Although Brazil's traditional love affair for soap operas has been slightly influenced by online platforms and competition from K-dramas and shows from Turkey, the most talked-about and highest-rated television program in Brazil is, expectedly, a soap opera. Anything Goes is a reboot of a series considered as one of the key of the genre and a huge hit in the late 80s, when Brazil was still recovering from a brutal 20-year authoritarian rule. The first version revolved around the question: "Does it pay to be ethical in Brazil?"
The new version—launched during a time of deep political division—has moved away from the original's political focus, but has achieved strong ratings and ignited heated online debates. While numerous fans like the reboot, with clips spreading widely on social media, there has also been backlash over alterations to the story and the portrayal of cliches often associated with Black women in relation to one of the protagonists.
In Nigeria | BBNaija
One could conduct an in-depth study on Nigeria's interest with neighborly boundaries and the nation's continued interest in watching over twenty strangers locked in a communal house. The latest season of BBNaija is on now, and it continues to generate more discussion, particularly on social media, than any other entertainment happening except for soccer matches.
Big Brother Naija experiences a level of mainstream penetration that makes the drama difficult to avoid even if you aren't a viewer. Contestants can still expect their appearances into a life of celebrity and brand deals, however temporary. This will endure for as long as the producers keep up their incredible ability to select the perfect mix of contestants who all seem born for the constant spotlight.
Japan | Bean Paste Hero
Based on the latest figures available, Japan's highest rated consistently aired programme is Anpan. It's the newest in a extensive lineup of short daily series, called asadora, aired in the morning on weekdays by public broadcaster NHK. Anpan is inspired by the life of Nobu Komatsu, whose spouse, the creator Takashi Yanase, developed the Anpanman (meaning Red Bean Bun Man) picture books and animated series that have amused and enthralled multiple age groups of Japanese kids.
Anpan recounts the grit-through-to-glory narrative of a young woman who experiences the atrocities of the World War II and, with her husband, creates a gentle-spirited book collection in the 1970s. Its hero Anpanman—a sweet bun with bean paste wearing a cape—generously aids those in danger and distress, even giving pieces of his soft, sweet head to nourish the starving. Like most asadora, Anpan is soothing viewing, with a touching, uplifting story that calms the unsettled mood 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 morning show remains a essential part of the national daily life.
Broadcast from 6-8.30am, with a Saturday edition on the weekend, it offers an eclectic mix of light entertainment and sections on heavy topical issues. Viewers can enjoy viral 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 suicide prevention after the country was rocked by the death of a former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant at just twenty-six. The program is a great example of significant funding in its entertainment sector, with multiple annual movie events and the authorities recently announcing substantial funds for local film productions.
Poland | International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition
It may not fit the standard idea of a TV blockbuster, capable of attracting huge audiences. Nevertheless, much of Poland will be tuned in for the next three weeks due to the twists and turns of the new installment of a prestigious music contest honoring Poland's musical genius Fryderyk Chopin.
The 19th edition of the Chopin Piano Competition started this week. It will feature 84 pianists from 20 countries—selected from more than 640 submissions—contending for the first place, widely considered a golden ticket to perform in the top international venues.
The competition, resembling the global sports event for pianists, is held every five years and draws many of classical music lovers to the Polish capital, with tickets being reserved a long beforehand. This edition, the home country has 13 participants, but pianists from the United States, Canada, and Asia are seen as leading contenders.
The event is televised by Poland's public broadcaster and available via live stream, with the winner's concerts starting in late October.
