Which Shows the World Is Watching, Including Soap Operas from Brazil to Superheroes Made of Sweet Bean Filling

Not long ago, this publication looked into the surge of global post-apocalyptic dramas making their way to viewers across the globe. These series delivered tales of climate catastrophe, harsh dictatorships, and extraterrestrial attacks from diverse countries such as Argentina, Nigeria, and Korea. Beyond revealing worldwide fears about societal breakdown, it also underscored how interconnected the TV landscape has become in 2025. Streaming platforms, broadcast networks, video platforms, and pirated content can instantly deliver local content from every continent—excluding Antarctica, although one might wonder if any Arctic series exist there.

Still, even with the high level of international exchange in TV today, numerous shows stay largely unknown outside their home countries even though massive popularity locally. This week, we set out to spotlight these programs by asking journalists covering various countries about the shows audiences are viewing in their regions. Read on for accounts of morning shows in Jamaica, soap operas from Brazil, and Japan's sweet bean-filled superheroes.

Brazil | Anything Goes

Even if Brazil's longstanding love affair for soap operas has been somewhat affected by streaming services and rivalry from Korean series and Turkish equivalents, the most discussed and most watched television program in Brazil is, expectedly, a soap opera. Anything Goes is a reboot of a production considered as one of the key of the genre and a huge hit in the late 80s, when Brazil was recovering from a brutal two-decade military dictatorship. The first version centered on the theme: "Is it worth to be honest in Brazil?"

The new version—released during a time of profound political polarisation—has largely abandoned the original's political focus, but has achieved strong ratings and sparked heated online debates. Although many viewers enjoy the reboot, with scenes going viral on online platforms, there has also been backlash over changes to the original plot and the reproduction of stereotypes often associated with Black women in relation to one of the protagonists.

Nigeria | Big Brother Naija

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 current edition of BBNaija is on now, and it continues to generate more discussion, especially on social media, than any other entertainment happening aside from Premier League football.

BBNaija experiences a level of cultural breakthrough that makes the show hard to ignore whether or not you aren't a viewer. Participants can typically leverage their appearances into a career of celebrity and brand deals, even if short-lived. This will endure for as long as the creators keep up their skill to select the ideal combination of participants who all seem destined for the 24-hour stage.

In Japan | Anpan

According to the latest figures released, Japan's top-rated regularly scheduled show is Anpan. It's the latest in a extensive lineup of short daily series, called asadora, aired in the early hours Monday through Saturday by national network the Japanese broadcasting corporation. Anpan is based on the story of Nobu Komatsu, whose spouse, Takashi Yanase, created the Anpanman (literally Bean Paste Man) children's books and animated series that have entertained and captivated multiple age groups of children in Japan.

Anpan tells the grit-through-to-glory narrative of a young woman who experiences the horrors of the World War II and, with her husband, creates a kind-hearted picture book series in the 1970s. Its main character the hero Anpanman—a sweet bun with bean paste wearing a cape—selflessly helps those in peril and distress, offering parts of his own head to nourish the starving. Like most asadora, Anpan is visual comfort food, with a heartwarming, uplifting story that calms the anxious atmosphere of today's times.

In Jamaica | The Morning Show

Usually, the majority in Jamaica get their media content from the US, but despite this the local channel Television Jamaica's the show Smile Jamaica breakfast program remains a critical part of the country's routine.

Airing from early morning, with a weekend version on the weekend, it offers an eclectic mix of light entertainment and sections on serious current topics. Audiences 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 Jamaica's firearms laws and the tough subject of suicide prevention after the country was rocked by the death of a beauty pageant alumna 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 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, capable of attracting millions of viewers. Still, a large part of the country will be tuned in for the next three weeks following the excitement of the new installment of a prestigious music contest honoring Poland's musical genius Fryderyk Chopin.

The nineteenth iteration of the Chopin Piano Competition started this week. It will feature eighty-four musicians from twenty nations—narrowed down from more than 640 submissions—vying for the top prize, often seen as a key opportunity 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 music enthusiasts to the city of Warsaw, with admissions being reserved a long beforehand. This edition, the home country has thirteen contestants, but pianists from the US, North America, and Asia are regarded as leading contenders.

The event is televised by Poland's national TV and available via live stream, with the champion's concerts beginning in late October.