A short time ago, this publication explored the wave of global post-apocalyptic dramas making their way to viewers across the globe. These series brought tales of climate catastrophe, harsh dictatorships, and alien invasions from various countries such as Argentina, Nigeria, and Korea. Beyond revealing global anxieties about societal breakdown, it also emphasized how linked the television industry has become in 2025. Online services, broadcast networks, video platforms, and unofficial streams can instantly deliver local content from across the world—except Antarctica, although it's interesting to consider if any penguin-themed dramas exist there.
However, even with the high level of global intermingling in TV today, many shows stay mostly unseen beyond domestic borders despite massive popularity at home. Recently, we aimed to spotlight these programs by inquiring correspondents covering various countries about the shows people are viewing in their areas. Continue for accounts of morning shows in Jamaica, Brazilian telenovelas, and Japan's sweet bean-filled superheroes.
Brazil | Anything Goes
Although Brazil's longstanding love affair for telenovelas has been slightly influenced by streaming services and rivalry from K-dramas and Turkish equivalents, the most discussed and highest-rated TV show in Latin America's largest country is, unsurprisingly, a soap opera. Vale Tudo is a reboot of a series regarded as one of the key of the genre and a huge hit in 1988 and 1989, when Brazil was recovering from a brutal two-decade military dictatorship. The original version revolved around the question: "Is it worth to be honest in Brazil?"
The new version—released during a period of profound political polarisation—has moved away from the original's political focus, but has achieved strong ratings and ignited intense discussions on the internet. Although many viewers like the new version, with clips spreading widely on online platforms, there has also been backlash over alterations to the story and the reproduction of stereotypes commonly linked to African-descendant women in relation to one of the main characters.
Nigeria | BBNaija
You could write a compelling dissertation on Nigeria's fascination with social dynamics and the nation's ongoing curiosity in watching over twenty strangers confined to a communal house. The current edition of Big Brother Naija is currently airing, and it continues to generate more discussion, especially on social media, than virtually every pop culture event except for soccer matches.
BBNaija enjoys a level of mainstream penetration that makes the show hard to ignore whether or not you don't watch it. Contestants can still expect their appearances into a life of fame and brand deals, even if short-lived. This will endure for as long as the creators keep up their skill to choose the ideal combination of participants who all seem destined for the 24-hour stage.
Japan | Anpan
According to the most recent data released, Japan's top-rated consistently aired show is the series 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 NHK. The show is inspired by the story of a woman named Nobu Komatsu, whose spouse, the creator Takashi Yanase, developed the Anpanman (literally Red Bean Bun Man) children's books and animated series that have entertained and enthralled generations of children in Japan.
Anpan tells the rags-to-riches story of a female protagonist who experiences the atrocities of the World War II and, with her husband, establishes a kind-hearted book collection in the 1970s. Its hero the hero Anpanman—a sweet bun with bean paste wearing a cape—generously aids those in peril and distress, even giving pieces of his soft, sweet head to feed the starving. Like most asadora, Anpan is visual comfort food, with a touching, inspiring story that calms the unsettled mood of today's times.
In Jamaica | Smile Jamaica
Usually, the majority in Jamaica get their television shows from the US, but despite this the local channel Television Jamaica's Smile Jamaica breakfast program remains a essential part of the country's routine.
Airing from 6-8.30am, with a Saturday edition on the weekend, it offers an eclectic mix of light entertainment and sections on serious current topics. Viewers can see viral dance and exercise guides, intriguing interviews with a local performer 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 beauty pageant alumna at just 26. The show is a great example of Jamaica's heavy investment in its film and TV industry, with multiple local film festivals and the authorities just pledging substantial funds for domestic movie projects.
In Poland | Chopin Piano Contest
It may not fit the standard idea of a TV blockbuster, able to draw millions of viewers. Still, much of Poland will be tuned in for the next three weeks following the excitement of the new installment of a renowned piano competition celebrating Poland's musical genius the composer Chopin.
The nineteenth iteration of the Chopin Piano Competition began this week. It will feature eighty-four musicians from twenty nations—selected from over six hundred applicants—contending for the first place, widely considered a key opportunity to play in the top international venues.
The event, resembling the Olympic Games for pianists, takes place quinquennially and draws thousands of music enthusiasts to the Polish capital, with admissions being reserved a year in advance. This time, the home country has thirteen contestants, but musicians from the United States, Canada, and Korea are seen as leading contenders.
The competition is broadcast by Poland's national TV and available via live stream, with the winner's concerts starting in the latter part of the month.
