Not long ago, this publication explored the wave of international post-apocalyptic dramas making their way to audiences worldwide. These series brought stories of climate catastrophe, violent autocracy, and extraterrestrial attacks from various locations such as South America, Africa, and Asia. Beyond highlighting worldwide fears about societal breakdown, it also underscored how linked the TV landscape has become in 2025. Streaming platforms, broadcast networks, video platforms, and unofficial streams can instantly deliver regional shows from across the world—except Antarctica, although one might wonder if any Arctic series exist there.
Still, despite the high level of international exchange in TV today, numerous programs stay mostly unseen beyond domestic borders despite huge success at home. Recently, we aimed to highlight these programs by asking journalists based in various countries about the shows audiences are viewing in their regions. Read on for accounts of Jamaican breakfast television, soap operas from Brazil, and Japan's red bean paste-based superheroes.
Brazil | Anything Goes
Although Brazil's traditional passion for telenovelas has been slightly influenced by streaming services and competition from Korean series and Turkish equivalents, the most discussed and most watched television program in Latin America's largest country is, unsurprisingly, a telenovela. Vale Tudo is a reboot of a series regarded as one of the key in its category and a huge hit in 1988 and 1989, when Brazil was recovering from a harsh two-decade military dictatorship. The original version centered on the theme: "Does it pay to be honest in Brazil?"
The new version—released during a period of profound political polarisation—has largely abandoned the original's political focus, but has drawn high viewership and ignited intense discussions on the internet. Although many viewers like the reboot, with clips spreading widely on online platforms, there has also been backlash over changes to the original plot and the portrayal of cliches often associated with Black women in relation to one of the main characters.
In Nigeria | BBNaija
One could write a compelling dissertation on Nigeria's fascination with social dynamics and the nation's continued interest in observing over twenty unknown individuals locked in a communal house. The current edition of Big Brother Naija is currently airing, and it still manages to generate more discussion, especially on online networks, than virtually every pop culture event aside from soccer matches.
Big Brother Naija enjoys a degree of cultural breakthrough that makes the drama hard to ignore even if you don't watch it. Contestants can still expect their appearances into a career of celebrity and endorsements, even if short-lived. This is likely to continue 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 | Bean Paste Hero
Based on the most recent data available, 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 morning on weekdays by national network the Japanese broadcasting corporation. Anpan is inspired by the story of Nobu Komatsu, whose spouse, Takashi Yanase, developed the Anpanman (meaning Bean Paste Man) picture books and cartoon show that have entertained and captivated multiple age groups of Japanese kids.
Anpan recounts the grit-through-to-glory story of a female protagonist who experiences the atrocities of the World War II and, alongside her spouse, creates a kind-hearted picture book series in the 1970s. Its main character the hero Anpanman—a red-bean-filled pastry wearing a cape—generously aids those in peril and distress, even giving parts of his own head to feed the starving. Like most asadora, Anpan is soothing viewing, with a touching, inspiring story that calms the unsettled mood of today's times.
In Jamaica | Smile Jamaica
Usually, the majority in Jamaica access their television shows from the United States, but despite this the domestic station TVJ's the show Smile Jamaica morning show remains a critical part of the national daily life.
Airing from 6-8.30am, with a weekend version on the weekend, it offers an diverse range of fun segments and sections on heavy topical issues. Viewers can see popular dance and pilates tutorials, interesting conversations with a local performer and the makers 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 former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant at just twenty-six. The program is a great example of Jamaica's heavy investment in its film and TV industry, with multiple local film festivals and the authorities recently announcing millions in local currency for domestic movie projects.
In Poland | International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition
It may not fit the usual definition of a TV blockbuster, able to draw huge audiences. Nevertheless, a large part of the country will be tuned in for the coming weeks due to the twists and turns of the latest edition of a renowned piano competition honoring Poland's composer and virtuoso Fryderyk Chopin.
The 19th edition of the Chopin Piano Competition began this week. It will include eighty-four musicians from 20 countries—selected from over six hundred applicants—contending for the first place, often seen as a key opportunity to perform in the top international venues.
The competition, resembling the global sports event for pianists, is held quinquennially and attracts thousands of music enthusiasts to the Polish capital, with admissions selling out a year in advance. This edition, the home country has 13 participants, but musicians from the US, North America, and Korea are regarded as some of the favourites.
The competition is televised by Poland's national TV and streamed online, with the champion's performances beginning in the latter part of the month.
