Announcements
Brazil, recognized as a giant in the export of audiovisual content, has its Brazilian soap operas as its flagship in this segment.
Since 1976, with the success of "O Bem-Amado" in Latin America, Brazilian soap operas began to be seen as a coveted export product.
We're now going to explore 5 soap operas that have also won the hearts of international audiences, some of which have become prime-time TV hits, while others have been shown in dozens of countries.
Table of contents:
- The international success of Brazilian soap operas
- 5 internationally recognized Brazilian soap operas
The international success of Brazilian soap operas
The 1980s marked a turning point, with foreign broadcasters realizing the audience potential of Brazilian soap operas.
A striking example is "Gabriela", which, like many others, was broadcast almost simultaneously in Portugal and Brazil, often surpassing the popularity of local productions.
A milestone in the history of Brazilian soap opera exports came with "Escrava Isaura", which set international sales records.
This record was surpassed in the 1990s by "Terra Nostra", which reached 83 countries. However, it was overtaken by "The Clone" in 2001, which sold to 90 countries.
Interestingly, "O Clone" had a Spanish-language adaptation for American TV, and years later, "Da Cor do Pecado" reached the impressive mark of 100 territories, consolidating Brazil's leadership in the market.
Today, soap opera production is a global reality, with countries like Turkey and Mexico standing out, especially in Latin America and Eastern Europe. However, Brazilian soap operas have maintained their supremacy, reaching more than 150 countries.
5 internationally recognized Brazilian soap operas
1- "Caminho das Índias" (2009)
This soap opera, written by Glória Perez, made history by being the first Brazilian production to win an International Emmy. Broadcast in 118 countries, it stood out mainly in Europe, Africa and Asia.
In Mexico, it aired under the title "Indias" on TV Azteca. The plot takes place between Brazil and India, revolving around the forbidden romance of Maya Meetha (Juliana Paes) and Bahuan (Márcio Garcia), from different castes.
Maya ends up marrying Raj (Rodrigo Lombardi), being pregnant with Bahuan, but falls in love with her husband.
2- "A Vida da Gente" (2011)
Created by Lícia Manzo, this soap opera reached third place in exports and was shown in 113 countries.
In 2015, it was chosen by the Spanish newspaper "20 minutos" as one of the best Brazilian telenovelas.
The plot explores the love triangle between sisters Ana (Fernanda Vasconcelos) and Manu (Marjorie Estiano) and Rodrigo (Rafael Cardoso), their stepbrother.
3- "Totalmente Demais" (2016)
This soap opera, written by Rosane Svartman and Paulo Halm, gained international popularity and was the second best-seller.
With the story of Eliza (Marina Ruy Barbosa), who flees to Rio de Janeiro and ends up taking part in a fashion contest, it was broadcast in more than 135 countries and was the first Brazilian soap opera shown in India.
4- "Secret Truths" (2015)
Winner of the International Emmy in 2016, this work by Walcyr Carrasco was an export success, reaching more than 75 countries.
The plot, which revolves around the backstage of the fashion industry, has garnered high ratings in countries such as Mexico, Argentina and Portugal.
5- "Avenida Brasil" (2012)
This soap opera by João Emanuel Carneiro, sold to 130 countries and dubbed into 19 languages, tells the story of the revenge of Rita, known as Nina (Débora Falabella), against her stepmother Carminha (Adriana Esteves).
The show achieved high ratings internationally and featured a stellar cast, including Cauã Reymond and Alexandre Borges. All these soap operas are available on Globoplay.
See also how to listen to music offline: here! Did you like the soap operas we've featured here? Which is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!
