An Introduction To Brazilian Telenovelas

Brazilian novelas (soap operas) play a central role in Brazilian media and are a focal point in everyday conversation. Their popularity is reflected in the numbers; Avenida Brasil, one of the most popular novelas, earned approximately $1 billion in revenue. From the first novela, Sua Vida Me Pertence (Your Life Belongs To Me) in 1951, their popularity has snowballed. We explore the seven most popular novelas throughout Brazilian novela history.
Novelas portray daily life in Brazil with each series representing a different social class, making them highly relatable from all walks of life. Within a finite number of episodes, the series often runs for just a few months so the plot is packed with twists and action from the beginning and viewers expect an ending that is often highly anticipated. Characters in novelas accurately depicts the real lives of Brazilians, from their hopes and fears, to family and work. This is why they’re rooted in contemporary culture and are often trending topics in the news.

Avenida Brasil (Brazil Avenue)

Avenida Brasil was broadcasted by Globo between March and October 2012, airing a total of 179 episodes. The storyline was based in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro and in its heyday was the most watched TV series in Brazil. However, its popularity wasn’t concentrated in Brazil; it was transmitted in a total of 130 countries with voiceovers in 19 languages, including Russian, Arabic, Spanish and Greek. The story follows Rita (later changed to Nina), her struggles against her evil stepmother and her plot for revenge.

O Clone (The Clone)

Da Cor Do Pecado (The Color of Sin)

In terms of market share and foreign viewing, this was the second most popular novela of all time and one of Globo’s most successful productions. It was aired between January 2004 until September 2004 and broadcasted throughout 100 countries. The plot lies in the middle of a love triangle and unravels all of its complexities in a mix of drama, suspense and romance as well as exploring racial discrimination. It was the first time a novela used an afro-descendant as a main character which played a role in its huge success.

Malhação (Young Hearts)

Malhação has broken the rules when it comes to novelas; its first episode aired in 1995 and yet there has been no signs of stopping yet with nearly 5,400 episodes. Its audience is aimed more at the teenage public, yet its proven popular for all ages. The storyline centers around the daily lives of teenagers in school, with their friends and families and especially in their relationships. The plot unfolds in the fictional Gym Club in Barra de Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro. The story location has changed over the years thoughm to a school, back to the gym and then to an art school.

Roque Santeiro

The most popular novela of all time, this classic series had the highest number of viewers and remains to this day the most-watched novela in Brazil. This is immensely impressive given it was aired between 1985 and 1986. The plot is about Roque Santeiro who is apparently killed whilst protecting his city. 17 years later though he returns, much to the surprise and disappointment of some residents that have been exploiting his image as the saviour of the town. The added twist is that legend has it that the town will cease to exist should Roque ever come back. This leaves the authorities in a sticky situation and they have to decide whether to reveal Roque’s true identity or not.

Caminho das Indias (Road to the Indies)

Aired between January and September 2009, this emmy-winning novela became one of the most-watched in Brazil. One of the factors behind its success was the fascination it drew by highlighting the differences between the Eastern and Western cultures, especially their beliefs and values. Another factor is that it’s the second novela to have some scenes set outside of Brazil, with many scenes shot in India. The story line is based around forbidden love and the drama involved with it. Even though the novela has ended, past episodes continue to be aired on TV.

Lacos de Familia (Family Relationships)

The majority of this novela was set in Leblon, one of Rio de Janeiro’s most upscale neighborhoods. The storyline is centered around the love between a mother and her daughter with various dramatic scenes such as when Camila, the daughter, shaves off her hair when she is diagnosed with leukemia. A total of 209 episodes were aired between June 2000 and February 2011 and became highly popular in Brazil.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REwFc-kLDMc
By Sarah Brown

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.