Brazilian Telenovelas: A Cultural Mirror and Global Export

In Brazil, telenovelas are a national passion, consumed nightly by families and serving as a lens on Brazilian society and its evolution. These serials, which can run up to 200 episodes and attract millions of viewers, have become deeply rooted in the country's culture. Over the years, they have evolved from simple romances to address social issues such as racism, inequality, violence against women, homosexuality, and corruption. Their influence extends far beyond Brazil, as they are broadcast in over 90 countries, promoting the Portuguese language, Brazilian music, landscapes, and lifestyles. In Africa, they have garnered a loyal following for decades, particularly in Portuguese-speaking nations but also beyond, with fan communities on social media. This has led some Brazilian production companies to establish a presence on the African continent to connect with one of their primary audiences. Despite the trend toward shorter series on streaming platforms, telenovelas continue to thrive with their long-form storytelling, resisting new consumption habits and contributing to Brazil's soft power. The article features insights from Leonardo Tonus, a professor of Brazilian literature at Sorbonne Nouvelle University, and Saroubidi Ratonjomanan, creator of the social media page Monde Télénovelas Afrique and the Facebook group SNovelas Oficial, who discuss the history, international success, and cultural influence of telenovelas beyond Latin America.