Global TV Roundup: What the World Is Watching
It is time for another look at what the world is watching, as our global correspondents share the TV shows driving conversations in their regions. This edition covers Chinese microdramas, a Canadian Arctic comedy, and more.
Argentina: Envidiosa (Envious)
In a country with one of the highest numbers of psychoanalysts per capita, it is fitting that a hit series features a therapist guiding the protagonist toward self-awareness. Envidiosa, a romcom starring Griselda Siciliani, follows Vicky, a 40-year-old woman spiraling after a breakup while watching others achieve her dream of marriage. The show has sparked debate in Argentina, where feminist movements shaped recent social changes. Some critics dismissed it as a regressive telenovela, but feminist journalist María Florencia Alcaraz argues its resonance lies in depicting a "sandwich generation" caught between feminist ideals and traditional pressures. Vicky is not a feminist heroine, but she embodies questions about desire and autonomy, offering a portrait of loneliness in an era of supposed freedom.
Canada: North of North
Canada's Arctic has long fascinated outsiders, but two Inuit filmmakers show its humorous side. North of North, a CBC comedy, follows Siaja, a young Inuk mother navigating romance and community life. Writers Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril offer southerners a glimpse of Arctic humor and humanity. While Heated Rivalry remains Canada's most globally popular recent show, North of North has quietly gained acclaim, earning 20 Canadian Screen Award nominations and a second season.
China: Microdramas
Overworked commuters and unemployed youth are glued to microdramas: one- to two-minute episodes of high-octane, soapy entertainment designed for vertical scrolling. The industry has surpassed 50 billion yuan (£5.5 billion) with over 660 million viewers. AI has boosted production, raising concerns among actors who relied on microdramas for work. Chinese companies are expanding overseas, with Americans downloading microdrama apps, and the market is projected to reach $10 billion outside China by 2027.
Côte d'Ivoire: Les Nounous (The Nannies)
Les Nounous is a dramatic comedy that has captivated the country. It follows six domestic workers in an upscale Abidjan neighborhood, including scheming Affoué and charming Dotty, who becomes pregnant by her married boss while dating his son. The show airs daily and sparks discussions in maquis and hair salons about domestic labor and aspirational lifestyles. Its use of Nouchi (Ivorian Creole) and local French dialect has boosted its popularity.
