Telenovelas and Latin Streaming Originals — 2026-09-08
Globo has reversed its decision to halt production of 11 PM telenovelas, citing pressure from writers and a strategic move to counter streaming competition. Meanwhile, in Mexico, Televisa’s reality show *La Granja VIP* defeated TV Azteca’s *La Casa de los Famosos* in the Sunday ratings battle, signaling a shift in the traditional network war. Netflix continues to consolidate its Latin American footprint with new local adaptations and infrastructure investments.
Telenovelas and Latin Streaming Originals — 2026-09-08
Globo Returns to Late-Night Telenovela Production
In a significant policy shift for Brazilian television, Globo announced it will resume producing telenovelas for the 11 PM slot (faixa das 23h) starting in 2027. The decision follows intense pressure from screenwriters and is driven by a need to bolster revenue and "encircle" streaming services that have eroded linear TV audiences. Globo has commissioned a project from writer Thelma Guedes, marking a return to original late-night dramas after a hiatus focused on shorter series and acquired formats. This move aims to reassert Globo’s dominance in high-prestige, long-form narrative content that competes directly with premium streaming originals.
Televisa Wins Sunday Reality War Against Azteca
The ratings battle between Mexico’s two major broadcast networks intensified this week as Televisa’s La Granja VIP Season 2 premiere outperformed TV Azteca’s La Casa de los Famosos México in key demographics on Sunday, September 6. While both shows drew substantial audiences, La Granja VIP secured the top spot, challenging Azteca’s recent momentum with its celebrity reality format. This victory reinforces Televisa’s ability to retain mass-market appeal through established franchises, even as streaming platforms like ViX and Netflix capture niche and younger audiences. The result is critical for advertisers assessing the remaining value of linear broadcast reach in Mexico.
Netflix Deepens Local Infrastructure and Literary Adaptations
Netflix is reinforcing its strategy of "validating local narratives" through heavy investment in infrastructure and literary adaptations across Latin America. Recent coverage highlights the platform’s commitment to producing diverse content that resonates with regional identities, moving beyond generic exports to locally rooted stories. This approach includes upcoming titles such as Mal de Amores and Santita, alongside major adaptations like One Hundred Years of Solitude. The strategy aims to secure long-term subscriber loyalty by embedding Netflix deeper into the cultural fabric of markets like Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil.
Local view
Brazilian media outlets are closely watching Globo’s strategic pivot. Notícias da TV (UOL) reports that the decision to revive the 11 PM telenovela slot was not just creative but financial, designed to protect Globo’s advertising revenue base against the encroachment of Globoplay and international competitors. In Mexico, El Imparcial and El Siglo de Torreón highlighted the tightness of the La Granja VIP vs. La Casa de los Famosos matchup, noting that while Televisa won the night, Azteca remains a formidable challenger for the Sunday prime-time crown.
Context & numbers
While specific Q3 financials for ViX are not yet public, recent data indicates that ViX now accounts for over 20% of TelevisaUnivision’s total revenue and EBITDA, underscoring its critical role in the company’s mix. In Brazil, Globoplay’s September lineup features high-profile content like Rock in Rio 2026 and the second season of Vermelho Sangue, aiming to maintain subscriber engagement during a competitive month. The broader Latin American streaming market continues to grow, with Prime Video recently announcing a $2 billion investment plan for the region between 2027 and 2030, signaling an intensifying capital war for local content production.
On the radar
- Globo’s 2027 Slate: Keep an eye on the development details of Thelma Guedes’ new 11 PM telenovela project, which will set the tone for Globo’s late-night revival.
- ViX Q3 Earnings: Investors will look for confirmation of ViX’s growth trajectory when TelevisaUnivision releases its third-quarter results later this year.
- Prime Video Expansion: Details on the first wave of productions funded by Amazon’s $2 billion Latin American investment pledge are expected to emerge in early 2027.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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