The rise of streaming has transformed the consumption of audiovisual content around the world., and Brazil has established itself as one of the creative powerhouses in the production of original series. Whether you're looking for stories based on real events, urban dramas, series with social commentary, innovative comedies, or stories full of suspense, the Brazilian catalog continues to grow and surprise. Below, we present an exhaustive compilation of the best Brazilian series that you can watch both on television and on major streaming platforms. This list includes essential offerings from different genres, eras, and styles, including recent fiction and classic soap operas that have been shown around the world.
Brotherhood (Irmandade)
Brotherhood is a crime thriller set in Sao Paulo which explores the limits of family loyalty and justice. The series tells the story of Cristina, a lawyer who, upon reuniting with her brother Edson—the leader of a criminal organization—is forced by the police to act as an informant. Caught between duty and sisterly love, Cristina stars in a tense plot where she must decide how far she's willing to go to save her brother and herself. The psychological evolution of the characters, as well as criticism of the Brazilian judicial and penal system, have made Brotherhood one of Netflix's most relevant series in Brazil.
Tuning (Tuning)
Sintonía delves into the streets of Sao Paulo and the lives of three young people. who struggle to survive and fulfill their dreams amidst inequality, the temptations of crime, and a passion for funk music. Doni, Rita, and Nando represent different paths within the favelas, showcasing everything from rising in the music industry to the moral dilemma of diving into organized crime. The focus on friendship, family, and social resilience provides an authentic and raw perspective on urban Brazil. the soundtrack and the staging have been acclaimed for accurately portraying current Brazilian youth cultures.
The mechanism (or Mechanism)
Inspired by Operation Lava Jato and real cases of corruptionThe Mechanism focuses on detective Marco Ruffo and his apprentice Verena. The two become embroiled in an investigation that exposes the country's most complex political and corporate corruption schemes. The series stands out for its realistic script, the depth of its characters, and its ability to capture the intricacies of Brazilian power. Written by José Padilha and Elena Soárez, it combines the personal drama of its protagonists with social criticism, revealing the difficulty of combating impunity in the highest spheres.
Invisible City (Cidade Invisível)
Invisible City explores Brazilian folklore from a perspective of mystery and fantasy.After the death of his wife, Agent Eric discovers a hidden battle between two worlds: the human and the supernatural, inhabited by mythical creatures such as the Saci, the Cuca, the Curupira, and other legendary beings. In addition to offering a captivating narrative, the series revives popular traditions and legends, introducing them to global culture. Its photography, production design, and visual effects have positioned it as one of the most original titles on Netflix Brazil.
Omniscient
In a dystopian future, Omniscient proposes a system of extreme surveillance where small drones monitor every citizen, reducing crime but eliminating privacy. Nina, the protagonist of this suspenseful story, discovers a flaw in the system while investigating her father's murder, calling into question the reliability of technology and the cost of absolute security. The series raises profound reflections on ethics, social control, and individual freedom, making it a must-see for fans of social science fiction.
Death Sells (Bandidos na TV)
This serial documentary examines the true story of Wallace Souza, a former police officer and charismatic television host in Manaus, accused of orchestrating crimes and murders to boost his show's ratings. The series explores the limits of media sensationalism, the impact of crime on society, and the fine line between news and entertainment. The mix of testimonies, archival footage, and reconstructions positions Death Sells as a benchmark in true crime in Brazil and around the world.
Secret Truths (Secret Truths)
Secret Truths is a drama full of passion, ambition and dark secrets set in the world of modeling in Sao Paulo.Arlette, a young woman with dreams of becoming a model to help her family, ends up involved in prostitution at an agency. Her life becomes even more complicated when she meets Alex, a wealthy and obsessive man, leading to a relationship marked by toxicity and manipulation. Available on Divinity and other platforms, it is one of the most-watched and award-winning series, with two seasons that delve into the complexities of the fashion industry and the limits of morality.
Coisa Mais Linda (The life we wanted)
Coisa Mais Linda transports the viewer to mid-century Brazil, just as bossa nova emerged. The series follows Malú, an upper-class woman who, after being left alone, embarks on opening a music club in Rio de Janeiro with three other women. The struggle for female independence, racism and social inequality are central themes in this production. Highlights include characters such as Lígia, a singer who is a victim of domestic violence; Thereza, a journalist ahead of her time; and Adélia, who challenges the social and racial barriers of the time. The setting, the music, and the portrayal of female empowerment have made this series one of the most internationally acclaimed.
Indiscreet Look (Indiscreet Sniff)
Indiscreet Gaze is an erotic thriller miniseries starring Débora Nascimento as Miranda, a hacker with voyeuristic tendencies.After being invited to look after the dog of her neighbor Cléo, a sex worker, Miranda finds herself caught in a complex web of human trafficking when her neighbor's identity is mistaken. The production stands out for its eroticism, intrigue and its ability to address delicate topics. such as sexual exploitation, identity, and double lives. With an intense and visually provocative plot, it's ideal for those looking for unconventional thrillers within Brazilian fiction.
Good Morning, Veronica
This crime thriller follows Verônica Torres, a police secretary at a homicide station in São Paulo, who decides to investigate two cases of abuse of women on her own.As he digs deeper, he uncovers a web of crime and corruption far more extensive and dangerous than expected. The series addresses femicide, gender violence, impunity and psychological trauma. With a powerful narrative and outstanding performances, especially those of Tainá Müller, Eduardo Moscovis, and Camila Morgado, each season broadens the scope of the investigation, revealing new layers of complexity and darkness.
Samantha!
Samantha! is a comedy-drama that tells the story of a former 80s child star—Samantha—who seeks to return to fame.. Along with her ex-husband Dodói, an idolized former footballer, and their two children, the series explores the clash between past and present, nostalgia and the absurdity of show business. With humor and touches of social criticismSamantha! is perfect for those looking to unwind with a lighthearted approach that also highlights Brazilian popular culture and television.
The most famous Brazilian soap operas
In addition to the rise of original series, Brazilian soap operas have marked the history of international television.Many of them have been global hits and can be found dubbed in several languages or available on platforms like Telemundo. Here's a must-see selection:
- Brazil Avenue: Considered one of the most popular telenovelas, it tells the story of Rita, a young woman seeking revenge on her stepmother Carmina after a traumatic childhood. Featuring unforgettable characters and surprising twists, it has been exported to dozens of countries.
- The slave Isaura: Inspired by the 19th century, this story of Isaura, a slave fighting for her freedom, is a benchmark of romantic and social drama.
- The Clone: Set between Morocco and Brazil, the plot mixes romance, science, and religion, centering on the impossible love between Jade and Lucas, and the experiment to create a human clone.
- Traces of lies: It focuses on family conflicts and power struggles surrounding a hospital, exploring themes such as ambition and rivalry.
- The favorite: A thriller where Flora, after leaving prison, tries to prove her innocence and confronts her former friend Donatela for a murder, with complex characters and many secrets.
- Terra Nostra: A story of love and self-improvement among Italian immigrants in Brazil, famous for portraying cultural diversity and the struggle for a better future.
- Xica da Silva: Based on the true story of a slave who achieves power and wealth, challenging the social order of her time.
- Doña Bella: A tale of revenge, empowerment, and overcoming of a young woman marked by tragedy.
- The Pantanal: It shows the cultural and emotional clash between urban and rural life, with stunning landscapes and a plot full of passion and mystery.
- Ambitious women: Three women with different motivations fight for their dreams, facing betrayals and intrigues.
- Sweet ambition: A story of love, betrayal, and the struggle for self-improvement between rival families.
- Through time: A romantic drama about an impossible love in the 19th century that defies even death.
Other featured recommendations
- Iron Island: An action drama set on an oil platform, where the tension between professional and personal life intensifies with the arrival of a new manager.
- The Party: Intrigue and suspense in a high-society mansion where a murder uncovers secrets, betrayals, and rivalries.
- Rising Sun: A romantic tale about friendship and culture clash between Italian and Japanese families in Brazil, marked by betrayals and personal obstacles.
Offering Brazilian series and soap operas is extremely broad and varied. From dramas with deep social and political content to witty comedies and folklore-inspired fantasy, Brazil has demonstrated a creative power capable of competing with any audiovisual industry in the world.Thanks to the expansion of streaming platforms and the export of their productions, it's now possible to enjoy these masterpieces anywhere in the world. Whether you're a fan of suspense, drama, comedy, or romance, you'll find captivating stories, memorable performances, and a unique look at contemporary society, the cultural roots, and the dreams of millions of people in the Brazilian catalog.
