5 Reasons Why Telenovelas Are Better Than Soaps

Most Brits aren’t aware of the wonder that is telenovelas, but, courtesy of ABN TV, some of Latin America’s finest television series are finally available to watch on this side of the Atlantic.

What is a telenovela?

Telenovelas are best described as a type of Spanish-language soap opera with a few key differences. They have a finite length (usually less than a year) but still produce far more episodes more regularly than television dramas. This means that production values are usually higher than a normal soap and there’s a set storyline.

Looking for reasons why one should indulge in Latin America’s most popular form of entertainment? Look no further…

5 reasons telenovelas are better than British soaps

1. Variety is the spice of life.

While there are only a few British soap operas and the general distinction between them is location and whether or not they’re set in a hospital, telenovelas come in all shapes and sizes. There are comedies, period dramas, romances, medical, musical, ranchero and mystery telenovelas; aimed at all different age groups. There’s also plenty of choice for children, teenagers and adults.

2. Superior production values.

The shorter average lifespan and the consistent popularity of telenovelas in their country of origin usually means they enjoy higher production values than British soaps. Many shoot on location using expensive equipment, giving them the same look and feel as your typical high production drama.

3. Self-contained stories.

Typically, a telenovela revolves around one main self-contained story, which finishes when the plot is resolved. Because of this, they do not suffer as often from a lack of direction after a showrunner leaves (I’m pointing no fingers here). Okay, they may contain some roundabout side plots and ridiculous twists, but telenovelas are written to be finite.

4. They often contain an important social message.

Telenovelas are well known for educating its viewers to a larger social message. Some include themes like treating everyone as they would like to be treated, preach compassion or putting family first. Others tell stories of religion as well as tolerance towards individuals from all walks of life.

5. They still contain all the best bits from soap operas, but enhanced.

Telenovelas sometimes get confused with soap operas in the Western world because they share similar storytelling techniques. In short, they retain all the best bits – the zany characters, over-the-top camera angles and the completely out there plot twists. They’re exaggerated in terms of humour and drama, which is a lot of fun. A telenovela is basically a faster paced, more concise soap – and who doesn’t want that?