In a much-anticipated return, the classic Brazilian telenovela A Viagem is set to replace Tieta on TV Globo, airing in the popular "Vale a Pena Ver de Novo" slot starting May 12, 2025. This marks the sixth time that the show has been reprised, a testament to its enduring popularity and cultural significance.
Originally airing in 1994, A Viagem was a resounding success, achieving over 50 audience points during its original run. Written by Ivani Ribeiro, the series captivated viewers with its compelling narrative and strong performances, particularly from Guilherme Fontes, who portrayed the troubled character Alexandre.
The plot of A Viagem revolves around Alexandre, a young man who finds himself embroiled in a murder case. Betrayed by his brother Raul, played by Miguel Falabella, and his brother-in-law Téo, portrayed by Maurício Mattar, Alexandre is unable to secure a defense from attorney Otávio, played by Antônio Fagundes. Facing despair, he ultimately takes his own life in prison, vowing revenge on those who wronged him. His sister Diná, played by Christiane Torloni, is the only one who attempts to save him, but it is too late. The spirit of Alexandre then seeks vengeance, complicating Diná's life as she falls in love with Otávio.
Over its 167 episodes, the series delves into themes of hate, redemption, and the bonds of love that transcend even death. The love story between Diná and Otávio unfolds against the backdrop of Alexandre's torment, making for a gripping narrative that resonates with audiences.
As part of the celebration for the show's return, the Observatório dos Famosos recently highlighted five intriguing facts about A Viagem. Notably, this series is a remake of the original 1975 version that aired on TV Tupi, which starred Eva Wilma as Dinah, Altair Lima as César Jordão, Ewerton de Castro as Alexandre, and Tony Ramos as Téo.
Due to its immense popularity, A Viagem became the most-watched 7 p.m. soap opera of the 1990s, with 160 episodes aired from April to October 1994. The show has been re-aired multiple times, including two previous runs on "Vale a Pena Ver de Novo" in 1997 and 2006, as well as three airings on the Viva channel in 2014, 2021, and 2024.
Interestingly, Christiane Torloni, who plays Diná, was lured back to Brazil from Portugal under the pretense that the show would be a comedy. "He sent me a condensed and corrected synopsis. I still have that synopsis today. He dedicated it saying, ‘Chris, look at the comedy that awaits us.’ When we started filming, I said, ‘This is drama!’" she recounted about her initial experience with the director Wolf Maya.
The show also had a significant impact on Brazilian culture, particularly in its treatment of spiritual themes. Following its airing, there was a reported 50% increase in the sale of books related to spiritism, reflecting the show's influence on public interest in spiritual matters.
To avoid clichés in depicting Heaven, the production team chose to film scenes at a golf course in Nogueira, located in the mountainous area of Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro. In contrast, the Vale dos Suicidas, where Alexandre is taken after his death, was filmed in a deactivated quarry in Niterói. Additionally, some outdoor scenes were shot at Fazenda Vista Alegre in Valença, Rio de Janeiro.
As the audience prepares for the return of A Viagem, nostalgia and excitement fill the air. The show's rich narrative and complex characters are sure to draw in both new viewers and those who remember the original airing. The combination of drama, romance, and supernatural elements promises to make this reprise a must-watch event.
With the revival of such a beloved classic, TV Globo continues to cater to the tastes and preferences of its audience, ensuring that the legacy of A Viagem remains alive and well in Brazilian television history.
