On February 10, 2025, Globo re-aired the classic telenovela História de Amor (1995), taking the afternoon slot previously occupied by Cabocla (2004). This beloved series, featuring iconic performances by Regina Duarte and José Mayer, won many fans with its exploration of love and family dilemmas. The rerun, described as special editing due to its sensitive content, sparked significant discussion on social media platforms. While some viewers celebrated the return of this romantic classic, others voiced criticism, particularly over certain controversial aspects related to the show's lead actors.
Notably, the rerun sparked debate not only about its engaging narrative but also about its treatment of problematic dialogues from years past. Of concern was the decision by Globo to edit out certain fatphobic comments from the premiere episode. Initial viewings of the show indicated multiple revisions to remove outdated expressions and themes deemed unsuitable for modern audiences.
One scene removed from the opening episode featured fatphobic dialogue between one of the characters and José Mayer’s physician character, Carlos. During the exchange, the woman, identifying herself as the 'gorda de padaria' or 'bakery fatty,' lamented her weight and expressed feelings of hunger. "I watched your lecture yesterday. I’ve read all your books, I’m your fan. I’m the one... the 'gorda de padaria.' The one who enters the bakery and sees pastries and breads and has already gained weight. I weigh 90 kilos, but I’m starving," she stated. José Mayer’s character attempted to respond with, "There’s no use starving; you have to eat right, know what to eat," but this dialogue was deemed inappropriate for inclusion. The edited segments were cut from the broadcast before the program even aired, illustrating Globo’s commitment to change according to modern social values.
This structural approach isn’t unique to História de Amor. Globo has made it standard practice to review and edit older productions before airing. This means any dialogue considered to align with homophobia, racism, or misogyny is typically either removed or altered to align with current sensibilities. Critics argue this practice raises questions about censorship and the authenticity of preserving classic works as they originally aired.
Despite any backlash from spectators, Globo's decision-making process reflects its attempt to adapt to contemporary public opinion. The network hopes to minimize viewer backlash and disengagement as societal perceptions shift, especially during this era of increased sensitivity to issues around body image and representation.
While some streaming platforms offer audiences access to original versions of classic series, Globo seems to prioritize sensitivity over fidelity, perhaps foreseeing criticism similar to what has afflicted other networks. Such practices demonstrate how the television industry grapples with representation and themes from bygone eras.
This is not the first time História de Amor has been revisited on TV. The telenovela originally aired in 1995 and has seen reruns before. The first rerun occurred back in 2002, and during its initial run, it garnered attention for its tender moments and dynamic characters.
The impact of these cultural products, reflecting their time, continues to influence Brazilian society even years later. Globo’s response to harmful tropes and insistence on editing may resonate positively or negatively, depending on the audience’s perspective. Some welcome the changes, recognizing them as necessary adaptations to keep up with societal evolution, whereas others yearn for the unfiltered nostalgia of the past.
With concerns growing for how the media shapes perceptions of body image and societal roles, viewers find themselves divided over how to appreciate and critique these narratives—balancing between nostalgia and contemporary values. Globo’s rerun of História de Amor serves as both entertainment and contemplation—a mirror reflecting past values through the lens of present ideals.
The culmination of this complex narrative on Globo reminds audiences of the challenges faced by the modern television industry as it navigates between preserving artistic integrity and embodying the progressive attributes of modern storytelling. So, as viewers tune back to these infamous stories, perhaps the editing does not erase the history but rather challenges how we engage with it today.