The premiere of the remake of Vale Tudo on Monday, March 31, 2025, has generated significant buzz and mixed reactions among television audiences in Brazil. The highly anticipated show, which aired on Globo, marked a noteworthy return to the network’s prime time slot, although its numbers reveal a complex picture of success and challenges.
According to preliminary audience data, Vale Tudo achieved an average of 24.09 points in Greater São Paulo during its first episode, airing from 21h19 to 22h22. While this figure represents a slight improvement over its predecessor, Mania de Você, which averaged 21 points, it also stands as the second-lowest premiere in the history of Globo’s 9 pm soap operas. The show peaked at 25.14 points at 22h02, capturing the attention of approximately 4 million and 801 thousand viewers per minute in the region, a statistic that reflects a 38.81% share of televisions in use at that time.
In Rio de Janeiro, the numbers were even more promising, with Vale Tudo averaging 30.91 points and peaking at 31.4. This performance left competing networks like Record and SBT trailing significantly, with Record’s Força de Mulher scoring only 6.46 points and SBT’s A Caverna Encantada reaching just 1.77 points. These figures highlight the potential for Vale Tudo to draw viewers back to traditional television amidst the ongoing competition from streaming platforms.
The cast of the new rendition features a mix of seasoned actors and rising stars, including Taís Araújo as Raquel, Bella Campos as Maria de Fátima, and Alexandre Nero as Marco Aurélio. Bella Campos, in particular, has received attention for her portrayal of Maria de Fátima, a character that has been described as both ambitious and morally ambiguous. Critics have noted her ability to convey the character’s complexity, with moments of innocence juxtaposed against her ruthless ambition. Campos’s performance has been seen as a significant factor in the show’s initial success, garnering interest from viewers who may have been skeptical about her casting.
However, the premiere did not come without its challenges. Globo had hoped for an average of 28 points for Vale Tudo, aiming to reclaim its former glory in the television landscape. The network has faced increasing difficulties as audiences migrate towards streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, which offer viewers on-demand content that traditional television cannot match. The original Vale Tudo, which aired in the 1980s, was a cultural phenomenon that tackled themes of corruption and ethics, making it a staple of Brazilian television history. The new version attempts to recapture that magic while addressing contemporary issues.
Despite the mixed reviews, the show managed to capture some audience attention from competing networks. Força de Mulher, which typically scores near 10 points, experienced a drop during the airing of Vale Tudo, while SBT's A Caverna Encantada struggled to maintain viewership, marking several minutes below 3 points. This shift indicates that the remake has succeeded in drawing viewers away from its competitors, even if it has not yet reached the heights Globo had hoped for.
As the ratings come in, the network will be closely monitoring audience reactions and engagement levels. The first episode of Vale Tudo has showcased a blend of drama, glamour, and timely themes that resonate with modern viewers. The narrative revolves around the ethical dilemmas faced by its characters, a reflection of the societal challenges present today.
With the story crafted by Manuela Dias and artistic direction by Paulo Silvestrini, the remake of Vale Tudo aims to maintain the essence of the original while presenting a more contemporary storyline. The character of Odete Roitman, originally portrayed by Beatriz Segall, is now brought to life by Débora Bloch, adding a fresh perspective to an iconic role.
As the television landscape continues to evolve, Vale Tudo serves as a test case for Globo’s strategy to reclaim its audience. The nostalgic appeal of revisiting a classic may attract older viewers, while the updated narrative seeks to engage a younger demographic. However, the competition from streaming platforms poses a significant challenge, as these services provide viewers with the flexibility and variety that traditional television struggles to offer.
In summary, while the premiere of Vale Tudo has not achieved the expected ratings, it has sparked interest and debate among audiences. The show’s ability to draw viewers away from competing networks and its potential for growth in the ratings could signal a turning point for Globo as it navigates the complexities of the modern entertainment landscape. As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see how it adapts to viewer feedback and whether it can sustain its momentum in an increasingly competitive market.
