Xuxa Meneghel, the beloved Brazilian television personality, has made headlines once again with her return to Globo after 11 years, captivating audiences with her new program titled ‘Petch.’ This show is not just entertainment; it aims to highlight the importance of animal adoption and raise awareness about various animal welfare issues.
Premiering on February 2, 2025, ‘Petch’ aired during the popular ‘Fantástico’ segment and quickly dominated ratings, garnering the largest audience on Sundays. With impressive average ratings of 18.3 and 30.4 share, it easily outperformed its competitors, including ‘Programa Silvio Santos,’ hosted by Patricia Abravanel, which only managed 7.2 points at the same time. Xuxa’s heartfelt connection with her audience shines through as she passionately discusses topics close to her heart.
During her debut, Xuxa shared her vision for ‘Petch,’ stating, “First, you think you will do it for him, but actually, he will do so much for you, because we become a much nicer human being, our lives improve, and I really wanted this image to show it.” Her words speak volumes about her mission to cultivate empathy and responsibility for animal care among viewers. The program is also expected to spotlight significant animal welfare organizations, shaking up the narrative around pet adoption and abuse.
The live broadcast of ‘Fantástico’ featured Xuxa conversing with fellow Globo hosts Poliana Abitta and Maju Coutinho as they engaged the audience with their discussions on pressing issues related to animals. The show aimed to provide valuable insight and encourage the public to open their hearts to adopting pets, fostering joy and companionship.
Despite the triumphs of her comeback, Xuxa’s return was also met with some scrutiny related to her on-screen appearance. The use of heavy digital filters during her appearance led to concerns about authenticity and body image. Critics have pointed out how the appearance-altering technology can often backfire, drawing attention more to the alterations than to the actual message being conveyed. Observers noted, “The excessive correction of the image to hide aging marks generates the opposite effect.” While the intention may have been to present a youthful visage, it sparked conversations about the societal expectations surrounding aging, especially for women.
Xuxa, at 61, expressed her sadness over being labeled “old” on social media, using her platform to combat ageism and promote acceptance of aging, saying, “Nadie, ya sea famoso o anónimo, debe ser discriminado por las características de su edad.” (Translation: “No one, whether famous or anonymous, should be discriminated against for their age characteristics.”) This stance resonates widely, addressing the challenges individuals face as they grow older, particularly within the entertainment industry.
The mixed reception to Xuxa’s use of filters reflects broader societal debates about authenticity versus enhanced appearances. Many praise her for striving to celebrate her age and the beauty of maturity. By choosing to focus on compassion for animals—an initiative close to her heart—Xuxa reframes the narrative and makes it less about surface-level allure and more about heartfelt contributions to society.
Aside from the discussions surrounding her return, the night also saw appearances from other notable Globo personalities like Cissa Guimarães and Angélica. On the same night, the show ‘The Masked Singer’ aired with its nostalgic special. This collaboration highlighted the strength of women and their impact on Brazilian television, reinforcing their significance within the industry’s fabric.
With her return to Globo, Xuxa is not just celebrating her legacy but also redefining it, presenting herself as both the ‘Queen of the Shorties’ and the advocate for animal rights she has always aspired to be. The return of such a powerful figure enhances public consciousness and invites viewers to engage with pressing social issues, proving once again why she remains one of Brazil’s most treasured icons.
Time will tell how ‘Petch’ evolves, but it’s clear Xuxa’s influence on Brazilian culture is as strong as ever, urging society to embrace love, acceptance, and the kindness we owe to animals.