SBT Plans to Revive Aqui Agora – the Brazilian TV Show Followed by Many Controversies Including Suicide

Sao Paulo – SBT (Sistema Brasileiro de Televisao) is mulling over bringing back the once-celebrated and controversial news program, Aqui Agora.

Known for its sensationalist reporting, the show left a significant mark on Brazilian television, remembered for both its high viewership and the ethical quandaries it posed.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Launched in 1991, Aqui Agora quickly became notorious for its gritty crime reports, live police chases, and emotional human stories.

It was a show that changed the way news was presented in Brazil, blending drama with journalism in a way that was both captivating and contentious.

A Sensational Legacy

Aqui Agora was a viewer magnet, often leading the ratings with its dramatic style.

The approach to news often sparked debates about where to draw the line in journalism.

The Infamous Incidents – The Suicide Broadcast

The show hit its darkest moment in July 1993 when it aired the tragic suicide of 16-year-old Daniele Alves Lopes live. This incident not only boosted the show’s ratings but also led to significant backlash.

SBT had to pay a hefty sum to Daniele’s family for moral damages. They were ordered to pay R$1.05 million, which amounted to roughly 16,000 minimum wages at the time, for moral damages in the Daniele Alves Lopes suicide case.

Other Controversial Events

During one broadcast, “Aqui Agora” took things to an extreme when they aired footage of reporter Sergio Frias being held at gunpoint during a live segment.

Instead of pulling back from the scene to ensure his safety, the show chose to keep the cameras rolling.

That lead to many critics over apparent preference for dramatic content and viewer engagement over the well-being of their own reporter.

The 2008 Attempt to Revive the Show

Aqui Agora made a short comeback in 2008, but it didn’t stick around for long, lasting just a month. The attempt failed to recapture the original’s magic, facing a different era in media consumption.

The revival didn’t connect with viewers, possibly due to changed expectations and a more critical view of sensational journalism.

The Current Revival Buzz

With Silvio Santos’ daughters now at the helm, SBT seems keen on revisiting past successes. They’ve been recording pilot episodes, hinting at a potential return for Aqui Agora.

Pilot Testing

Social media whispers and posts on platforms like X suggest that these tests could determine if the show makes a comeback. According to some unofficial sources, the pilot episode has already been made.

O SBT gravou na tarde deste Sábado(25), o piloto do novo “Aqui Agora”, com Felipeh Campos, Macedão e Dani Brandi.
Agora, o Jornal passará por avaliações e deve retornar à programação da emissora no primeiro semestre de 2025, caso aprovado. pic.twitter.com/FOR2heolyL

— Promofertas Brasil (@promofertasbrof) January 25, 2025

Public Sentiment

There’s a nostalgic crowd that craves the show’s raw, unfiltered style of journalism.

On the other, there’s a significant portion of the audience that’s grown more critical, more aware of how media should responsibly cover stories.

What This Could Mean for Brazilian TV

If you think about some of the recent controversies like the exclusion of weapons in tax reform or the famous feud with Elon Musk, that’s nothing compared to things people could watch on live TV back in the 90s.

The viewers today are different – they are more aware, more critical. They might not tolerate the journalism style Aqui Agora was famous for, which could lead to a push for more responsible reporting in Brazilian TV.

A revival could either be a hit or lead to a PR nightmare, depending on how SBT handles the show’s controversial legacy.

If Aqui Agora returns and does well, it might encourage other networks to dust off their own controversial shows.