ReelShort, Endemol Shine Brasil Launch Microdrama in Brazil

ReelShort and Endemol Shine Brasil have teamed up on the Brazilian adaptation of one of the microdrama platform’s biggest global hits, “Married at First Sight.”

Locally titled “De Repente Casados,” the new vertical‑format microdrama premieres April 18 exclusively on ReelShort.

One of platform’s standout titles, “Married at First Sight” was originally released in 2023 and has amassed more than 227 million views globally. The series is now being adapted for the Brazilian market as part of ReelShort’s aim of scaling its content and expanding its global footprint.

In the Brazilian version, the show is led by Laryssa Ayres and Ricardo Vianna, actors already familiar with the vertical format, and also features a special appearance by veteran actor Adriano Garib. Rogério Passos, a seasoned name in Brazilian television drama, is directing the project.

The series follows Sabrina (Ayres), who is humiliated and emotionally devastated after being betrayed by her boyfriend. She sees her life turned upside down when she crosses paths with Christian Noronha Jr. (Vianna), a cold and calculating billionaire CEO. Pressured by his family to get married in order to secure business stability, he offers her a marriage of convenience that could change both of their destinies forever.

“Married at First Sight” is described as “an intense romantic drama about redemption, power, identity, and unlikely love, driven by rapid plot twists, extreme emotional conflicts and the central question that propels the narrative: is it possible to turn a marriage of convenience into a real relationship without losing yourself in the process?”

Citing its alignment with key trends in global entertainment, Endemol Shine Brasil said it was contributing to the project with its “expertise in localising content, high-quality audiovisual production and experience in adapting international formats for Brazilian audiences.”

“Brazil has become one of the most mobile‑first entertainment markets in the world, and that shift is transforming how audiences consume content,” said Nani Freitas, CEO at Endemol Shine Brasil.

“In response, Endemol Shine Brasil is expanding its presence in this space, leveraging its expertise in high‑quality production and its ability to adapt global formats and guidelines into culturally relevant, locally resonant stories.”

Maritza Castro, ReelShort’s lead producer for Latin America, added: “At ReelShort, we believe great stories are built locally. Partnering with Brazilian talent and crews allows us to bring authentic, culturally resonant stories to life.” 

Part of Banijay Americas, Endemol Shine Brasil brings far-reaching experience to the mobile-viewing format, most recently expanding in the Americas through a partnership with A Fábrica (likewise a Banijay Americas company) to create a slate of vertical-format microdramas. 

Between 2023 and 2024, Endemol Shine Brasil produced more than 10 microdramas in partnership with shortform streamer Kwai, spanning nine brands including Coca-Cola, Honda and Skol, within TeleKwai’s mini-drama program. In the last year, it also renewed its partnership with Meta to produce vertical soaps developed for brands like Comfort.

The latest move bolsters Banijay Entertainment activity in the microdrama space, including Banijay Finland’s recent commission by Yle to produce the 20-part, five-minute-episode series “Survival Sisters”; Banijay Iberia’s development of three new projects; and Banijay Production Germany’s as-yet-untitled project of 28 episodes, which features a cast of eight well-known German creators, with a combined reach of more than 33 million followers.