Roque Santeiro Returns to TV After 40 Years

The classic soap opera by Dias Gomes returns to the schedule in honor of its Emerald Jubilee

Globo will rerun the soap opera "Roque Santeiro" in the afternoons starting October 5, right after "Além do Tempo", in celebration of the Emerald Jubilee marking 40 years since its original premiere in 1985.

What has changed in the plot over 40 years

The storyline follows Roque Santeiro, a religious artifact artisan who was supposed to have died defending the fictional town of Asa Branca. The legend turns him into a martyr and popular saint, driving the local economy, tourism, and political power. When Roque, played by José Wilker, reappears alive 17 years later, he threatens the power structure built around his image.

Characters that marked generations

Among the actors who starred in the story, Regina Duarte as Viúva Porcina, Lima Duarte as Sinhozinho Malta, and Ary Fontoura as Mayor Florindo Abelha stand out. The plot also featured performances by Fábio Jr., Lucinha Lins, Cássia Kis, and Eloísa Mafalda.

History of censorship and success

In 1975, the first version of "Roque Santeiro" was banned by military censorship, even after nearly 30 episodes had been filmed. Ten years later, under a civilian regime, the soap opera aired in 1985 and became one of Globo's biggest hits, reaching an average audience rating of 80%.

Reruns and current platforms

Rerun on "Sessão Aventura" (1991)
Rerun on "Vale a Pena Ver de Novo" (2000)
Rerun on Viva channel (2011 and 2024)
Available on Globoplay since 2021

Production and direction crew

The soap opera was written by Dias Gomes, co-authored by Aguinaldo Silva, with collaboration from Marcílio Moraes and Joaquim Assis. Supervision was handled by Daniel Filho, with direction by Paulo Ubiratan, Jayme Monjardim, Gonzaga Blota, and Marcos Paulo, alongside general direction by Paulo Ubiratan.

The legacy of "Roque Santeiro"

Featuring memorable parallel storylines, such as the mystery of the werewolf, the soap opera marked the TV Globo debuts of Claudia Raia, Patrícia Pillar, and Maurício Mattar. To this day, "Roque Santeiro" remains a cultural milestone in the emotional memory of the Brazilian public.

With information from UOL, Correio Braziliense, Estadão.