HBO Max has announced its new Brazilian historical drama, Madam Beja, will premiere globally on February 2, 2026. The series is a modern reimagining of a classic Brazilian story and will be available at once in more than 100 countries where the streaming service operates.
Inspired by the life of a real 19th-century woman, the show follows Ana Jacinta de São José, known as Beja, who challenges the strict social rules of her time. The plot weaves together themes of desire, freedom, and power as she builds a life of independence. The production is noted for its grand scale, featuring a massive custom-built set and over 3,000 specially made costumes to bring the period to life.
Official Release Date and Global Streaming Information
HBO Max has set a firm global premiere date of Monday, February 2, 2026, for Madam Beja. This is not a regional launch but a worldwide debut. The platform plans to release the series simultaneously in all its markets, which span more than 100 countries and territories.
This major global release includes key regions such as Latin America, the United States, Canada, Portugal, Spain, France, and Hong Kong. For viewers, this means the series will be ready to watch on HBO Max on that date, regardless of location. The release strategy highlights the streamer’s significant investment in the series and its aim to attract an international audience to Brazilian-produced content.
Main Cast and Characters in Madam Beja
The series features a large and celebrated Brazilian cast led by Grazi Massafera in the central role of Ana Jacinta de São José, the historical figure known as Madam Beja. Massafera’s character is a woman who uses her intelligence and resolve to navigate a restrictive society and change her destiny.
She is joined by David Junior, who plays Antônio Sampaio, and André Luiz Miranda as João Carneiro de Mendonça. The extensive supporting cast includes many well-known actors from Brazilian television and film.
Key supporting cast members include:
- Bianca Bin as Angélica Felizardo Sampaio
- Deborah Evelyn as Cecília ‘Ceci’ Sampaio
- Pedro Fasanaro as Severina
- Nikolas Antunes as Clariovaldo
- Isabela Garcia as Genoveva
The cast also features special appearances from veteran actors like Elizabeth Savalla and Othon Bastos.
Story Inspiration and Historical Context
Madam Beja is inspired by the real life of Ana Jacinta de São José, a woman who lived in the 19th century in Araxá, Minas Gerais. While the series is a dramatic interpretation, it draws from the legends and history surrounding this figure, who became famously known as Dona Beja.
The show is also a new take on a very popular Brazilian telenovela of the same name that originally aired in the 1980s. This new version aims to revisit the story with a contemporary perspective, exploring themes that remain relevant today.
“We seek stories that bring contemporary themes, even when approached from a period perspective. And Dona Beja has this purpose,” said Mônica Albuquerque, a Warner Bros. Discovery executive, when production began.
The narrative focuses on Beja’s struggle for autonomy in a society marked by deep inequality. After facing social rejection, the character makes a bold decision to open a high-end brothel, an act of defiance that allows her to gain economic power and influence. The story is framed as one of empowerment and revenge against a system that tried to marginalize her.
Also Read:
Production Scale and Creative Team
The production of Madam Beja spared no expense to create an authentic historical world. The crew constructed an expansive 1,710 square meter set specifically for the series. Furthermore, the costume department designed and created over 3,000 individual pieces of clothing to dress the cast, ensuring visual richness and period accuracy.
Filming took place in several scenic locations within the state of Rio de Janeiro, including the towns of Paraty and Lumiar. The series is produced by the Brazilian company Floresta and licensed for HBO Max by Warner Bros. Discovery.
The creative team is led by writers Daniel Berlinsky and António Barreira. The general director is Hugo de Sousa, with additional directing handled by a team including Bia Coelho and João Boltshauser. Executive producers Adriana Silva, Roberta Guzzon, and Tayane Saad oversaw the production for Floresta.
Also Read: Ian Wins $1.8 Million Private Island on Beast Games Survivor Crossover Episode
