Side by Side

Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Rio de Janeiro, Side by Side (Lado a Lado) serves as a sophisticated exploration of Brazil’s transition into a modern republic. This TV Globo production follows the parallel lives of Isabel and Laura, two women from vastly different social strata who challenge the rigid constraints of their era. By focusing on the birth of samba, the emergence of football, and the struggle for racial equality, the series provided a nuanced historical perspective rarely seen in the genre. Its 2013 International Emmy Award win solidified its status as a global standard for period dramas. The show remains a vital piece of television history for its dignified portrayal of Afro-Brazilian heritage and the early fight for women’s rights.