Looks & Essence

Griselda da Silva Pereira is a no-nonsense handywoman who raised three children on her own while scraping by. When she unexpectedly wins the lottery, her life shifts overnight, and the sudden money forces friends, lovers, and rivals to show their true colors. The story mixes romantic entanglements with scheming and family squabbles, as Griselda tries to protect her children and her values amid growing social pressure and gossip. The tone moves between soap-operatic drama and sharp comedy, keeping the focus on personal loyalties rather than mystery or final twists.

Released in 2011, the show was directed by Ary Coslov and created by Aguinaldo Silva, Maria Elisa Berredo, and Patrícia Moretzsohn, drawing on Brazilian telenovela traditions and a strong ensemble cast including Lília Cabral and Christiane Torloni.

Several characters became part of Brazilian pop conversation, especially the flashy antagonist Tereza Cristina and the flamboyant Crodoaldo "Crô," who inspired catchphrases and ongoing attention beyond the episodes. The show fed into daytime water-cooler talk and kept viewers invested with memorable confrontations and stylish moments.

Critical reaction was mixed to positive, reflected in a modest 6.3/10 average from viewer votes, with frequent praise aimed at the lead performances and the show's balance of melodrama and humor. Recurrent themes include social mobility, hypocrisy among the well-to-do, maternal strength, and the clash between sincerity and pretense, all handled with both melodramatic intensity and satirical touches.

The series received recognition within Brazil, earning attention from national television award bodies and industry commentators for its acting and character work. Cast members were often singled out in press coverage, and the show's popularity helped sustain conversations about class and gender roles on contemporary TV.