HBO Max's new period drama Madam Beja has caused a thirst meltdown amongst the gays, girls and theys.

Back in February, the Brazilian telenovela, originally named Dona Beja, made its global premiere on HBO Max, with five new episodes dropping weekly.

Written by Daniel Berlinsky and António Barreira, Madam Beja is set in the 19th century and is inspired by the life of popular historical figure Ana Jacinta de São José. The series is also described as "a new interpretation of the iconic telenovela, originally aired in the 1980s."

The synopsis reads: "[Madame Beja] follows a woman who challenges the social norms of her time in a context marked by restrictions and inequalities. Throughout the plot, themes such as desire, freedom, power and revenge intertwine to shape a complex character, whose intelligence and independent place her in constant conflict."