What even is telenovela?
A telenovela is a serial drama or a soap opera typically produced in Latin America.  These are TV series that are purposely limited in their run, unlike some American soap operas that run perpetually.
Ohh okay, I've never heard it be called that before.
Yes, it is a combination word.  Tele (short for television) and novela, which is a Spanish word for novel.  They are actually very popular.