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.  
That makes a lot more sense!
In Spain, they are called "culebrones."  Culebrone means long snakes.  LOL.  They are called this because the plots are so convoluted!
That must be it lol, they are pretty bad a lot of the time.
The difference between the telenovelas and soap operas is that the telenovelas simply produce one main story and it is concluded within a years span.  Soap operas, as you may or may not know, just intertwine multiple story lines that continue indefinitely.  
Oh I had no idea that there was a difference. Cool!
The result of this is a faster-paced, and more concise style.  It tends to draw people in through the series rather than fans falling away after a period of time.  The series called Psych on USA illustrated a telenovela quite humorously.