Top TV Shows in China

Chinese TV audiences are spoiled for choice with a wide selection of dramas, reality shows and documentaries on air each day. Here, we detail what TV is popular now.

The diversity of television shows being broadcast in modern day China makes for very interesting viewing. On a typical evening channel hopping through the various stations, the mix of shows on air give us an accurate snapshot of where Chinese society is today. On the one side, we have CCTV (China Central Television - the state broadcaster) documentaries showcasing military achievements and detailing glorious events from China’s history, while sandwiched somewhere in between we have a number of different western-style reality TV shows. Read on for a discussion of China’s best TV shows:

A Bite of China 舌尖上的中国

First broadcast by CCTV in May 2012, “A Bite of China” is a seven part documentary series which takes a look at the history of Chinese cuisine. Each episode focuses on a unique aspect of the nation’s food; detailing the main products and speciality dishes that are popular in over 60 different locations around the country.

Directed by Chen Xiaoqing and narrated by Li Lihong, “A Bite of China” received rave reviews from general audiences and online commentators. Having been given the prime time evening slot by CCTV’s documentary channel, each of the seven episodes out-rated other more high profile dramas and TV shows. Users of websites such as the popular Douban gave the series an overall combined approval rating of 91 percent, and many have suggested that the series be used as a marketing tool to help introduce and educate people about Chinese culture and cuisine.

Legend of Zhen Huan / Empresses of the Palace 后宫甄嬛传

Based on the novel “Legend of Zhen Huan” by Liu Lianzi, this period drama was undoubtedly one of the most popular shows in China in 2012. The 76 episode drama is based upon the often testy and sometimes violent relationship between the wives and concubines of the ancient Emperor Yong Zheng, who reigned during the Qing dynasty in the 17th century.

The main character is Zhen Huan, a 17 year old girl who is chosen to take part in a dance performance for the Emperor. The Emperor takes a shine to Zhen and requests that she join him as a live-in concubine in his palace. Zhen is quickly exposed to the infighting that is a daily occurrence between the women living there, and she must use all of her cunning and intelligence to ensure survival. Zhen ultimately rises through the ranks to become Empress, yet it is at great personal cost as she loses a child, her true love and many close friends along the way.

Having received wide acclaim as the best historical drama of recent times, the actress playing the main character of Zhen Huan, Chen Jianbin, has become a national celebrity. Further news that TV stations in Taiwan and Hong Kong both plan to broadcast the series has further added to the growing reputation of both Chen and the drama itself.

China’s Got Talent 中国达人秀

Arguably the most popular of China’s reality TV shows, “China’s Got Talent” is based on the American and British versions whereby individual or team applicants perform a 90 second act in front of judges, with the overall winner(s) being awarded a lucrative Sony Multimedia contract.

Auditions are held each year in provinces around China with a select group of winners being invited to perform in front of judges on the televised part of the show. The performers are then whittled down to ten acts that compete against each other in the grand final. In its debut season, the 2010 “China’s Got Talent” grand final was one of the most watched and talked about shows of the year. The eventual winner, disabled pianist Liu Wei, became an overnight sensation and has since gone on to star in TV dramas, commercials and advertisements. Liu has also been invited to perform internationally in some European countries.

In 2012, the organizers announced a change to the programme’s format, with provincial auditions now being broadcast on television, a clear indication of the show’s continued popularity.

If You Are The One 非诚勿扰

Dating shows in China are not your typical “Blind Date” style scenarios where members of the opposite sex choose a companion to go on a date. In China, the dating show is a means to an end and most contestants are more concerned about finding a potential partner for marriage than going on a simple date. In fact, a large number of dating shows include contestants with one parent sitting beside them offering advice and approving, or in most cases disapproving, of potential suitors.

It therefore hardly comes as a surprise that the most popular dating show in China is one free of parents’ influence. The show “If You Are The One” is based on the hit Australian programme “Taken Out,” and it features one male contestant who must answer questions and provide information on his life to 24 single females. The female contestants then decide whether to choose the man or not. If more than one woman expresses a wish to date the man, the lucky guy gets to take his pick. If all of the women fail to show an interest in the man, he leaves empty handed.

In 2010, “If You Are The One” broke all kinds of records, with each episode attracting up to 50 million viewers. The show was not without controversy, however. Some female contestants were criticised for publicly ridiculing male contestants over their social status, form of employment and lack of wealth. One male contestant also provoked public anger by continuously boasting about his bank balance and the number of cars he owns. The show also attracted the attention of censors who instructed producers to reduce references to sex and wealth. Although these changes were implemented, the show has remained extremely popular and is re-broadcast online and by a number of provincial TV stations.

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