China will mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1. To better celebrate the event, the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) has released a notice to launch a ‘100 Day Broadcast’ planned from the month of August onwards that will bring focus to its keynote dramas.
During the 100-day period, historical dramas and idol dramas that have too much entertainment value cannot be broadcasted. NRTA has also released 86 dramas for broadcasters to choose from in making their drama acquisitions. According to the notice, the recommendations are reflective of the grand struggles of the Chinese people to stand up and become strong as well as the courageous pursuits for the new generation.
Dramas you may recognize from the list include:
The Best of Times starring Chen Xingxu and Hu Bingqing
On the Road starring Liu Ye and Ma Yili
Hello Prosecutor starring Sun Yi and Zhang Haowei
Great Age starring Feng Shaofeng and Yuan Shanshan
Wait in Beijing starring Li Yifeng and Maggie Jiang
Healer of Children starring Olivia Wang and Chen Xiao
One Boat One World starring Zhang Han and Wang Likun
Fighting Youth starring Wu Jinyan and Yin Tao
Unstoppable Youth starring Yu Menglong and Miao Miao
If Time Flows Back starring Jin Dong and Jiang Xin
The Moon Doesn’t Understand My Heart starring Victoria Song and Oho Ou
New World starring Sun Honglei and Zhang Luyi
Sniper starring Huang Xuan and Chen He
Fearless Whispers starring Li Yifeng and Gina Jin
Awakening of Insects (Sparrow 2) starring Zhang Ruoyun and Wang Ou
I can’t say that I didn’t see this coming. This summer has seen an onslaught of dramas from cute rom-coms, gaming themes to your favorite historical dramas that generally don’t seem to sit well with censorship. Yet, everything managed to air as if rushing to beat a deadline. With the upcoming 70th anniversary, the landscape for drama airings for the latter half of the year were likely to sing a different tune and this just confirms it.
As a big fan of historicals, this is obviously disappointing. The notice specifically mentions TV dramas so perhaps web dramas are not affected. It’s also not clear if this plan for August only applies to future broadcasts because I’m a bit worried for Novoland: Eagle Flag which airs on TV. As long as existing dramas get to finish airing, I can live with this and I pray that it really is just 100 days.
What do you think of the planned dramas for the next 3 months? Did any make your watch list?
Source: 1
xiao han
For me, drama One Boat One World is the best It is Full of fresh atmosphere and sea. Also looking forward to Zhang Han…. missed him
xiao han
I miss him ***
Heidi
Boy, I'm glad Arsenal Military Academy is airing on IQiyi because it's slated for August 6.
Though, I bet it would still probably meet China's rigid requirements for national pride.
Anonymous
Should I just give up on waiting for The Wolf (Majesty of Wolf)? I'm looking forward to Sparrow 2 but only because of Zhang Ruoyun. And nobody had better mess with the last episodes of The Untamed.
What about Arsenal Military Academy?
kimberlyamor
Im worried for The Pillow Book.
Scrltpimpernel
I’m about to give up on Chinese dramas. The Chinese government is getting ridiculous! They are sucking the joy out of drama watching and making it about political views and nationalism. Which is only entertaining if you are Communist. And I bet even they secretly watch banned shows because they get bored of the propaganda too!
neen
Yeah…these regulations are pretty outrageous. Don't they realize these dramas require money to make? If they are regulated this much, its like throwing a few million dollars in the trash. Its a waste of time and hard work from people. I would be too discouraged to be an actor in China. I mean, working so hard just to have your work be shelved. Not worth it.
hohliu
Have not seen Li Yifeng onscreen in a drama for a long time. Hope his skills are getting better.
Clarissa
why does china government always interferes in everything entertainment world?! and they don't give memos too in a proper manner!
i am ??
Nano13
It’s Too bad with all this put on hold … I wonder if there insurance investors take for each project it’s probably a thriving business now seeing as so many put on the shelves???
Daniela
I wait the new Li Yi Feng's dramas. Fearless Whisperer, Wait in Beijing and Hào shǒu jiù wèi
Unknown
Living in the states for so long, I forgot how China has absolute control over everything. Us living in the states takes thing for granted with our freedom. I won't give up on C-dramas however maybe just a little break if I can't find anything pique my interest.
ivelissenolberto0546@gmail.com
noooo por favor no dejar de transmitir Dramas Históricos, son mi pasiones, no podria estar sin ellos, Ya soy dependiente total
ivelissenolberto0546@gmail.com
Amo los Dramas Históricos!!!
ivelissenolberto0546@gmail.com
me faltan solamente los que no han podidos traducir al español
Lena's Domain
Still worried about current web dramas such as The Untamed, even though it says only TV dramas. Hope it's only for 100 days – I'm only starting to watch C drama and loving it!
Anonymous
I was hoping they would show the Wolf Prince with Li Qin. They just released a new trailer a couple of days ago and so I thought they would be airing soon.
Anonymous
I'm fed up with historical dramas. Its like China cannot produce anything else but "easy money" historical dramas. I actually support the Chinese gov in banning this very irritating genre.
j.lee
Can't you just choose not to watch those "easy money historical dramas"? People should have to freedom to choose what they want to watch. China produces hundreds of web and TV dramas every year. If you don't like a particular drama, you still have plenty of others to choose from.
j.lee
* particular genre