After countless calls and anticipation, Fan Xian has returned. On the evening of May 16th, after a 5-year hiatus, "Joy of Life 2" premiered online, skyrocketing in viewership and popularity. With a peak viewership rating surpassing 2.2 and a market share of 10%, it secured the top spot in viewership during the same time slot. On Tencent Video, its internal heat index reached 32,906, making it the first series in history to enter Tencent Video's hit club on its premiere day. On the second day of its release, the heat index surged to 33,636, breaking the platform's historical record held by "A Dream of Splendor" for two years (33,520). The actual views exceeded 29 million, setting a new high for the first-day views of new dramas in 2024. Topics related to "Joy of Life 2" dominated various social media platforms, with 16 trending searches within two hours of its premiere, almost monopolizing the charts. These impressive figures have solidified "Joy of Life 2" as the "King of Dramas". From a male-oriented work adaptation into a commercialized benchmark five years ago, to leading the entire online drama landscape with a bang upon its return, "Joy of Life" not only ignited another…

Before "In Blossom" and after "Blossoms in Adversity," Youku released these two ancient-style dramas that achieved commendable success. However, before its premiere, "Blossoms in Adversity" was not favored by the market or the audience, lacking strong concepts and popular actors, and was considered just another assembly-line historical drama. Surprisingly, as the plot unfolded, "Blossoms in Adversity" managed to turn the tide against the odds. From initial widespread ridicule at its launch to its successful finale, "Blossoms in Adversity" can truly be considered an unexpected delight in this year’s market for ancient-style dramas. Recently, Pengxiaoxian spoke with Zhu Ruibin, the director of "Blossoms in Adversity," who shared the secret formula behind the drama's successful turnaround and his evolving creative philosophy over more than thirty years in the industry.   Targeting Cdrama Market Demands Produced by Youku and directed by Zhu Ruibin, with scriptwriting by He Fang, and starring Hu Yitian and Zhang Jingyi, with a special guest appearance by Myolie Wu, "Blossoms in Adversity" is a historical romance drama adapted from the novel of the same name by Kong Liu. The series narrates the story of Gu Yanxi (played by Hu Yitian), and the fallen noblewoman Hua Zhi (played by Zhang…

Against all expectations, "To the Wonder" opened with a rating of 8.5 on Douban, making it this year's top-rated Chinese drama on the platform. This long-anticipated work has been stirring up speculation ever since its announcement under the "Microdust Theater" banner. On one hand, the challenge lies in adapting essays into a drama format; on the other, the intense competition among theatrical productions on streaming platforms makes the debut of a new label quite suspenseful. After the premiere of "To the Wonder," discussion about the series has been vibrant across major social platforms, with topics focusing on the natural scenery, mother-daughter relationships, and clashing viewpoints. The series tells the story of Han Chinese girl Li Wenxiu (played by Zhou Yiran), who grew up in the countryside of Altay. Dropping out of high school, she moves to a big city to make a living and pursue her literary dreams. After facing setbacks, she returns home to run a small shop with her mother (played by Ma Yili). There, she meets a Kazakh youth, Batai (played by Yu Shi), and gradually discovers the beauty and meaning of life. At this year's Beijing Film Festival, "To the Wonder" held an advanced screening event.…

From the imperial capital to Jinyang, following the footsteps of Gu Yanxi and Hua Zhi, the audience who are deeply concerned about the fate and destiny of the Hua and Gu families breathe a sigh of relief. As far as the eye can see, the most common sentiment expressed by the audience is, "This is a work that brings a sense of happiness." Since the premiere of "Blossoms in Adversity," the accumulated valid viewership has reached a staggering 1.133 billion according to data, with an average valid viewership per episode ranking among the 30 million+ club, securing the top spot on the weekly popularity chart for web dramas. Undoubtedly, in the Q2 2024 drama market, this ancient costume legendary drama, which is based on the grand theme of "family and the country" and takes root and sprouts under the nourishment of traditional culture, has resonated with both the audience within and outside the play, reaching a mutual understanding and achieving a two-way convergence at the peak meeting. Leading in both word-of-mouth and popularity dimensions, it brings increasingly valuable reflections to the industry: where does the emotional connection between ancient costume dramas and young audiences of today lie? What is the…

Last year was a fruitful year for domestic film and television in the international arena. "The Long Season" was released on Netflix; Sony Pictures announced the remake of "Hi, Mom," with Jia Ling serving as producer; multiple series such as "Three-Body" and "The Knockout" were popular overseas; while "Joy of Life Season 2" was still in production, Disney had already acquired its exclusive overseas distribution rights. Although this year is not yet halfway through, works like "Blossoms Shanghai" and "The Legend of Shen Li" have not only been a hit domestically but have also broken free from regional constraints, sparking discussions in multiple countries and regions. The transformation of broadcasting channels by streaming services has not only led to a new wave from content to industry domestically but has also provided more possibilities for the "going global" of domestic film and television content. A richer variety of genres, an increasing number of diverse platforms for viewing, more mature business models, and a series of new horizons based on overseas distribution, such as industry integration and IP overseas expansion. "YOLO" has already premiered in multiple countries overseas and will be showcased as the opening film at the 26th Far East Film…

In the first quarter of 2024, a total of 93 cdramas premiered. Romance and urban genres continued to lead the pack, while mystery series showed outstanding performance. The abundance in quantity, prominence in top-tier productions, richness in genres, and diversity in themes became the notable characteristics of the 2024 Q1 drama market. At such a time, long video platforms exerted more effort in promoting their masterpieces, making the post Chinese New Year period less friendly for medium and small-budget dramas. Some dramas barely emerged before fading into obscurity, while others were more fortunate, managing to make some impact. Consequently, the pursuit of novelty and change has become the only way for dramas to stand out beyond mere production. Among the array of dramas in the post-Chinese New Year lineup of 2024, Youku's "In Blossom" and "Blossoms in Adversity" successfully broke through as dark horses. These dramas employed a method of blending genres and elements, indicating that Youku seems to have a unique approach to ancient puppetry innovation. Firstly, the ancient costume mystery detective drama "In Blossom" started with high energy. Within just three days of its release, it surpassed 10,000 in-site popularity, making it the fastest drama on Youku to…

In comparison to the multitude of laws, rules, and formulas in Western natural sciences, the exploration methods and achievements of traditional Chinese culture in natural sciences often appear more mystical and less easy to comprehend, with the "Five Elements" being the most representative. The five elements referred to as metal, wood, water, fire, and earth each have their own characteristics, and there exists a closed loop of generation and restraint, representing a rather fundamental worldview. By creatively applying imaginative artistic processes on top of this, a colorful set of worldviews can be generated. Starting from March 23rd, exclusively on Youku and recently concluded, the adventure mystery drama "Five Kings of Thieves" creatively integrates the "Five Elements" with the background of the Republican era, creating a unique worldview that is truly eye-catching. Starring Wang Dalu and Ren Min, "Five Kings of Thieves" may only consist of twelve episodes, but it is a high-quality short drama with diverse elements, leaving the audience wanting more after its conclusion. The creative team, drawing on their experience in crafting high-quality short dramas, deeply integrated the "Five Elements" into aspects such as narrative, characters, visuals, emotions, and themes. In other words, the creation of "Five Kings…

April approaches, the spring atmosphere gradually thickens. Although the fervor of the Spring Festival dramas has not yet dissipated, it is already time to review the performance of the dramas in the first quarter of 2024. Looking back at the outstanding television dramas of the first quarter of this year, the period drama twin stars composed of "Blossoms Shanghai" and "Always on the Move" have left a refreshing impression; the popularity of "Detective Chinatown 2" and "The Hunter" once again proves that the innovative advancement of intense plot-driven dramas is far from reaching its peak. The comedy trio of "A Soldier's Story," "Our Parallel Universes," and "The Great Nobody" have demonstrated the effectiveness of activating business innovation through theater operations; while recent hits like "War of Faith" and "The Legend of Shen Li" have achieved outstanding broadcasting results, thanks to their innovative approach to traditional themes with a fresh perspective. Although it may sound cliché, it must be acknowledged that in the first quarter of this year, the dramas that have stood out are still inseparable from the crucial catalyst of innovation. However, the innovation required by the long video industry today is no longer just imported genre formulas, but…

In the year 2023, supporting actors such as Gao Qiqiang, Ye Bingshang, and Meng Yanchen made a comeback with their outstanding charisma, heralding the year of supporting roles in cdramas. A year later, this phenomenon not only did not fade away but intensified. In the currently popular drama "In Blossom," Zheng Hehuizi, in a guest appearance, overshadowed the female lead Ju Jingyi in just two episodes, sparking discussions among viewers. Even though Zheng Hehuizi personally responded, urging netizens not to create opposition between female actors, it did not quell the audience's desire to resist the mainstream and assert their own voices. From supporting roles stepping up to supporting roles stealing the show, what kind of emotional journey do audiences go through? How will it affect the creative direction of the entire film and television industry?   The Ultimate Characterization of Supporting Roles For a long time, many people have attributed the unexpected rise of supporting roles to a kind of mystery. However, even in the realm of the mysterious, upon deeper examination, one can find underlying reasons. Firstly, from the perspective of creative norms, it is easier to shape an outstanding supporting role than a main character. The protagonist, as…

At present, what kind of historical drama can still possess a unique charm for the audience? A jade pomegranate, an old street, the turbulent modern history intertwined with the fate of ordinary people's daily lives. The hit drama "The Gate of Xuan Wu" has provided its own answer. In early March, the historical drama "The Gate of Xuan Wu" premiered. The story begins with a jade pomegranate symbolizing the prosperity of the nation, spanning from 1898 to 1945, covering multiple historical events such as the Hundred Days' Reform, Siege of the International Legations, and the Second Sino-Japanese War. Unlike previous works of the same genre, "The Gate of Xuan Wu" cleverly integrates high ideals, multiple perspectives, and strong empathy, breaking away from the usual focus on the political intrigues in the court and the temple often seen in historical dramas. Instead, it turns the historical lens towards a jade carving family and a lively old street. For the audience, whether it is the initial concern over the fate of the national treasure jade pomegranate or the immersion into the lives of the people on the old street, the drama evokes a sense of empathy and captivation.   The historical ordinary…

In mid-March, three costume dramas were successively released online. The appeal of "Zhao Liying + Xianxia dramas," the freshness of "Ju Jingyi + villain roles," and the uniqueness of the male protagonist work, have firmly secured the top three spots on the popularity chart for the dramas "The Legend of Shen Li," "In Blossom," and "Burning Flames." In terms of data, "Burning Flames," which was first released on iQIYI on March 13th, reached a total of 21.979 million views on the second day of its release, second only to the top-ranked modern puppet drama "Everyone Loves Me." By the third day of its release, it surged to the top, surpassing the starring drama "Simple Days" by Tong Yao and Chen Xiao. However, the first-place achievement of "Burning Flames" was only briefly maintained. "In Blossom," exclusively broadcasted on Youku, rose to the top with 40.071 million views on the second day of its release. "In Blossom" became the dark horse of March. The first two episodes showcased Ju Jingyi's fierce villain character breaking the stereotype of her delicate ancient beauty image, which was deemed as the most suitable role for her by netizens. The character of the villainous supporting actress seemed…

The martial arts film "The Wild Blade of Strangers" officially landed on iQIYI. From its theatrical release on March 2nd to its online debut on March 8th, "The Wild Blade of Strangers" only took 6 days. However, unlike previous films that quickly made their way online, the release of "The Wild Blade of Strangers" was a strategically planned proactive move. According to the creators, from the inception of "The Wild Blade of Strangers," they aimed for a release on the streaming media. After the film was completed, many audience representatives and industry peers were invited to watch it. While they praised the quality of the film, they also suggested the idea of trying to enter theaters. It has been a long time since such an exciting Wuxia action film has graced the big screen. Subsequently, with the introduction of the concept of "theatrical release," and after rapid preparations, "The Wild Blade of Strangers" finalized its strategy of releasing in theaters and then transitioning to online streaming on the streaming media. Since iQIYI launched the "Master of Action Season" on January 18th, the film and television industry has been closely watching iQIYI's next moves. In recent years, martial arts films have…

"Eternal Brotherhood" is a costume drama directed by Zhang Meng and Wei Lizhou, written by Tian Liangliang, starring Yang Xuwen and Liu Yuning, with special guest appearance by Zhang Ming'en. It premiered on February 27, 2024. Adapted from the original novel "Zi Chuan" by Lao Zhu, the story unfolds on the Xi Chuan Continent, where various family forces are in constant turmoil. The plot follows the efforts of Zichuan Xiu, along with his sworn brothers Di Lin and Siyi Lin, to protect the Xiuchuan family from internal and external threats, restore order, and defend against external enemies. Through the baptism of blood and fire, and the clash of blades, the three brothers evolve into heroes with ambitions to change the world. Amid the chaos on the Xi Chuan Continent, tensions rise between the Zichuan and Sairong tribes. In this turbulent era, war looms on the horizon, where those around you could be either trusted allies or long-planted moles. Friends may wear smiles to your face but wield knives behind your back. Those entangled in power play a dangerous game, akin to walking on the edge of a blade, with each step filled with peril. Zichuan Xiu (portrayed by Yang Xuwen),…

The historical fantasy drama "White Cat Legend" adapted from the highly popular anime "Da Li Si Ri Zhi" has a strong lineup of familiar actors, such as the male lead Ding Yuxi, along with Zhou Qi, Wei Zheming, Ren Min, and others. In this series, these actors have broken through their previous images and portrayed different roles, bringing a fresh perspective to the audience. The storyline of this drama itself is quite innovative. The male lead in the series witnesses his father's murder, which leads him to premature aging overnight. However, during his father's funeral, he is once again attacked but this time he is transformed into a cat. After years of wandering, he returns to Dali Temple to uncover the truth and explain his new identity to others. Ding Yuxi rose to fame through his collaboration with Zhao Lusi in the historical drama "The Romance of Tiger and Rose," which was not a traditional costume drama. He has since ventured into various genres of film and television, working with outstanding actresses such as Yu Shuxin and Zhang Yuxi. The role he takes on in this new drama presents a significant challenge for an actor, requiring not only acting skills…

For the audience, Chinese dramas base on history have been absent from the screen for a long time. In the early 21st century, historical dramas once dominated the scene. From "The Yongzheng Dynasty" to "The Kangxi Dynasty," from "Han Wu Da Di" to "The Rise of the Tang Empire," historical dramas have always been a popular and successful genre. However, with the shift in audience interest, the influence of historical dramas has gradually declined. Additionally, due to the involvement of significant historical themes, the lengthy review process and the difficulty in getting approval for such projects have further hindered their development. Under various constraints, historical dramas have entered a period of decline, with a limited number of productions and less enthusiastic market response compared to before. However, it is gratifying that in 2023, a number of historical dramas have been approved, started filming, or obtained shooting permits, indicating a revival of historical dramas. These 11 upcoming historical dramas in 2024 are expected to reignite the audience's enthusiasm for the genre. These works can be roughly divided into two categories, one focusing on historical figures and the other on significant historical events. Whether it is about individuals or events, these works…

The cdrama "Judge Dee's Mystery" became a hit even before its release. It has received over 8 million reservations on the platform, making it the highest-ever reservation record on Youku. Moreover, it marks Netflix's first purchase of a historical suspense cdrama. In recent years, suspense dramas have gained immense popularity, captivating viewers and generating high anticipation, both nationally and globally. The confidence of "Judge Dee's Mystery" lies in its captivating content.   Three new for Judge Dee's Mystery Judge Dee is a well-known figure in China, not only as one of the famous ministers of the Tang Dynasty but also through the portrayal of the righteous and fearless magistrate detective by the renowned actor Liang Guanhua on screen. With the combination of real history and fictional interpretation, the foundation of the audience is solid, and their aesthetic expectations are naturally high. How can the story of Judge Dee be further told? "Judge Dee's Mystery" brings three new dimensions to the narrative. Firstly, it offers a fresh perspective. "Judge Dee's Mystery" is adapted from the eponymous novel written by the famous Dutch writer, sinologist, and diplomat Robert van Gulik. It tells the story of Chinese court cases using the narrative techniques…

Every year, the most explosive, buzzworthy, and actor-elevating genre undoubtedly belongs to costume dramas. This is why every year, costume dramas flood the market, attracting both investors and actors. In the upcoming lineup of Chinese video platforms in 2024, costume dramas have earned an incredibly important position. In this article, the highlights of the costume dramas that will soon be aired on Tencent Video and Youku Video.   1-Costume dramas on Tencent Video Among the upcoming lineup of costume dramas on Tencent Video, they have the fewest number compared to the other four major Chinese video platforms, with only 14 productions. However, there are still plenty of potential blockbusters among them, most of which are sure to become highly-discussed hot dramas.   The Legend of Shen Li Leading the pack is the director Deng Ke's "The Legend of Shen Li," starring Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin. It is adapted from Jiu Lu Fei Xiang's novel "Ben Wang Zai Ci." The reunion of these two actors reminds people of "Princess Agents," as the second season of that show is still eagerly anticipated. Audiences can only temporarily relieve their longing through "The Legend of Shen Li." Zhao Liying's talent is beyond doubt,…

After the release of "Chinese Paladin Season 5" in 2016, it has been 8 years since the "Chinese Paladin" IP made its appearance. "Sword and Fairy 4 (Chinese Paladin Season 4)," directed by Yang Xuan, starring Ju Jingyi, Chen Zheyuan, Mao Zijun, and Mao Xiaohui, is currently airing on iQiyi. The story tells of the adventures and challenges that Han Lingsha, Yun Tianhe, Murong Ziying, and Liu Mengli face on their journey to protect the world, as well as the friendships and growth they experience along the way. The "Chinese Paladin" IP has a strong fan base, and the adaptation satisfies the nostalgia of a generation. "Sword and Fairy 4" premiered with high expectations from the audience, with over 75 million views on the platform within 24 hours, showcasing the popularity of the "Chinese Paladin" series and the influence of the new generation of actors. However, after a few episodes, many viewers criticized the quality of the series, especially the fans of the original work, who believe that the drama did not fully capture the essence of the original. Additionally, viewers expressed dissatisfaction with the actors' performances. Any work must undergo the scrutiny of the audience, and the reputation of…

If we were to identify some highlights in the 2023 Chinese film market, undoubtedly, the summer release of "Chang An" shone brightly among them. Following the success of the blockbuster "Chang An," the next eagerly anticipated work from Light Chaser Animation Studios is the third installment of the Bai She (White Snake) series, titled "Bai She 3: Fusheng." The film has already locked in the Qixi Festival (August 10, 2024) slot six months in advance. When it comes to the realm of adult-oriented animated films, Light Chaser stands alone as the only series to persist into its third installment, there is no doubt that "Bai She 3: Fusheng" is highly anticipated.   Meticulously considered release date After undergoing the trials of the first two installments, the White Snake series from Light Chaser Animation Studios has firmly established its presence. Not only has it achieved excellent market performance, but it has also become a representative work of contemporary Eastern aesthetics. After a three-year hiatus, the third installment of the series has finally surfaced and become the first film this year to secure the coveted summer and Qixi Festival slots. The audacity to seize the prime time slot six months in advance…

At the beginning of 2024, the television series market was full of surprises, with various genres presenting innovative works. One of them, "Different Princess," which premiered on January 12th, broke the conventional impression of love-centered narratives in similar works. Through the fusion of "fantasy + mystery" elements, it firmly grasped the audience's attention with its highly recognizable and refreshing content.   Unconventional Plot in Different Princess With its fast-paced storytelling and unconventional plot, the series offers a thrilling and satisfying viewing experience. From the first six episodes, it can be seen that "Different Princess" intertwines multiple suspenseful standalone cases within the main story, and its fast-paced narrative and continuous plot twists have become the primary elements for retaining viewers. The series tells the story of the female protagonist, a web novel author, who is punished by a system and transmigrates into her own novel, becoming a supporting character who is supposed to be killed by the antagonist male lead as soon as she appears. In order to survive, the female protagonist, Hua Qing Ge, must escape for her life on her wedding night. Fortunately, with her detailed understanding of the plot, she narrowly escapes the clutches of the antagonist male…