C-dramas take the world by storm beyond cultural appeal

(ECNS) -- From high-quality fantasy series to captivating real-life stories, Chinese dramas, or C-dramas, have been making waves in the overseas market in recent years.

Statistics from the National Radio and Television Administration show that TV dramas accounted for 80 percent of all Chinese visual and audio content distributed overseas in 2023, reaching a global audience in more than 200 countries and regions.

 The Guardians of Dafeng, a romantic fantasy comedy, is highly rated on the global TV site Rakuten Viki (Photo: screenshot of the website)

Most popular C-dramas are adaptations of hit online novels, known for their intricate plots, refined writing style, and captivating characters. Rather than simply aiming to please the audience, the authors craft characters with logic and depth, making their stories well-suited for successful TV adaptations.

"Jinjiang literature" has become a significant hallmark of online novels, with TV adaptations of its IP works producing numerous binge-worthy hits for overseas audiences.

According to some professionals in the online literature industry, the rising popularity of C-dramas among overseas audiences can be attributed to the robust global demand and an increasing curiosity about China.

Overseas audiences are eager to learn about China's 5,000-year history, and TV dramas provide an accessible medium to bridge language and cultural barriers.

Additionally, the export-oriented types of C-dramas have seen a significant shift in recent years, expanding beyond the dominance of costume and fantasy genres to contemporary themes featuring urban life, romance, and suspense thrillers.

From this perspective, overseas audiences are drawn not only to the historical and cultural allure of China but also to the modern lifestyles and attitudes of its younger generation.

The latest TV series report indicates that China’s micro-dramas are also gaining traction overseas. To date, C-dramas have been distributed across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and Australia.