China: Costume dramas becoming more popular overseas
18:58 JST, February 23, 2022
Have Chinese audiences on average spent more time watching entertainment content online in this uncommon year when the battle against COVID-19 is still being fought? In the latest annual report released by Tencent Video, one of the largest streaming sites in China, the answer is “yes.”
An average consumer has spent 133.9 minutes each day watching TV dramas, a 10 percent increase compared to last year, according to the report.
Interestingly, romantic TV dramas account for 36% of all 131 television series newly streamed on the site this year, topping all genres.
In the overseas market, Chinese dramas are seeing a rise in popularity, propelled by hit costume dramas like “Three Lives Three Worlds,” “The Pillow Book,” and “The Romance of Tiger and Rose.”
The report shows that subscribers of WeTV, the overseas version of Tencent Video that is available in more than 110 countries and regions, have risen 175 percent over last year, with time spent watching these programs up 300% year-on-year.
Shows with strong female roles are more popular, exemplified by the hit series “Nothing but Thirty,” “I Will Find You a Better Home” and “A Murderous Affair in Horizon Tower,” the report said.
It also found that a quality trailer played a pivotal role in drawing an audience, as about 90% of consumers pick their choices among the options from trailers.
As a result of the six-month closure of Chinese cinemas, a number of people have shifted to watching films online, propelling the prosperity of movies tailored for the internet.
Such blockbusters include “The Enchanting Phantom” and “Mojin: Mysterious Treasure,” which have seen their box-office takings — shared with the streaming site — surpass 40 million yuan ($6.12 million).
Through Nov. 30, a total of 15 online films have surpassed the threshold to earn more than 10 million yuan, propelling the annual box office receipts on Tencent Video to nearly 500 million yuan this year.
While TV series are almost “dominated” by female audiences, men favored online movies more. Nearly 70% of online film viewers are men, whose favorite themes center on fantasy, comedy and adventure.
"World" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
China Mutes Memorialization of Reformer Hu Yaobang; Memories Could Spark Critique of Xi Administration
-
UNRWA Director Describes Catastrophic Destruction in Gaza; Says Relief Trucks Robbed, ‘People’s Hearts Destroyed’
-
Search Continues for Missing People After 72-Hour Window Ends in Quake-Hit Taiwan; Weather Complicating Rescue Efforts
-
Former U.S. Pacific Command Head Touts Alliance; Harris Sees China, World Through ‘Dark Lens’
-
Air Raid Sirens, Explosions Rock Southern Israel in Iranian Attack; Guests Seek Refuge in Hotel Shelter
JN ACCESS RANKING
- China Mutes Memorialization of Reformer Hu Yaobang; Memories Could Spark Critique of Xi Administration
- Shinkansen Services Suspended After Man ‘Searches for Phone’ on Tracks; Disruption Affects About 14,000 Passengers
- U.S. 7th Fleet officer Arrested on Suspicion of Stealing Sushi, Sashimi, Chicken at Kanagawa Shopping Mall; Suspect Caught Mid-Meal
- UNRWA Director Describes Catastrophic Destruction in Gaza; Says Relief Trucks Robbed, ‘People’s Hearts Destroyed’
- JAL Airplane Experiences Radio Malfunction During Flight, Lands Safely By Relying on Light Signals