Most searched TV dramas in China 2025
China's TV drama market is highly competitive, with numerous production companies vying for audience attention. On April 3, 2025, the most trending TV drama in the country was The Legends of Monkey King, with about 62 thousand points on an index tracking online searches on Douyin and Toutiao. Be Reborn and The Knockout were other popular TV series.
The dazzling Chinese historical TV dramas
Each year, China produces a large number of TV dramas. Content that reflects Chinese culture or resonates with local experiences and emotions tends to perform well. Historical and fantasy dramas, due to their immense popularity, often have large budgets and high production values, featuring elaborate costumes and sets. For example, The Legend of Shen Li, a 2024 ancient Chinese period TV series, was reported to cost over 350 million yuan to produce.
Video streaming on the rise
There is a significant shift from traditional TV viewing to online streaming, particularly among Chinese younger audiences. Mobile devices are commonly used for viewing, reflecting the high penetration of smartphones and mobile internet. Major streaming services like iQIYI, Tencent Video, and Youku have become dominant platforms for TV dramas, alongside traditional TV channels. These platforms typically invest in exclusive content and original productions to attract subscribers.
