Core Viewpoint - The recent batch of male protagonists in female-oriented dramas is considered a "failed experiment" as they have not gained significant market share, with the leading show "Tian Di Jian Xin" only achieving a market share of 11.4% [1][29]. Group 1: Market Performance - The three male protagonist dramas, "Tian Di Jian Xin," "An He Chuan," and "Shui Long Yin," have market shares of 11.4%, 11%, and 8.3% respectively, indicating a lack of growth in audience engagement [1][29]. - The genre of female-oriented male protagonists has not penetrated the larger historical romance audience, leading to their classification as ineffective innovations [4]. Group 2: Character and Narrative Structure - The male protagonists are designed to appeal to female audiences, featuring traits such as "beauty, strength, and tragedy," which align with female preferences [5][14]. - The narrative structure borrows from male-oriented storytelling, focusing on adventure and career rather than romance, creating a hybrid genre that straddles both male and female narratives [3][14]. Group 3: Production and Aesthetic Choices - The current batch of male protagonists exhibits an overemphasis on visual aesthetics, with elaborate makeup and costumes that detract from the narrative [5][8]. - The character relationships often follow a template where emotional tension is primarily assigned to supporting characters, resulting in a diluted romantic subplot [10][19]. Group 4: Industry Trends and Economic Viability - The rise of female-oriented male protagonists is seen as a market-driven choice due to the high costs and risks associated with producing dual-strong narratives [20][23]. - The success of "Lian Hua Lou" in 2023 has prompted a surge in similar productions, although the market has not yet fully capitalized on this trend [22][29]. Group 5: Audience Reception and Future Outlook - The current male protagonist dramas have primarily resonated with their fan bases, but broader audience engagement remains limited, as evidenced by their modest market shares [28][29]. - The gendered categorization of dramas continues to shape production and marketing strategies, but the recent attempts at female-oriented male protagonists may be facing challenges in gaining wider acceptance [29].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution of online literature, particularly focusing on female-oriented narratives and their impact on readers, especially women, highlighting the psychological needs and societal changes reflected in these works [3][6][10]. Group 1: Influence of Online Literature - Online literature, especially female-oriented works, resonates with women's psychological needs and reflects societal changes [6][10]. - The journey of a researcher, Xue Jing, who transitioned from a reader of online literature to an academic, illustrates the growing acceptance and academic interest in this genre [10][11]. Group 2: Reader Engagement and Themes - Readers often engage with online literature as a means of emotional expression and connection, creating a shared cultural experience among them [9][10]. - The themes in female-oriented online literature have evolved from traditional romantic ideals to more complex narratives involving power dynamics and emotional struggles [13][20]. Group 3: Academic Recognition - The establishment of academic courses on online literature at prestigious institutions marks a significant shift in the perception of this genre, legitimizing its study [10][11]. - Xue Jing's research explores various sub-genres, including "霸总文" (domineering CEO narratives) and "虐恋文" (abusive love stories), analyzing their implications on female identity and societal expectations [11][13]. Group 4: Changing Narratives - The narrative structures in female-oriented online literature have shifted, with a notable rise in "爱女文学" (love for women literature), which challenges traditional gender roles and promotes female empowerment [22][24]. - The portrayal of female characters has become more diverse, reflecting a spectrum of experiences and societal pressures, moving beyond simplistic archetypes [29][33]. Group 5: Societal Reflections - The article suggests that online literature serves as a sociological lens, revealing underlying desires and societal issues faced by women today [25][41]. - The changing dynamics in reader expectations and character portrayals indicate a broader cultural shift towards recognizing and addressing women's multifaceted roles in society [30][36].

Core Viewpoint - The article explores the influence of online literature, particularly female-oriented narratives, on young women and their psychological needs, reflecting broader societal changes [5][10]. Group 1: Influence of Online Literature - Online literature, especially female-oriented works, resonates with women's psychological needs and mirrors societal transformations [5]. - The journey of individuals like Xue Jing, who transitioned from a secret admirer of online literature to a researcher, highlights the evolving perception of this genre within academic circles [2][9]. Group 2: Evolution of Female Characters - Early female protagonists in online literature often sought validation through romantic suffering, while contemporary characters are increasingly portrayed as empowered, focusing on wealth and power [12][18]. - The emergence of "love for women" literature reflects a shift towards narratives that embrace female empowerment and reject misogyny [19][21]. Group 3: Reader Engagement and Expectations - Female readers engage with online literature to explore diverse life possibilities, seeking representations of leadership and success that traditional literature often overlooks [40]. - The tension between romantic aspirations and career ambitions creates a complex landscape for female characters, making it challenging to satisfy all audience segments [27][24]. Group 4: Societal Reflections in Online Literature - The changing dynamics in online literature reflect broader societal pressures and the quest for immediate gratification among younger generations [38][34]. - The portrayal of female characters grappling with societal expectations and personal ambitions illustrates the ongoing struggle for gender equality and representation in literature [25][30].

Core Insights - The article discusses the rising popularity of the drama "许我耀眼" (Let Me Shine), which features a strong female lead and has quickly become a hit on Tencent Video, marking a significant moment for female-centric narratives in the industry [1][9][11] Group 1: Female Representation in Media - The drama showcases a departure from traditional portrayals of women, presenting a complex "bad girl" character that resonates with audiences, contrasting with the typical "innocent" female roles [3][7][12] - The success of "许我耀眼" reflects a broader trend in the industry where female characters are increasingly depicted as ambitious and multifaceted, moving away from the "Cinderella" archetype [2][18][22] Group 2: Audience Engagement and Reception - The show achieved remarkable viewership metrics, including a peak market share of 41.7% and over 30,000 heat value on Tencent Video within four days of release, indicating strong audience engagement [9][10] - Social media platforms have seen significant discussions around the show, with Douyin reporting 440 million views and Xiaohongshu nearing 5 billion topic views, highlighting the show's cultural impact [10][11] Group 3: Industry Trends and Challenges - The article notes that while female-led narratives are gaining traction, they still face scrutiny and backlash, as seen with other female-centric projects that have sparked controversy [18][21] - The evolution of female representation in media is described as a challenging journey, with past portrayals often limiting women to supportive roles, but recent trends indicate a shift towards more empowered and independent characters [14][17][22]

Core Viewpoint - The short drama "Eighteen-Year-Old Great-Grandma Arrives, Restoring Family Glory" has gained immense popularity since its release on June 6, topping various short drama charts and achieving significant viewership on platforms like iQIYI. The show features a unique storyline that combines elements of family dynamics, historical context, and female empowerment [1][3]. Summary by Sections Popularity and Reception - The drama has consistently ranked first on multiple short drama charts and has achieved dual championships on iQIYI's hot broadcast and rising charts. The actress portraying the "18-year-old great-grandma," Li Ke, gained 400,000 followers within 72 hours, becoming a leading figure in the short drama industry [1]. Plot Overview - The storyline revolves around a professor who unexpectedly dies in 1955 and finds herself in the body of an 18-year-old high school girl 70 years later. The character, who was a distinguished scientist, embodies a strong sense of national pride and responsibility, reflecting the historical context of her era [3][4]. Themes of Female Empowerment - The character of the "great-grandma" represents a departure from traditional female roles, showcasing a strong sense of agency and independence. The narrative challenges typical portrayals of women in short dramas, where female success is often tied to romantic relationships [4][5]. Societal Commentary - The drama reflects on the historical struggles of women in China, particularly during the mid-20th century, and critiques the modern portrayal of women in media. It highlights the tension between traditional family roles and the pursuit of individual identity and professional success [5][6]. Character Dynamics - The character dynamics in the drama, particularly the interactions between the "great-grandma" and her descendants, emphasize themes of respect and authority within family structures. The show critiques the reliance on patriarchal values while simultaneously presenting a strong female lead [7][8]. Conclusion on Female Identity - The narrative ultimately explores the complexities of female identity, suggesting that the character's resurrection as a young woman allows her to navigate the challenges of motherhood, career, and personal fulfillment, thus embodying an idealized version of female empowerment [9].

Core Viewpoint - The design of female characters in micro-dramas appears diverse but ultimately falls into fixed templates characterized by enthusiasm, coldness, youthfulness, and heroism, leading to a superficial portrayal that relies on exaggerated performances and visual appeal rather than depth [1] Group 1: Analysis of Female Characters - The portrayal of female leads often relies on exaggerated and superficial traits, such as heavy makeup and overtly flirtatious behavior, which detracts from their character depth and relatability [2][4] - The use of direct and crude dialogue contributes to a lack of respect for female characters, often reducing them to mere objects of desire rather than complex individuals [8][12] - The reliance on sexual themes and shallow interactions in plotlines reflects a broader issue of objectification and a lack of meaningful character development [10][20] Group 2: Market Trends and Audience Reception - The prevalence of female competition narratives in micro-dramas reflects a patriarchal framework that commodifies women, with a significant percentage of female character interactions centered around male characters [20] - Data indicates a growing discontent among female viewers regarding traditional competition themes, with a notable increase in the rejection of such narratives from 32% in 2015 to 68% in 2023 [20] - The adaptation of novels into micro-dramas often leads to a disconnect between the original character portrayals and their on-screen representations, resulting in a perception of "character collapse" [22][24] Group 3: Future Directions for Female Representation - The concept of "strong female leads" is evolving, emphasizing characters who are intelligent, resilient, and independent, rather than merely defined by their relationships with men [26] - There is a call for more nuanced storytelling that focuses on women's emotional and spiritual needs, moving away from one-dimensional portrayals that reduce female characters to mere romantic interests [28] - The industry is encouraged to ensure that adaptations maintain the integrity of character development and narrative depth, avoiding the pitfalls of superficiality and objectification [28]