"长剧焦虑"几乎成了这两年行业里的高频词，项目缩减、立项放缓、注意力被分流，但如果把目光真正放回到已经播出的作品上，会发现至少在今年，长 剧并没有如情绪所描述的那样整体失效。 从口碑和市场反馈来看，系列化作品反而成为支撑长剧稳定表现的重要力量。 在刚刚公布的豆瓣2025评分最高华语剧Top10 中，续集等系列化作品占据了一半席位。《唐朝诡事录之长安》超点完结一个月，至今仍稳居云合数据每日 霸屏榜市占率TOP10；东北武侠风情景喜剧《鹊刀门传奇2》延续了前作气质，在类型融合上持续获得高分评价；《异人之下之决战！碧游村》也在播出 过程中不断突破原有二次元圈层壁垒，让更多非核心受众完成"补课式追剧"。这些作品并非偶然走红，而是在观众熟悉的人物、世界观和叙事基础上，完 成了一次又一次向前推进。 某种程度上说，长剧并不是失去了吸引力，而是进入了一个更需要"连续感"的阶段。相比一次性讲完的全新故事，观众更愿意把时间交给已经建立起信任 关系的IP；相比押注单点爆发，平台和影视公司也更希望用可延展的内容结构，来对冲不确定性带来的风险。在这样的现实背景下，系列化不再只是创作 层面的选择，而逐渐成为长剧维持稳定产出的重要方式。 ...

Core Insights - The long drama market is expected to face a "bleak" end in 2025, with significant changes in industry dynamics anticipated due to a challenging environment [1] Group 1: Industry Trends - The traditional "Big Six" production companies are experiencing a decline in both output and market share, with Huace Film and TV significantly reducing its new releases from seven to three this year [2] - New releases from New Classics Media have also decreased, with only one major drama expected in 2025 compared to multiple successful titles last year [3] - The overall production capacity of companies like Noon Sunshine and Ningmeng Media has remained stable, but their new releases have not matched the success of previous years [5] Group 2: Emerging Players - New players in the industry are fiercely competing, with companies like Changxin Media and Jiaxing Media gaining attention through successful new releases [14][16] - Quantum Pan Entertainment and Chunyu Media's collaboration on "Cang Hai Chuan" has emerged as a leading title in the male-oriented drama category, showcasing the potential of new entrants [21] - Other emerging companies like Xixi Film and Xinglian Film have also produced new works, indicating a slight recovery in their performance compared to last year [23] Group 3: Performance Metrics - The performance of dramas has varied significantly, with some productions achieving high ratings while others struggle to gain traction, reflecting the competitive nature of the market [9][11] - The drama "Xu Wo Yao Yan" from Jinhe Media has achieved notable success, marking a significant comeback for the company after a period of fewer hits [18] - The overall sentiment in the industry suggests that even successful productions are facing challenges in achieving blockbuster status, indicating a tough market environment [30]

对于当时的小白作家周木楠来说，最让他兴奋的是能够在这里获得与偶像"唐家三少"面对面交流的 机会，"以前会觉得这些早已成名的前辈大咖离我很远，但是没想到却在作家村以新人的身份和他们交 流。" 从2017年成功落户到吸引以唐家三少、南派三叔为首的上百位作家入驻，创立至今，中国网络作家 村的队伍逐渐壮大，12月9日，这个特殊的"村落"在杭州滨江区迎来了8周岁生日——中国网络作家村第 八届村民大会暨"村民日"活动。 现场，中国网络作家村副村长管平潮公布了一项数据：过去一年作家村涌现出《藏海传》等一批精 品佳作，IP转化超100项、交易额突破20亿元。 在作家村的集聚效应下，一批又一批热爱文学创作的"才子才女"加入到这个大家庭，据统计，中国 网络作家村成立八年来，已汇聚350余位全国优秀网络作家，成为浙江文化"新三样"高质量出海的重要 平台。 今年，电视剧《暗河传》的火爆出圈，让小说作者周木楠收获了一众书迷的喜爱，但很多人并不知 道的是，周木楠也是中国网络作家村的其中一员。 说起入村以来的故事，他感触颇多，"大约在五六年前，我成为了作家村的一员，有机会能够和大 家一起探讨创作的技巧，而且村里也会不定期举行一些交流活动， ...

Core Viewpoint - The phenomenon of "cloud screening" has evolved from a promotional tool into a complex system where fans exert significant influence over the production and marketing of dramas, leading to a distorted perception of success based on manipulated data rather than genuine audience engagement [6][17][25] Group 1: Evolution of Cloud Screening - Initially, "cloud screening" served as a promotional tool allowing non-members to access shows, potentially increasing viewership [7] - Over time, it transformed into a mechanism for fans to boost a show's visibility and rankings, often at the expense of genuine quality [7][12] - The practice has become a norm where fans demand participation from brands and other actors, creating a culture of obligation rather than voluntary support [11][13] Group 2: Impact on Industry Dynamics - The reliance on cloud screening has led to a "data ransom" situation where the perceived success of a show is artificially inflated, creating a false sense of prosperity [6][20] - This trend has resulted in a shift in power dynamics, where fans leverage their financial contributions to gain influence over casting and production decisions [14][15] - The industry's focus on short-term data gains has overshadowed the importance of quality content, leading to a homogenization of productions that prioritize fan engagement over originality [23][24] Group 3: Long-term Consequences - The current model fosters a dependency on inflated metrics, which may ultimately harm the sustainability of the business as audiences become accustomed to free or discounted access [20][25] - The pressure to conform to fan expectations can stifle creativity, resulting in a lack of diverse and innovative storytelling [23][24] - As the industry continues to chase short-term gains through cloud screening, it risks alienating genuine viewers and undermining long-term trust in content quality [25]

Core Insights - The autumn drama market has successfully continued the momentum from the summer season, with historical dramas showing particularly strong performance [1] - The newly launched series "Tang Dynasty Strange Cases: Chang'an" has achieved significant popularity, breaking a content heat value of 10,000 and receiving a Douban score of 8.1, indicating a nationwide trend of binge-watching [1] - Recent historical dramas are innovating beyond traditional storytelling, providing fresh creative pathways while maintaining audience engagement [1] Summary by Sections Series Performance - "Tang Dynasty Strange Cases: Chang'an" has quickly gained traction, with its opening episode showcasing a tight narrative and engaging action sequences [3] - Other series like "Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre," "Dark River," and "Water Dragon Chant" have also contributed to a seamless continuation of viewer interest in historical dramas [1][3] Narrative Techniques - The series employs a mix of short and long drama advantages, maintaining a fast-paced and emotionally charged narrative that captivates viewers from the start [6] - The second case in the series utilizes a multi-threaded narrative style, intertwining seemingly unrelated storylines to create a complex web of suspense [6][9] Character Development - "Tang Dynasty Strange Cases: Chang'an" excels in character development, revealing intricate relationships and hidden motives that enhance the storytelling experience [9] - The series balances the excitement of short dramas with deeper explorations of character and plot, enriching the viewing experience [9] Thematic Exploration - Recent historical dramas are moving away from reliance on fantastical elements and simplistic narratives, instead focusing on the psychological distance between ancient and modern themes [12] - The series explores human nature and emotional depth, presenting characters with complex motivations rather than clear-cut heroes and villains [15][20] Genre Fusion - New historical dramas are breaking out of traditional genre confines, incorporating elements from various genres to create layered narratives [21] - "Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre" merges fantasy and traditional heroism, while "Dark River" combines martial arts with suspense, showcasing innovative storytelling approaches [23] Market Trends - The recent evolution in historical dramas reflects a shift towards character-driven narratives that resonate with audiences on a deeper emotional level [25] - The success of diverse genres within the historical drama category suggests a promising future for the market, as it seeks to explore new potentials and possibilities [25]

Group 1 - The October drama market saw a surge of costume dramas and male-oriented series, but none emerged as a breakout hit, with only "Into the Clouds" performing notably well on the Youku platform [1] - Several adaptations, including "Water Dragon Chant" and "Dark River Legend," attracted market attention, but their viewership ratings were closely matched, indicating a lack of standout success [1] - "Dark River Legend" had the most significant advertising impact among the four costume dramas, but its ad placements were still lower compared to earlier hits from the year [2][5] Group 2 - "Dark River Legend" achieved a total of 126 ads with an average ad duration of 32 seconds, making it one of the most heavily advertised dramas in October [3] - "Water Dragon Chant" also showed strong advertising performance with 130 ads and an average duration of 25 seconds, indicating effective brand partnerships [5][19] - "Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre" had a total of 71 ads, with a notable contribution from its lead actor's brand partnerships, showcasing the commercial potential of star power [12][19] Group 3 - The pharmaceutical and food and beverage sectors dominated advertising placements in October, with brands like "Sanjiu" and "Bai Sui Shan" being prominent across multiple dramas [21][22] - The increase in pharmaceutical brand placements reflects a strategic shift towards integrating products into relatable life scenarios, enhancing brand trust among target audiences [23] - The food and beverage sector also saw significant activity, with "Bai Sui Shan" appearing in five dramas, highlighting the growing importance of these brands in the drama advertising landscape [22][25] Group 4 - The advertising performance of modern dramas was relatively weak, with low brand placements and limited market appeal compared to costume dramas [20] - "Life Suspended" had only 16 ads, while "The Rest of My Life" and "Shadow" also struggled to attract significant advertising interest, indicating a trend of cautious investment in these genres [20][21] - The decline in advertising from food delivery platforms suggests a strategic shift towards more sustainable marketing approaches as competition stabilizes [25]

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 trend of "anti-involution" is emerging in ancient costume dramas, with characters adopting a more relaxed and carefree attitude, moving away from traditional heroic narratives towards a "lying flat" philosophy [1][3][4]. Group 1: Character Evolution - The protagonists in recent ancient costume dramas are increasingly portrayed as "not striving," reflecting a shift from ambitious characters to those who embrace a laid-back lifestyle [5][9]. - This new character archetype, often referred to as "lazy fish," embodies a paradox where they appear unmotivated but possess hidden strengths, akin to a seemingly carefree student who excels academically [5][8]. - The "lazy fish" narrative allows for low-energy storytelling that emphasizes sudden bursts of capability rather than a long, arduous journey [8][9]. Group 2: Emotional Resonance - The rise of "lazy fish" characters aligns with contemporary societal pressures, providing audiences with a form of emotional release and self-reflection [3][12]. - Viewers are increasingly drawn to stories that offer a sense of comfort and happiness, moving away from heavy themes towards narratives that celebrate individual experiences and emotional fulfillment [15][19]. - The shift in audience preferences is evident in the success of light-hearted and relatable ancient dramas, which resonate with the current desire for positive emotional experiences [13][15]. Group 3: Narrative Structure - The narrative structure of ancient costume dramas is evolving to focus on individual experiences rather than grand heroic quests, allowing for a more grounded and relatable storytelling approach [19]. - The concept of "returning home" in narratives reflects a broader cultural questioning of traditional success metrics, paralleling the characters' journeys in ancient settings [12][19]. - The balance between relaxation and character growth is crucial, as creators seek to explore themes of self-discovery and personal choice within the context of ancient narratives [18][19].

Core Viewpoint - The series "Dark River" is on the verge of becoming a hit, having achieved significant viewership and positive reception for its visual effects and exploration of "dark aesthetics" since its release on October 20 [1][3]. Group 1: Performance and Reception - "Dark River" has shown strong performance metrics, with over 4 million pre-launch reservations and a first-day viewership of 18.815 million, achieving a platform heat score exceeding 9000 shortly after launch [3][6]. - Despite its visual acclaim, the series faces criticism regarding its dark scenes, reliance on special effects, and deviations from traditional martial arts storytelling, leading to a divided audience reception [8][10]. Group 2: Industry Context - The challenges faced by "Dark River" reflect broader issues in the new martial arts genre, where many productions struggle to balance critical acclaim with viewership success [11][12]. - The market has seen a surge in new martial arts dramas, but few have achieved a balance of popularity and quality, with notable exceptions like "Mountain River Order" and "Young Song Walk" [13][15]. Group 3: Creative Challenges - The definition of "new martial arts" remains ambiguous, complicating the creative process as productions attempt to blend traditional elements with modern themes [15][17]. - Many new martial arts dramas fail to establish a cohesive style due to genre blending, often leading to dissatisfaction among both traditional martial arts fans and broader audiences [18][22]. Group 4: Audience Expectations - The core audience for new martial arts dramas includes both martial arts enthusiasts and younger viewers who prefer accessible narratives, creating a dual challenge for creators [23][25]. - Successful storytelling that resonates emotionally with viewers is essential for the genre's evolution, emphasizing the need for character development and thematic depth [25].

Core Viewpoint - The resurgence of action scenes in Chinese entertainment is becoming a focal point, with significant developments expected by 2025, as evidenced by the success of films and series that emphasize high-quality action sequences [1][3]. Film Industry - The film "Capturing the Wind" has grossed over ten billion, showcasing a shift in action films that no longer rely solely on traditional tropes [1]. - The film features a younger cast from the post-95 and post-00 generations, indicating a new direction for action films in China [1]. Television Industry - Recent series have focused on enhancing action scenes with improved special effects, costume design, and original soundtracks, leading to a notable increase in audience engagement [3][5]. - Series such as "Dark River" and "Water Dragon Chant" have adopted a more anime-like aesthetic in their action sequences, which has become a key point of discussion among viewers [6][7]. - The current trend in action scenes is driven by the demands of short video promotions and fan expectations, leading to a collaborative effort to elevate the quality of action in long-form dramas [5][8]. Audience Engagement - The audience's preferences for action scenes have become clearer, with a demand for more dynamic and visually engaging sequences rather than the traditional slow-motion effects [9][14]. - The rise of social media has made it easier for audiences to critique and share their opinions on action scenes, influencing the production standards [8][9]. Historical Context - The evolution of action scenes in Chinese dramas has been influenced by the film industry, with earlier styles being replaced by more dynamic and visually appealing techniques [11][12]. - The decline of traditional action films in the 2010s has led to a stagnation in the quality of action scenes in dramas, which are now beginning to draw inspiration from anime and gaming [14][19]. Future Directions - The industry is exploring new ways to innovate action scenes, with a focus on integrating elements from anime and gaming to enhance viewer experience [14][21]. - The effectiveness of action scenes in dramas will depend on their ability to complement the overall narrative and engage the audience emotionally [19][21].