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]

Core Viewpoint - The article critiques the portrayal of female characters in the drama "The Age of Tempering," highlighting the tension between the concept of independence and the reality of emotional dependence within a patriarchal narrative structure [2][3][6]. Group 1: Female Characterization - The drama features female characters who are economically independent but emotionally dependent, leading to a critique of their supposed independence [3][5][6]. - The character 崔冰冰 exemplifies the struggle between career ambitions and emotional sacrifices, often compromising her own needs for the male protagonist [4][5][9]. - The portrayal of women as "tools" in the narrative serves to reinforce traditional gender roles, where their independence is superficial and ultimately serves male character development [7][8][10]. Group 2: Narrative Structure - The narrative structure of "The Age of Tempering" centers around male characters, with female roles primarily serving to support the male protagonist's journey [7][8][10]. - The article compares this with "female-centric" narratives, suggesting that while female characters in such stories may appear empowered, they often replicate male power dynamics [10][11]. - The lack of depth in female character arcs leads to a failure in portraying genuine independence, as their stories are often overshadowed by male narratives [15][16]. Group 3: Societal Reflection - The article reflects on societal expectations of women, where balancing career and family is seen as a measure of independence, yet this often masks deeper emotional struggles [5][14][16]. - The portrayal of women in the drama is criticized for being unrealistic and catering to male fantasies, rather than presenting authentic female experiences [14][16]. - The article calls for a shift in storytelling that allows for more nuanced and complete representations of female characters, emphasizing their individuality and emotional complexity [15][16].

Core Viewpoint - The Central Radio and Television Station is preparing a diverse range of dramas for the summer season, focusing on realistic and historical themes to engage audiences [1][5]. Group 1: Focus on Realistic Themes - Dramas such as "The Age of Quenching" and "In the Name of Law" have gained widespread attention, reflecting the struggles and progress of Chinese manufacturing and providing insights into the judicial system [2][4]. - The summer lineup includes various realistic dramas that explore themes of female growth, the struggles of migrant workers, and historical narratives related to the Anti-Japanese War [2][4]. Group 2: Awards and Recognition - Recent awards at the 30th Shanghai Television Festival highlighted the success of realistic dramas, indicating a deepening of creative efforts in this genre [4]. - The increasing quantity and quality of realistic dramas have positioned them at the forefront of viewership and critical acclaim in the Chinese television landscape [9]. Group 3: International Expansion - Chinese dramas have become a significant cultural export, with 70% of the total audiovisual program export revenue coming from this genre, reaching over 200 countries and regions [11]. - Notable international successes include "My Alashan," which is the first Chinese drama to compete in the main competition at the Cannes Television Festival, and "Blossoms," which won an award at the Busan International Film Festival [11][13]. Group 4: Cultural Representation - The integration of traditional Chinese culture and aesthetics in historical dramas is crucial for expanding their international market appeal [13][15]. - Sci-fi dramas, such as "The Three-Body Problem," have also gained attention in international markets, indicating a growing interest in diverse genres beyond traditional narratives [15][17].

Industry Overview - The current state of the drama market is challenging, with only a few shows like "In the Name of the Law" performing reasonably well, while others from major production companies have not made a significant impact [1][9] - The first phase of the summer season has concluded with disappointing results for major players, as many anticipated dramas failed to resonate with audiences [9] Key Productions and Performances - Tencent Video and iQIYI launched "Lychee of Chang'an" and "Lingjiang Xian" respectively, but both shows faced content controversies that hindered their success despite strong production teams [1][3] - Notable dramas such as "The Age of Forging" and "Huan Yu" also struggled, failing to meet audience expectations due to weak storytelling and character development [3][6] - The summer drama landscape is expected to become more competitive as new productions are set to debut, including "Justifiable Defense," which focuses on self-defense cases and features a strong cast [10][12] Upcoming Projects - Several new dramas are scheduled for release, including "Justifiable Defense" on July 9, which is anticipated to be a standout due to its unique theme and high-profile cast [10][12] - New productions from established companies like New Classics Media and Zhengwu Media are also on the horizon, with a variety of genres being explored [14][18] - The upcoming dramas from Noon Sunshine and Lingmeng are expected to contribute to the summer lineup, with "Cherry Amber" and "Midnight Return" respectively [14][16] Market Trends - Compared to the same period last year, the overall quality of summer dramas has declined, with no standout series capturing a wide audience [20] - The industry is looking for high-quality productions to emerge in the coming months to reverse the current downward trend [20]