Core Viewpoint - The summer drama season of this year has underperformed expectations, with a noticeable decline in the quality and popularity of new releases compared to previous years [5][19][34]. Group 1: Industry Performance - This summer's drama season is characterized by a lack of standout hits, with many anticipated shows failing to deliver strong viewership or critical acclaim [10][12][19]. - The audience's engagement has significantly decreased, with many viewers abandoning long dramas in favor of shorter, more engaging content [57][64]. - Historical data shows that previous summer seasons consistently produced major hits, but this year has been described as experiencing a "great slump" [19][21][27]. Group 2: Audience Behavior - Viewers are increasingly drawn to short dramas, which have gained substantial popularity and viewership, overshadowing traditional long-form dramas [64][86]. - The shift in audience preference indicates a growing demand for faster-paced, concise storytelling that aligns with contemporary viewing habits [81][85]. - The current audience is less inclined to invest time in lengthy series, reflecting a broader trend in media consumption where quick, engaging content is favored [61][62][90]. Group 3: Financial Implications - The decline in popular dramas directly impacts revenue generation for streaming platforms, which rely heavily on blockbuster series to attract subscriptions and advertising revenue [38][48][44]. - Historical examples illustrate how successful dramas have previously generated significant income through various monetization strategies, including subscription fees and merchandise sales [38][44][50]. - The current landscape suggests that without compelling content, platforms may struggle to maintain their financial performance during peak viewing seasons [48][92].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles highlights the challenges faced by Chinese long-video platforms in expanding into Southeast Asia, particularly with the failure of the dual male lead genre to gain traction [1][3][13] - The long-video industry has struggled to replicate the success of Netflix in Southeast Asia, with platforms like iQIYI and Tencent's WeTV attempting to adopt similar strategies without significant results [3][9][27] - Despite initial optimism, the long-video platforms have not effectively localized their content or identified a clear strategy for the Southeast Asian market, leading to stagnation in growth [13][26][41] Group 2 - Netflix's entry into the Asian market, particularly Japan, was marked by strategic pricing and local partnerships, which allowed it to establish a strong foothold [4][5][7] - The success of Netflix in Japan was attributed to its ability to adapt to local consumer preferences and invest heavily in local content, which has not been mirrored by Chinese platforms in Southeast Asia [28][31][33] - The article suggests that long-video platforms need to explore new strategies beyond mere replication of Netflix's model, focusing on unique content that resonates with local audiences [39][41]

Core Insights - Chinese dramas are achieving significant breakthroughs in international markets, showcasing the immense potential of domestic content to go global [3][4] - The success of series like "The Long Season," "The Legend of Zhen Huan," and "The Untamed" is attributed to differentiated content strategies and innovative marketing approaches [3][4] - The industry is leveraging blockchain technology to combat piracy, which incurs annual losses of over 5 billion yuan [8] Group 1: Success of Chinese Dramas - "The Long Season" has become the highest-rated domestic drama in nearly eight years, achieving an IMDb score of 8.7 and a Rotten Tomatoes freshness rating of 89% [3] - "The Legend of Zhen Huan" reached over 8 million views per episode on Netflix, with a total of over 280 million views on YouTube [4] - "The Untamed" surpassed 6.8 billion views globally, with ticket sales for fan meetings selling out in 3 minutes in Thailand [4] Group 2: Diverse Content Strategies - Early Chinese dramas primarily relied on historical themes, but recent trends show a shift towards diverse storytelling that resonates emotionally with international audiences [6][7] - The rise of realistic dramas like "Mountain and Sea Love" and "In the World" reflects a growing interest in universal human experiences, moving beyond mere cultural curiosity [7] - The industry is increasingly exploring various genres, including fantasy and contemporary themes, to attract a broader audience [6][7] Group 3: Challenges and Opportunities - The industry faces challenges such as rampant piracy, which affects over 80% of overseas works, leading to significant economic losses [8] - Cultural differences and competition from major international streaming platforms complicate the market landscape [8][9] - The potential for growth in the global market remains vast, with a need for high-quality translations and adaptations to enhance international appeal [9]