LayarHijau.com -- Korean dramas gained popularity during the Hallyu wave about 30 years ago. However, some viewers are now feeling fatigued with Korean content and are starting to look at Chinese dramas, or C-dramas.
With the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Viki, and iQIYI, K-drama fans are discovering various C-drama genres, such as xianxia fantasy, modern workplace romances, and thrilling political intrigue. Many are captivated by the luxurious cinematography, intricate world-building, and binge-worthy episode counts.
Some fans have even found their favorite K-drama actors appearing in Chinese productions, further fueling their interest in exploring more of what C-dramas have to offer.
So, what do you need to know before making the switch from K-dramas to C-dramas? Here are a few key points, as reported by Tatler:
C-Dramas Offer a Higher Episode Count
One distinctive feature of C-dramas is their significantly higher episode count compared to K-dramas. While K-dramas typically have a runtime of 12 to 20 hours, Chinese dramas often exceed 70 hours. For instance, The Empress of China and Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy each have over 73 hours of storytelling, providing a broader viewing experience.
Why are C-dramas so long? One reason is to allow for better character development. Additionally, many networks and streaming services pay based on the number of episodes, encouraging production companies to create more.
However, this strategy sometimes compromises the quality of the storyline. In 2020, China's National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) limited new dramas to a maximum of 40 episodes to maintain quality. You can read more about the reasons behind this here.
C-Dramas Tend to Focus on Historical and Fantasy Genres
While there are some historical K-dramas, most K-drama stories are set in contemporary times. In contrast, Chinese dramas often delve into historical and fantasy plots. The main genres in C-dramas include:
Wuxia: These dramas feature martial arts heroes with themes of honor and justice.
Xianxia: Combining fantasy elements with Chinese mythology, these dramas tell the adventures of immortal beings.
Historical Dramas: Set in various dynastic periods, these stories often involve political intrigue and romance.
Modern Urban Dramas: These explore love challenges and social issues in modern Chinese cities.
C-Dramas Are Often Based on Novels and Web Novels
Many C-dramas are adapted from novels or web novels, giving TV writers a wealth of source material to draw from. This is also one reason why Chinese dramas tend to be longer. Notable adaptations include Three-Body based on the novel by Liu Cixin and Joy of Life based on the work by Mao Ni.
The popularity of Chinese dramas, both domestically and internationally in recent years, has also boosted the consumption of novels, web novels, and manhua (Chinese comics).
C-Dramas Also Have Mini Versions
Despite their reputation for long runtimes, C-dramas have developed "micro dramas" for viewers who prefer watching on their phones. With episode lengths ranging from one to ten minutes, micro dramas are highly consumable. The number of episodes varies, but they typically range from 10 to 40 episodes.
Due to the popularity of these short dramas in China, actors can earn up to IDR 60 million per episode.
With all these unique features, Chinese dramas now have a loyal fan base and offer an exciting alternative for K-drama enthusiasts. If you’re interested in exploring the world of C-dramas, there are plenty of captivating stories waiting to be discovered!