China is moving to clamp down on television dramas that repeatedly push the familiar fantasy of wealthy male CEOs falling in love with poor or uneducated women.
The move comes as authorities begin drafting regulations aimed at controlling what they see as unrealistic and socially unhealthy narratives that have flooded TV and short form drama platforms in recent years.’
Not the first crackdown
This is not the first time the Chinese government has stepped in to regulate drama and film content. In the past, similar measures were introduced to curb trends that officials believed were negatively influencing public values, even though such moves often sparked backlash from audiences who felt creativity was being restricted.
As reported byThe Vocket, previously China had imposed rules on the appearance of male actors, particularly those seen as heavily influenced by Korean drama aesthetics.
Male performers were discouraged from wearing heavy makeup or adopting overly feminine styles, with authorities urging them to appear more masculine.
As part of that crackdown, numerous advertising billboards featuring male celebrities were ordered to be taken down because their makeup did not meet newly introduced standards.
New guidelines target CEO romance micro dramas
Chinese authorities issued new guidelines specifically targeting short form romance dramas centred on CEOs. The guidelines warn creators against producing sensational content that glorifies wealth, power, and elite lifestyles.
The guidelines were reportedly issued by the National Radio and Television Administration, which stressed that creators should adhere to realism when producing short dramas that portray entrepreneurial communities.
One key concern highlighted is the promotion of idealised narratives that glorify marriage into powerful or wealthy families. Authorities cautioned against portraying the rich as inherently noble or superior, or suggesting they have the right to look down on those who are poor or of modest means.
Unrealistic fantasies among young viewers
According to officials, CEO romance dramas have contributed to unrealistic fantasies among parts of the population, particularly young women.
There are concerns that some viewers are placing less importance on education or personal development, instead hoping to rely on their looks to marry wealthy men. At the same time, these dramas are believed to reinforce the idea that a respectable or desirable man must be rich.
As a result, authorities fear that such narratives may influence how young people view relationships, success, and self worth.
Content creators have been urged not to justify illogical or exaggerated storylines under the guise of realism or artistic expression. Authorities warned against absurd plots that lack real social value, saying they could distort public perceptions of Chinese entrepreneurs.
In many dramas, CEOs are portrayed as young men with plenty of free time and little actual work to do. In reality, officials noted that most CEOs in China work long hours and have limited time for romance.
Because of this, producers are encouraged to portray CEOs as genuine entrepreneurs and focus more on their professional journeys rather than unrealistic love stories.
Lesser quantity, better quality, and no ‘dominant CEO’ titles
The guidelines also call for stricter management of CEO romance micro dramas. Suggested measures include reducing the number of such productions, improving overall quality, and avoiding sensational titles such as “dominant CEO” that are used purely to attract clicks.
Authorities further stressed that short form dramas should not deliberately appeal to viewers by promoting materialism, flaunting wealth, or showcasing power driven and hedonistic lifestyles, which they consider harmful to societal thinking.
Themes and character development are expected to align with mainstream values, and creators are advised to avoid narratives that promote instant success, effortless wealth, or getting rich overnight.
For now, it appears China is sending a clear message that the fantasy of rich CEOs saving the day may soon have far less screen time.
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