Discussion keeps the world turning.
This is Roundtable.
Hello, welcome to Roundtable, where we serve up piping hot debates on the issues that sizzle in China and beyond.
I'm Yoheng Lin.
In recent years, Chinese family dramas have undergone a significant transformation, reflecting the evolving societal values and individual aspirations of their audiences.
Today, we're Roundtable invites you to take a closer look at some popular TV shows, films and different types of TV dramas in China and find out what do these family dramas say about the changing tides of Chinese family values and societal expectations.
For today's show, I'm joined by Ding Heng and Steve Hatherley.
Now grab your virtual compass and follow us to the heart of the discussion.
In the last decade, Chinese films and TV dramas have shifted their lens, moving from tales of harmonious households to stories of empowered individuals and unconventional bonds.
With a growing number of young people embracing these family drama centric shows, one can't help but wonder, what is it about these stories that resonates so deeply with the younger generation?
Moreover, what do their entertainment preferences reveal about the evolving family values of this day and age?
To start the dialogue and conversation, first, I want to ask both of you, what is your favorite family drama show that you can think of?
There's one that comes to mind.
For me, it's not so much a drama as it is a sitcom.
And it's not on air anymore because it concluded, I don't know if you've ever heard of it.
It was called Modern Family.
Oh, yeah, I loved it.
Yeah, fantastic.
Really, really funny show.
It was a sitcom that I forget how many seasons it went, but it was on air for quite a while.