AI-generated series transition to mainstream broadcasting on Chinese television

Serdar HocamAuthor & Editor

As artificial intelligence-generated video productions rapidly spread in China's entertainment sector, a Journey to the West adaptation met viewers on Hunan Satellite Television.

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From ‘slop’ to prime time: how AI dramas are shaking up China’s TV industry

As artificial intelligence-generated video productions rapidly spread across China's entertainment and television sector, a completely AI-prepared adaptation of Journey to the West was broadcast during prime time on Hunan Satellite Television.

The Rise of AI Dramas

From soap operas starring human-like cats to dating shows featuring anthropomorphic fruits, an evolution is taking place from low-quality content to productions realistic enough to be mistaken for live-action. AI-produced video series have become increasingly common on Chinese social media.

As of this week, this format has moved into the mainstream broadcasting slot of television networks, marking a significant milestone in the industry.

Television Premiere and Production Process

A completely AI-generated adaptation of the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West premiered on Hunan Satellite Television, one of the country's leading state-backed broadcasters.

Consisting of thirty episodes, each lasting approximately 40 minutes, the series was completed in just a three-month period from commissioning to broadcast.

According to information shared by the director with local media, the production process is ongoing and subsequent episodes are continuously shaped based on audience feedback.

Market Impact and Investor Enthusiasm

This premiere had a major impact on China's long-dormant media and entertainment sector.

Shares of Mango Excellent Media, the publicly listed arm of the Hunan broadcaster, hit the 20 percent daily trading limit twice within the week.

This value increase added more than 13 billion yuan to its market capitalization, demonstrating the return of investor enthusiasm.