Not all Chinese towns have theaters or Internet cafes, but almost every family has a TV set. For most Chinese, TV may be the most accessible media to learn about the world.
China's first television station, Beijing TV, was set up in 1958. But TV did not begin to thrive as a popular format until the reform and opening up period began in 1978.
One can glimpse aspects of Chinese society from that year until the present by examining the most popular TV series.
1980-85: Starting stage
Representative works: 18 Years in the Enemy's Troops (Diying Shibanian), Huo Yuanjia, The Bund (Shanghaitan)
During the early years of Chinese TV, many writers drew inspiration from recent wars. For example, 18 Years in the Enemy's Troops, made in 1981, tells the story of a Communist hero planted in the ranks of Kuomintang troops.
It is remarkable to remember how shabby TV production was back then. The cast members had to make due with borrowed costumes, customized for individual actors. There were not enough suitable trousers for all the actors. For eight soldiers, there were only two pairs of pants, so the two with suitable trousers stood in front of the others all the time. The hats were too small to wear, so the actors could only carry them in their hands.
The show's storyline was disputed by many former undercover Communists, who complained that the main character's actions appeared too naive to enable him to live among enemies for 18 years.
Still, the show was very popular with audiences. In those days, the shabbiness of production could not stop people's curiosity, and TV was still a novel entertainment form.
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