In living rooms throughout China, as families drink tea or nibble on watermelon seeds after dinner, the conversation will often turn to what soap operas they are going to watch that night.

According to a new survey, dramas about everyday life are the most watched television programs in China ahead of reality TV, costume historical dramas, documentaries, news and sports shows.

Athough audiences have different preferences, depending on whether they are from north or south of China, they are all addicted to drama.

My Brother Shunliu

Recently, a must-see show for average Chinese family is China Central Television's (CCTV), My Brother Shunliu, about a boy from the countryside who serves as a sniper during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-1945).

According to CVSC-Sofres Media (CSM), a joint venture between Central Viewer Survey and Consulting Center and the Taylor Sofres Group, the first episode of the series received an initial rating share of 5.4 percent, rising to 8.3 percent on June 21, or 8.28 million viewers for that episode, just three days after it began showing.

The most popular shows are about real life of common people: a middle-aged factory worker loses his job, young urban professionals launch their own businesses, and tales about struggles between father and son.

"During the past few years, Chinese TV series have become close to people's daily lives," says Zhang Guoli, a mainland actor, director and producer, who has been in the TV and film industry for 20 years.

The multi-award winner says prime time TV (from 7 pm to 10 pm) is dominated mainly by soap operas.Also known as the "King of Chinese TV", he has taken the role of emperor in various TV series and is one of the most productive and critically acclaimed actors in China.