Popular Chinese online novels have always been a good source of content for streaming TV show adaptations in recent years, especially for stories aimed at younger audiences.
Based on author Bayuechang'an's novel, My Huckleberry Friends quickly became a hit for its grounded storytelling and characters after it debuted on Wednesday.
Different from other youth dramas which usually focus on one main character, My Huckleberry Friends aims to present the stories of a group of middle school students and how they live, suffer and grow through their school years.
According to Wang Xiaohui, chief content officer of iQiyi, the choice to adapt My Huckleberry Friends was reached using the platform's analytical tools and big data, which help the site better understand users' watching habits and favorite content.