Chinese on US TV don’t look Chinese

(ECNS) – Chinese audiences have found that more people and issues related to China are being shown on TV in the US, which some see as trying to curry favor in the Chinese market. However, Bi Chenggong, a well-known critic and screenwriter in China, disagreed, according to Jiangsu-based Jingjiang Daily.

"These series are made to please the domestic audience in the US," Bi said. "And TV series can't grab money in China as Hollywood movies do. Makers don't care if they can be broadcast in China."

Bi said China's increasing influence is just being reflected on TV. "TV series in the US are released after several episodes are made, which makes them easy to keep up with social trends."

Negative images of Chinese on TV shows are not planned in advance, according to Bi. "Even Americans can distinguish Chinese Americans from Chinese, they are inclined to associate Chinese to some powerful, but evil, organizations that lack democracy and freedom."

Many TV viewers say that Chinese roles on TV in the US don't look Chinese. Bi explained that most of the roles are played by Southeast Asians, Japanese, or Koreans. "Local Chinese still don't take acting as a serious profession."