China is tightening control over television and short form dramas that promote unrealistic fantasies of wealthy male CEOs falling in love with poor or uneducated women. The National Radio and Television Administration has issued new guidelines urging content creators to focus on realism and socially responsible narratives.
Officials highlighted concerns that CEO romance dramas have encouraged unrealistic expectations among young viewers, particularly young women, who may prioritise beauty over education or personal development. Authorities also criticised plots that glorify wealth, elite lifestyles, or the idea that the rich are inherently superior.
The guidelines instruct producers to avoid absurd storylines, sensational titles such as “dominant CEO,” and depictions of CEOs with excessive free time or effortless romantic success. Instead, creators are encouraged to portray genuine entrepreneurial challenges and focus on professional journeys.
This move follows previous Chinese regulations on entertainment content, which included discouraging male actors from adopting feminine styles influenced by Korean dramas and limiting promotional material that violated official appearance standards.
Under the new rules, authorities also call for fewer CEO romance productions, improved quality, and content that aligns with mainstream societal values rather than materialism or instant success fantasies.
The crackdown signals a clear shift in China’s approach to popular media, aiming to curb content seen as socially unhealthy while promoting more realistic portrayals of life, work, and relationships.
