China bans TV shows that are ‘too entertaining’

Ban on period dramas could block popular western shows such as ‘Downton Abbey’

Television stations have been advised to pick shows from a list of 'patriotic' programmes celebrating the People's Republic (AFP/Getty)

China has banned broadcasters from showing historical dramas that are “too entertaining” ahead of the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic on 1 October.

Television stations have instead been given list of 86 “patriotic” shows that can be shown to viewers in the latest media clampdown during a sensitive year for the ruling Communist Party.

The notice, published by the state National Radio and Television Administration, also included a ban on “idol dramas”, which revolve around the lives of celebrities.

“TV stations should put emphasis on choosing shows ... and not broadcast any period or ‘idol dramas’ that are too entertaining,” the notice said, according to the South China Morning Post.

“[They must also] make sure the shows broadcast are appropriate for the whole environment during this period”.

The recommended shows included programmes focused on the “different stages of the Chinese people’s road to independence, prosperity and strength”.

Media censorship in China has tightened under President Xi Jinping in the past year with authorities delaying approval for at least three major films this summer.

In January, a popular historical TV drama called The Story of Yanxi Palace was taken off air following a state media article which criticised the “negative impact” of the show.

Yanxi Palace, which focused on backstabbing and intrigue in the imperial Qing dynasty, had been streamed more than 15 billion times in China before it was pulled.

An article in Theory Weekly, a publication linked to the state’s Beijing Daily newspaper, criticised the show for promoting a luxurious and hedonistic lifestyle.

Other imperial period dramas, such as Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace and Scarlet Heart, were also criticised by name.

Idol dramas, which are popular in Japan and South Korea, have been criticised as well by state media for being materialistic and having an allegedly negative influence on society.

Last week, the song “Do You Hear the People Sing?” from the musical Les Miserables also appeared to have been removed from major Chinese music-streaming websites, such as QQ Music, according to the South China Morning Post.

The song had been chanted by crowds during recent pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

Agencies contributed to this report