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Chinese Teachers’ Top 15 Picks: 2023 Chinese TV Recommendations for Language Learners

1. The Long Season 漫长的季节

DouBan Score: 9.4

Genres: Crime, Drama, Family

Where to watch:

Why do we recommend it to Chinese language learners:

  1. Authentic language use. The drama uses natural dialogue and regional Northeastern Mandarin dialects. This exposes learners to authentic Chinese speech patterns and accents.
  2. Rich vocabulary. The complex plotline and suspense elements result in diverse vocabulary around themes like criminal investigations, interpersonal relationships, social issues, etc. This helps build vocabulary.
  3. Cultural immersion. The drama is set in a small Northeastern Chinese town in the late 1990s. The slice-of-life portrayals provide a cultural and historical glimpse into Chinese society.
  4. Nuanced language. The poetic cinematography and emotional depth require nuanced language to convey. Exposure to this can help learn Mandarin’s nuances.
  5. Listening comprehension. Following the multilayered plot spanning several timelines provides good listening practice and comprehension development.

2. Three-Body Problem 三体

DouBan Score: 8.7

Genres: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy

Where to watch:

Why do we recommend it to Chinese language learners:

the linguistic complexity, cultural subtleties, thought-provoking themes and compelling visuals of “The Three-Body Problem” make it both an entertaining and educational aid for motivated Chinese learners. It provides enriching supplementary material to dive into amid regular textbook learning.

  1. Rich sci-fi vocabulary: By virtue of the sci-fi genre, the show features interesting jargon and terminology around physics, astronomy, technology, etc. This exposure builds valuable vocabulary.
  2. Subtle cultural insights: Though a sci-fi, the show subtly reflects on aspects of Chinese society and governance. Attentive viewing provides cultural insights.
  3. Critical thinking triggers: The complex plots and themes around society, governance, human nature etc. spur critical thinking, great for language production.
  4. Compelling visuals: The acclaimed production values create an immersive experience, helping sustain interest and engagement with the language.

3. Meet Yourself 去有风的地方

DouBan Score: 8.7

Genres: Romance, Drama

Where to watch:

Why do we recommend it to Chinese language learners:

while entertaining and aesthetically pleasing, the drama can immerse Chinese learners in youthful Chinese language across vocabulary, grammar and cultural aspects. The relatable human themes also resonate universally across languages and cultures.

  1. Youthful language: The youth-centric plot and charming romance dictate vibrant, upbeat language with youth slang – great exposure for learners.
  2. Idyllic rural setting: The lush countryside backdrop not only calms but also necessitates rich descriptive language about nature, food, architecture etc.
  3. Insightful cultural contrasts: The urban-rural dichotomy shown via the protagonist’s journey offers insightful exposure to two facets of Chinese culture and lifestyle.
  4. Nuanced emotional expressions: Expressions around interpersonal relationships, emotional healing and personal growth present valuable listening practice.

4. An Ancient Love Song 古相思曲

DouBan Score: 8.6

Genres: Romance, Drama, Fantasy

Where to watch:

Why do we recommend it to Chinese language learners:

this drama offers cultural insights, a fresh perspective, creative visual storytelling, and ties into modern Chinese internet culture. As such, it could be an engaging andeducational immersive experience for Chinese language learners.

  1. It uses innovative storytelling techniques like reverse time travel, providing a fresh take compared to more formulaic idol dramas. This could help engage and maintain learner interest.
  2. Its focus on reinterpreting history from a female perspective provides insight into Chinese gender roles and social norms. This cultural component could aid language learning.
  3. Its production constraints forced creative solutions, like using visual language to imply grandeur versus expensive special effects. This simplicity could aid comprehension.
  4. Its script was inspired by creative fan edits, showing high-quality ideas can come from everyday people. This ties into modern Chinese internet culture.
  5. It critiques the formulaic nature of many idol dramas, signaling an opening for more innovative stories. Learners can acquire language through compelling narratives.

5.  Ripe Down 繁城之下

DouBan Score: 8.5

Genres: Drama, Mystery

Where to watch:

Why do we recommend it to Chinese language learners:

this drama uses mystery storytelling to provide cultural immersion, explore Chinese aesthetic traditions, engage with philosophical ideas, and expose learners to distinct Chinese genres and values. This multidimensional experience could deeply enrich Chinese language learning.

  1. Its immersive suspense plot and atmosphere can help engage and motivate learners. Compelling, high-quality stories aid language acquisition.
  2. Its artistic representation of Chinese aesthetics – through scenery, costumes, architecture – provides cultural enrichment. This context aids vocabulary and character retention.
  3. Its measured, layered mystery narrative style embodies a unique “Chinese suspense” genre, differing from Western thrillers. Exposure to genres can aid fluency.
  4. Its core themes around justice, ethics and generational change represent traditional Chinese values. This moral framework provides insights into Chinese worldviews.
  5. Its blend of action, atmosphere and philosophical rumination creates a diverse language environment to navigate. This variety could expand linguistic range.

6. 破事精英 第二季 The Lord of Losers 2

DouBan Score: 8.6

Genres: Comedy, Drama

Where to watch:

7. 曾少年之小时候 Once and Forever

DouBan Score: 8.5

Genres: Romance, Drama, Family

Where to watch:

https://youtu.be/1wUeSwV8EI8?si=L1wUWdgM6aZjRb5H

8. The Knockout 狂飙

DouBan Score: 8.5

Genres: Crime, Drama

Where to watch:

9. Be With You 我有一个朋友

DouBan Score: 8.5

Genres: Comedy, Drama

Where to watch:

10. Mysterious Lotus Casebook 莲花楼

DouBan Score: 8.5

Genres: Wuxia, Drama, Mysterious

Where to watch:

11. A Long Way Home 父辈的荣耀

DouBan Score: 8.3

Genres: Family, Drama

Where to watch:

12. Nothing But You 爱情而已

DouBan Score: 8.2

Genres: Romance, Drama

Where to watch:

13.  Legend of the UnderCover Chef 鹊刀门传奇

DouBan Score: 8.2

Genres: Wuxia, Comedy

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14. The Heart 问心

DouBan Score: 8.4

Genres: Wuxia, Comedy

Where to watch:

15. Stand By Me 那些回不去的少年时光

DouBan Score: 8.2

Genres: Romance, Drama

Where to watch:

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