A hit among young viewers in China, 'The Interpreters' is a TV drama that chronicles the lives of two translators working side by side. The viral television hit has sparked conversations on local social media channels and discussion boards and "is the first Chinese TV drama focused on the professional lives of people working in China’s foreign language sector."
Considered both well-paid and highly respected, a translator role is a career aspiration for many of China's post-secondary students, urban professionals and web users. Aside from its intriguing story line, 'The Interpreters' paints a relatable picture of a day in the life of urban professionals and has gained popularity thanks to its aspirational theme. Often viewed as mysterious, the role of a translator is dissected in this television series, leading to a more candid television format than similar releases that were more in tune with China's strict media laws.
Career-Minded TV Dramas
The Interpreters is a Chinese Drama That Targets Millennial Audiences
Trend Themes
1. Millennial Chinese TV Dramas - 'The Interpreters' is part of a trend of TV dramas in China that target millennial audiences, capturing their attention by showcasing relatable professional lives and careers.
2. Career Aspirations in Translation - 'The Interpreters' highlights the popularity and aspiration of translation as a career among China's post-secondary students, urban professionals, and web users, creating opportunities for disruptive innovations in language learning and professional development.
3. Candid Portrayal of Professional Lives - 'The Interpreters' breaks the mold of traditional Chinese TV dramas by offering a more candid and realistic look into the life of urban professionals, presenting opportunities for disruptive innovations in storytelling and media representation.
Industry Implications
1. Television and Entertainment - The success of 'The Interpreters' highlights the potential for disruptive innovation in creating TV dramas that resonate with millennial audiences and showcase relatable professional lives and careers.
2. Language Learning and Education - The popularity of translation as a career choice highlighted by 'The Interpreters' opens up opportunities for disruptive innovations in language learning methods and professional development programs.
3. Media and Storytelling - 'The Interpreters' challenges traditional storytelling in Chinese TV dramas by offering a more candid look into professional lives, indicating potential for disruptive innovations in media representation and content creation.