Micro dramas, short and fast-paced narrative films, have become a sensation in China, appealing to audiences facing limited social mobility and high youth unemployment. Popular series like Grandma’s Moon often depict rags-to-riches or revenge stories, resonating with viewers who yearn for success and wealth.

“These dramas often portray characters who rise from poverty to affluence, humiliating those who once looked down on them,” says Camille Rao, a former film producer who now writes for micro dramas in the U.S. market.

Social Reality in the Stories

Xu Ting, an associate professor at Jiangnan University, explains that these stories are popular because they reflect social realities in modern China, where upward mobility is increasingly difficult. The desire for power and wealth has contributed to the popularity of such narratives.

Regulatory Crackdown

However, this growth has not come without scrutiny. Between late 2022 and early 2023, China’s National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) removed over 25,000 micro dramas due to “low-brow” and “vulgar” content. The government has also started requiring some creators to register their productions.

Growth in the West

Despite the crackdown, the micro drama industry continues to thrive, with productions also expanding to Western markets. Companies like NetEase are producing dramas for the U.S. audience, which feature English scripts and Hollywood-based crews. These productions focus on themes of wealth, infidelity, and personal miracles, similar to those popular in China.

Micro dramas are produced quickly and at a low cost, with budgets as low as $28,000 and episodes filmed in just a few days. Actors’ salaries are also rising, reflecting the genre’s growing popularity. As Chinese companies eye international markets, micro dramas are set to become a global phenomenon.