New Generation (TV series)

New Generation (Chinese: 我们的新时代) is a 2021 Chinese television drama produced to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of China. It is an anthology series consisting of six standalone stories, each comprising eight episodes: Beautiful You, Takeoff, Bomb Disposal Expert, Happiness Method, Because I Have A Home and Emergency Rescue.^[1][2][3] It was listed in the 32nd Huading Awards "Top 100 Chinese TV Drama Satisfaction Survey".^[4]

On 16 July 2021, it was released on Beijing Radio and Television Station, Dragon Television, Tencent Video, iQIYI, and Youku.^[5] Professionals from China’s entertainment industry collaborated on the project, reflecting the nation’s history and the commitment of frontline workers.^[6][7]

The series offers a vivid portrayal of contemporary life, showcasing young frontline members from diverse backgrounds, including community volunteers, technical experts, bomb disposal specialists, village doctors, student officials, and civilian rescue team members. These characters confront real-life challenges, from tackling local farming issues to contributing to vital national industries. It reflects the evolving spirit of modern China and brings a fresh perspective to main-theme storytelling.

• Beautiful You: Two female Party members, veteran He Jie (Liu Mintao) and young Bai Jing (Wang Xiaochen), volunteer in their community, discovering fulfillment while contributing to society. They inspire the younger generation to uphold dedication and compassion.^[8][9]
• Takeoff: Master craftsman Zhao Xudong (Li Xuejian) exemplifies unwavering dedication and demands excellence in the aviation industry. Liu Mengyuan (Wang Luodan), his determined apprentice, rises from intern to assembly team leader, ensuring the successful test flight of a domestic aircraft.^[10]
• Bomb Disposal Expert: Liu Xishi (Shawn Dou), a Chinese EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) soldier, rises from a struggling rookie to a skilled team leader in a unit that risks their lives daily to defuse old mines and safeguard the public.^[11]
• Happiness Method: Liu Shilan (Janice Wu) becomes an ER doctor to care for her mother with Alzheimer, later dedicating herself to rural healthcare in Guizhou. She declines a prestigious city job to become a second-generation village doctor, where she confronts Secretary Hai Yang (Zhang Yunlong).^[12][13][14]
• Because I Have A Home: Huang Siqi (Tan Songyun), a dedicated village official, teams up with former internet celebrity Zhuang Xiaodong (Bai Jingting), who returns to his hometown, to motivate local farmers to adopt e-commerce and boost the village's agricultural economy.^[15][16]
• Emergency Rescue: After an earthquake strikes the city, rescue teams and doctors work tirelessly to save those trapped under the debris. As panic spreads, the crisis deepens with power outages and heavy rain, revealing the reality of human behavior.^[17]

• Director: Liu Haibo

• Director: Xu Jizhou.^[18][19]

• Director: Zhang Ting

• Director: Lu Ying.^[20][21]

• Director: Lu Xing.^[22]

• Director: Wu Bai

The series received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences for its compelling storytelling, and insightful portrayal of social themes and generational responsibilities.^[23]

• Bomb Disposal Expert: Shawn Dou's compelling portrayal of a courageous soldier facing extreme danger captivated viewer^[24]
• Have a Home: Tan Songyun and Bai Jingting redefined conventional drama styles with authentic and nuanced performances.^[25] Their genuine acting exceeded expectations and left a notable impression that resonated with audiences.^[26][27]

• New Generation on Weibo (in Chinese)
• New Generation at Douban (in Chinese)
• New Generation at IMDb