The Big Bang Theory was once banned in China, although a much worse series was allowed to continue

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The Big Bang Theory was not only a successful series in the West, but also in China. The series had a huge fan base there too, until it was suddenly banned. The series was able to return, but there were new conditions.

When was the series banned? The Big Bang Theory was not only successful in the USA and Europe, the series also amassed a large fan base in China. In 2014, Time Magazine reported that the series had generated 1.3 billion views on the Chinese website SohuTV since 2009.

In 2014, however, it was all over in China for the time being. Several US series disappeared from Chinese streaming sites, including The Big Bang Theory, The Good Wife, NCIS and The Practice. The bizarre thing about the ban was that supposedly worse series like Breaking Bad and House of Cards were not banned.

This was a disappointment for Chinese fans of The Big Bang Theory. The actor who played Raj also had to endure disappointment shortly before filming: The Big Bang Theory: One of the most important actors was fired for no reason – but the creator brought him back

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A ban without proper justification

Why was the series banned? The Chinese sites never gave an official explanation. Time Magazine, however, has a suspicion and it actually has something to do with the series’ success. Before 2014, video sites like SohuTV had significantly more freedom when it came to licenses from abroad.

In 2014, the Chinese government wanted to counteract this. Official television was already regulated and now they wanted more control over online offerings. Since 2014, every American and British TV show has had to have permission from the government before it can be broadcast.

The US State Department also responded to the ban at the time and cited the following reasons, which were vaguely given to them by the Chinese State Administration of Radio, Film and Television:

  • Clause 16 of Online Broadcasting in China:
  • Prohibition of pornographic content
  • Prohibition of violent content
  • Content that violates the Chinese Constitution, endangers the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, causes social unrest, promotes illegal religions and incites ethnic hatred

    • It is not stated which content in the series violated this clause. This makes it all the more bizarre that series like Breaking Bad were still available.

    The fans wanted the series back

    Did the series return? As Time Magazine reported on the subject, some Chinese fans fought for the return of the series in forums. They quoted a user who emphasized the importance of the series.

    All these miserable phenomena highlight the racism, injustice and decadence of Western society. It is an extremely powerful educational tool for those in China who want to emigrate.

    The series returned in July 2015, but had to undergo new regulations. Each season that is to be broadcast must first be approved by a Chinese institution. This naturally makes it difficult for international series to be broadcast in China on time. Many fans in China are also reminded of the nerds in the series. The actors also felt connected to their roles: After a funny scene from The Big Bang Theory, the actor who played Leonard had to cry – it reminded him of his school days.

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