Brit dramas a hit with online sophisticates

A suave dresser on Sherlock, Benedict Cumberbatch brings British fashion and wit to hardcore fans in China. Provided to China Daily

Wit, detail help UK series avoid the 'disdain chain'.

American entertainment products dominate in many parts of the world, but British TV creators will be cheered to learn a new term invented by China's young Web users.

They call it the "disdain chain", snubbing American shows on the Internet in favor of British series.

The group also looks askance on those watching South Korean dramas.

Users who only follow Chinese local productions, unfortunately, are at the lowest end.

"British TV dramas are humorous and thought-provoking at the same time," said Zhao Bingbing, who has 12 years management experience in China-UK cultural exchange and trade.

"The scripts are sophisticated. Lines witty," said Zhao. "Actors have solid training in theater. All these factors make watching British shows something classy."

Zhao said the UK Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai Expo and the 2012 London Olympics were drives that greatly promoted British culture.

Now more and more refined British shows and audiences in China are finding each other through video websites, which are themselves in fierce competition as they constantly search for appealing new content.

Major Chinese video websites Youku and Tencent both perceive British dramas as a new growth point for their streaming services.

Youku is now screening the fourth season of Downton Abbey simultaneously with its UK release.

The website has also inked multi-show deals with the BBC, Shine and Fremantle to stream 32 shows. At the same time Tencent has secured exclusive rights to 13 British shows with 500 episodes, including the classic Doctor Who and the new hit Black Mirror.

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