The Best TV Shows on CCTV-1

Every CCTV-1 Show Ranked From Best To Worst

Dive into our updated selection of CCTV-1’s finest, featuring more than 20 series as of December 2025. Among CCTV-1’s finest offerings are CCTV Spring Festival Gala: Crosstalk and Sketch and CCTV Spring Festival Gala, which debuted in 1983 and 1983, respectively. A broadcaster of distinction, CCTV-1 has aired more than 20 shows between 1983 and 2025.

  • Dong bei yi jia ren
    Dong bei yi jia ren (2002)9.5

  • The Romance Of Three Kingdoms
    The Romance Of Three Kingdoms (1994)9.1

    Adapted from the classical 14th century novel of the same title by Luo Guanzhong, Romance of the Three Kingdoms is part historical, part legend, and part mythical – romanticises and dramatises the lives of feudal lords and their retainers, who tried to replace the dwindling Han dynasty or restore it. The focus is mainly on the three power blocs that emerged from the remnants of the Han dynasty, and would eventually form the three states of Cao Wei, Shu Han, and Eastern Wu.

  • The Water Margin
    The Water Margin (1998)9.1

    The trials and tribulations of 108 outlaws during the mid Song Dynasty.

  • GG Bond
    GG Bond (2006)9.1

  • CCTV Spring Festival Gala: Crosstalk and Sketch
    CCTV Spring Festival Gala: Crosstalk and Sketch (1983)9.0

  • Jing-Ju Cats
    Jing-Ju Cats (2015)9.0

    Formally a paradise for all cats, the Cat Land Purpetua has been invaded and occupied by the dark lord AN, aided by his enslaved mutant monsters. The evil chaos reigns throughout the Purpetua and leads everything down to a wrong path. Only Jing-Ju Cats can overthrow An and resist the forces of evil chaos. A cat named LIL'PAI from the Clangour Town was once rescued by a Jing- Ju Cat at a very young age. He swore to be a great Jing-Ju Cat when he grows up. Once in a fight with monsters, he met the descendants of Jing- Ju Cats WU, ZAD and JEAN, and started to learn Kung Fu from their master Tang Ming and Granny GIN. The young LIL'PAI had neither blue blood nor outstanding talents. However, because of his amazing endeavor and the will of never giving up, he had succeeded through many trials and tribulations. LIL'PAI and his fellow Jing-Ju Cats rejoin forces to defeat the evil threat, reclaim their home and restore the peace in their land.

  • Yongzheng Dynasty
    Yongzheng Dynasty (1999)8.8

    The series was adapted from Eryue He's historical novels, which are loosely based on historical events in the reigns of the Kangxi and Yongzheng Emperors in the Qing dynasty (1644–1911).

  • Journey to the West
    Journey to the West (1986)8.4

    Journey to the West is a Chinese television series adapted from the classical novel of the same title. The series was first broadcast on CCTV in China on 1 October 1986. The series became an instant classic in China and is still being praised as the best and most authentic interpretation of the novel. Unadapted portions of the original story were later covered in the second season, which was released in 1999.

  • The Qin Empire
    The Qin Empire (2009)8.3

    The rise of the Qin state in the Warring States period during the reign of Duke Xiao of Qin.

  • Boonie Bears: The Adventurers
    Boonie Bears: The Adventurers (2017)8.3

  • Like a Flowing River
    Like a Flowing River (2018)8.3

    The story of Song Yunhui, Lei Dongbao, and Yang Xun as they take part in China’s economic reform from the 1980s to the 1990s.

  • Begin Again
    Begin Again (2024)7.7

    In Macau, where modernity meets tradition, four lives intertwine. Art curator Chen Jiahui seeks inspiration, race car driver Han Junhao chases redemption, and career-driven Mai Youge questions her path after meeting the enigmatic Xu Junle. Amid the city’s charm, they each embark on journeys of self-discovery.

  • 蓝猫龙骑团
    蓝猫龙骑团 (2009)7.0

  • The Legend of Bruce Lee
    The Legend of Bruce Lee (2008)6.9

    The story of the legendary martial arts icon Bruce Lee following him from Hong Kong to America and back again, leading up to his tragic death at the age of 32.

  • Silent Honor
    Silent Honor (2025)6.8

    In the final days of the Chinese Civil War, Communist agents Wu Shi and Zhu Feng go undercover in Taiwan to gather vital military intelligence. Sacrificing their personal lives for their mission, they risk everything to aid the liberation of key islands until a betrayal jeopardizes their lives.

  • CCTV Spring Festival Gala
    CCTV Spring Festival Gala (1983)5.8

  • Love Stories in the Countryside
    Love Stories in the Countryside (2006)5.6

  • Liu Lao Gen
    Liu Lao Gen (2002)N/A

  • Voice
    Voice (2012)N/A

  • Boonie Bears
    Boonie Bears (2012)N/A

    Starring two bears, Briar and Bramble, who continuously try to stop Logger Vick from cutting down trees in their forest. Vick constantly tries to carry out his job as a woodcutter, only to be hilariously outwitted by the bears.