The Best TV Shows on CCTV-8

Every CCTV-8 Show Ranked From Best To Worst

Across the timeline from 2004 to 2025, CCTV-8 has presented audiences with over 20 captivating shows. Among CCTV-8’s finest offerings are Amazing Detective Di Renjie and 龙票, which debuted in 2004 and 2004, respectively. Our curated list, current as of June 2025, showcases over 20 of CCTV-8’s highest-rated series.

  • Amazing Detective Di Renjie
    Amazing Detective Di Renjie (2004)9.1

    Di Renjie is Tang dynasty magistrate and statesman, who investigates mysterious murders.

  • Battle of Changsha
    Battle of Changsha (2014)9.0

    In 1938, as war engulfs Changsha, the Hu family struggles to protect their twins. Amid loss and destruction, Xiangxiang faces love, tragedy, and duty, while the people of Hunan unite to resist the Japanese invasion.

  • My Own Swordsman
    My Own Swordsman (2006)8.9

    A comedy about some friends and their stories in Qixia Town.

  • The First Shot
    The First Shot (2024)8.8

    In 1997, before the anti-drug bureau was established, Halan City in Northeast China formed a temporary elite team to tackle a sudden drug crisis. Despite their skills, they are unfamiliar with new drugs and must confront ruthless traffickers and devious smuggling methods while grappling with moral dilemmas and the tests of justice and humanity. United by their courage and determination, they create a stirring legend of fighting crime and corruption.

  • Legend of Zang Hai
    Legend of Zang Hai (2025)8.7

    "Legend of Zang Hai" follows the son of Imperial Astronomer Kuai Duo. Consumed by vengeance, he spends a decade honing his skills. Assuming the name Zang Hai, he ventures into the capital to uncover the truth, avenge his family, and restore justice.

  • Joy of Life
    Joy of Life (2019)8.1

    Zhang Qing, a present-day college student in culture and history major wants to study in professor Ye's postgraduate class, so he decides to write a historical fiction to elaborate his perspective of analyzing ancient literature history with modern concept. In the fiction, Zhang himself acts as a young man Fan Xian with mysterious life who lives in a remote seaside town of Kingdom Qing in his childhood, under the help of a mysterious mentor and a blindfolded watchman. Fan goes to the capital when he grows up, where he experiences plenty of ordeal and temper. Fan persists in adhering the rule of justice and goodness and lives his own glorious life.

  • War of Faith
    War of Faith (2024)8.1

    Set in 1928, it tells the story of Wei Ruo Lai and his determination to courageously pursue his strong aspirations in serving his country. He regarded Shen Tu Nan, a senior adviser, as his mentor when he was a low-level employee at a financial institution. Through the excellence of his memory and data analysis ability, Wei Ruo Lai has been favored by Shen Tu Nan. However, his line of work made him witness the blatant corruption and darkness in the financial field unleashed by the Kuomintang with his own eyes.

  • Chuan Qi Da Zhang Gui
    Chuan Qi Da Zhang Gui (2015)8.0

  • Qin Dynasty Epic
    Qin Dynasty Epic (2020)7.8

    During the late stages of the Warring States era of the Qin state, Ying Zheng, Lu Bu Wei, Li Si, Wang Jian and many formidable politicians work together to unite the six states under one rule.

  • Three-Body
    Three-Body (2023)7.8

    Nanotechnology researcher Wang Miao is taken to the Joint Operations Center by police officer Shi Qiang, who's investigating the mysterious suicide wave among scientists worldwide, and recruited to sneak into an organization called the Frontiers of Science to help the investigation. When Wang Miao is contacted by the leader of the organization, Shen Yufei, she introduces him to a sophisticated VR video game called Three-Body, but soon he discovers that it's more than just a game.

  • Guardians of the Dafeng
    Guardians of the Dafeng (2024)7.3

    Xu Qi’an, a recent police academy graduate, awakens in a strange world filled with Confucians, Taoists, Buddhists, demons, and warlocks. Facing imminent exile to a remote frontier town, he seizes the chance to change his fate by joining a powerful organization of guardians.

  • Ode to Joy
    Ode to Joy (2016)6.2

    Can five single, independent career women who live in the Ode to Joy apartment building find fulfillment on their own terms? An Di is a successful business woman who has returned to China after studying in New York to find her younger brother. Qu Xiao Xiao is only 25 but already owns her own small business. Fang Sheng Mei grew up in poverty but has shed her “Princess of the Streets” background to work for a multinational company. Qiu Ying Ying is a 20-year-old small-town girl who is trying to make it in the big city. Guan Ju Er is a 20-year-old from a highly educated family, but she must discover what she wants out of life when enters the workforce for the first time. For these women, there is a man (or two) who is trying to get their attention. Dr. Zhao is a flirtatious, handsome doctor. Qi Dian is the stoic businessman. Wang Bai Chuan is Sheng Mei’s steadfast friend who has always carried a torch for her. Yao Bin is a second-generation chaebol. Tan Zong Ming is An Di’s boss who has been friend-zoned by her despite knowing her since their schooldays. 

  • 破晓东方
    破晓东方 (2022)5.5

  • 龙票
    龙票 (2004)N/A

  • 汗血宝马
    汗血宝马 (2005)N/A

  • 昭君出塞
    昭君出塞 (2006)N/A

  • 辛追传奇
    辛追传奇 (2007)N/A

  • 我的老爸是卧底
    我的老爸是卧底 (2016)N/A

  • Years of Passion
    Years of Passion (2018)N/A

    A story that takes place during a time of economic reform in China and follows the little people and their struggles amidst a great era. Zhou Xiao Qiang has decided to ride the tide of economic reform. Starting out as a man who outwitted others for his own gain, he managed to build a small factory in the 80's. In the the 90's, he has created a garments empire. In the advent of a new millennia and the rise of e-commerce, he has steered his company into the international markets. However, the ups and downs of business does not come without a price. With the help of his wife Liu Li Xia, his close confidante Xiao Yao and his younger brother Zhou Da Chao, he faces the obstacles head on. (Source: ChineseDrama.info)

  • Dear Children
    Dear Children (2021)N/A

    In the 1980s, the Mu siblings chase their dreams amid a rapidly changing world. As they navigate careers in education, industry, journalism, and the arts, they face challenges, ethical dilemmas, and family conflicts. Over the years, their ambitions drive innovation, justice, and reconciliation, shaping their futures and the lives of those around them.