The Best TV Shows on CCTV-8

After a brutal invasion of China by the Imperial Japanese Army, a Chinese professor in Boston named Wu Ming Tai decides to return to Beijing to translate a document for the UN. This document confirmed the war crimes of the Japanese army against China. However, the Japanese general was aware of the professor's return home. The army would do anything to prevent the return of Wu Ming Tai, including kidnapping his brother and forcing him to become a Japanese citizen.

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

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

Kangxi Dynasty is a 2001 Chinese television series based on the novel Kangxi Da Di by Eryue He. The series is a prequel to the 1997 television series Yongzheng Dynasty, and was followed by Qianlong Dynasty in 2002.

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.

Based on the voyages of Admiral Zheng He, the explorer who led seven expeditions to Southeast Asia, South Asia and East Africa during the 15th century.

Da Feng Ge, also known as Da Han Shengshi and Wind Song, is a Chinese television series based on historical events in the early Han Dynasty, beginning with the founding of the dynasty by Emperor Gaozu after his triumph over Xiang Yu, and the events leading to the reign of Emperor Wen. Directed by Huang Jianzhong, the series starred Ray Lui, Wang Ji, Liu Mu, Zhang Guangbei, Chen Wei and Li Qingxiang in the leading roles. It was first broadcast on CCTV-8 in China on 17 December 2011.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Jian Bing is a well-known advertising director in the industry, while Sheng Yang is a newcomer just entering society. They meet by chance at a restaurant—a recently divorced woman and a person waiting for love in vain. With Sheng Yang's companionship, Jian Bing regains confidence in life and love. Under Jian Bing's guidance and encouragement, Sheng Yang grows from an inexperienced and impulsive young man, showing his potential. They heal each other and gradually develop feelings. However, they face unavoidable obstacles in reality—identity and experience differences, opposition from their families, and workplace gossip. Jian Bing and Sheng Yang decide to leave the future in the hands of time. They dedicate many first experiences to each other, and it is through this trust and shared journey that they become better versions of themselves. After going through twists and turns, they once again find their way back to each other.

Set in 1930s Shanghai, the drama follows Ma Tianming, a cunning conman who becomes entangled in a dangerous political conflict. After a twist of fate makes him a suspect in a case, he assumes the identity of Hengshan Hospital’s chief doctor, Cai Likun—only to discover that Cai is a member of the underground Communist Party. As he struggles to maintain his cover, Ma Tianming finds himself caught between survival and a greater cause.

The Drive of Life is a 2007 grand production drama by TVB and CCTV as a joint production. It was specially filmed to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong back to China from Britain during the period of 1997-2007. The theme of the series revolves around the automobile industry in China. Told in flashback from 1994, the ups and downs and transformations that Hong Kong has been experiencing before and after the transfer of the sovereignty of Hong Kong is used as a narrative device. The series was filmed in Hong Kong, Beijing, Ningbo and Vancouver from early October 2006 until May 2007. The automobiles featured in the series are from Geely Automobile, as a fictional brand name "Hua-Zhe". This film ties with TVB drama "War and Beauty" for the record of having the most "Best Actress" winners, where Jessica Hsuan, Charmaine Sheh, Sheren Tang and Myolie Wu won their respective "Best Actress" awards in 1999, 2006, 2009/2010, and 2011.

Fang Zhimin and the Northward Anti-Japanese Advance Unit as they fight against Japanese forces. After being captured by Kuomintang troops, Fang Zhimin leads the creation of a secret branch in prison as they work on the next phase of their resistance.