The Best TV Shows on CCTV-8

Every CCTV-8 Show Ranked From Best To Worst

Across the timeline from 2001 to 2026, CCTV-8 has presented audiences with over 20 captivating shows. Icons of CCTV-8, Laughing in the Wind and Amazing Detective Di Renjie made their debut in 2001 and 2004, setting industry standards. As of February 2026, our compilation of CCTV-8’s top-rated series boasts over 20 unique shows.

  • Amazing Detective Di Renjie
    Amazing Detective Di Renjie (2004)9.0

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

  • Our Dazzling Days
    Our Dazzling Days (2026)9.0

    In the 1990s, orphan Zhang Xiaoman grows up in the industrial city of Tiexicheng, earning the title “Son of Tiexicheng” for his loyalty and integrity. Alongside the steady Xia Lei and the brave Yan Xiaodan, he experiences a passionate youth. As economic changes force them to leave their hometown to search for new opportunities, they eventually return, weaving a touching story of unwavering loyalty and finding their way back home.

  • My Own Swordsman
    My Own Swordsman (2006)8.9

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

  • Ma Dashuai
    Ma Dashuai (2004)8.8

  • Blossoms Shanghai
    Blossoms Shanghai (2023)8.6

    Set against the backdrop of massive economic growth in the 1990s, the story follows A Bao, a self-made millionaire and his journey from being a young opportunist with a troubled past to accumulating dazzling wealth in the city of Shanghai. It also follows his entanglement with four women who represent the pursuits of his life: adventure, honour, love and innocence.

  • The Knockout
    The Knockout (2023)8.2

    20 years of perseverance, hot-blooded teenagers finally become the people's hero.

  • Love Again
    Love Again (2025)8.2

    After his wife’s death, retired professor Shen Zhuoran reluctantly returns to dating. He meets four very different women: a compassionate nurse, a brilliant but ill scientist, a strong-willed union leader, and a woman who reminds him of his late wife. Through these encounters, he faces love, loss, and personal growth, ultimately transforming his perspective on life and deeply affecting his family.

  • Laughing in the Wind
    Laughing in the Wind (2001)8.1

    Laughing in the Wind is a 2001 Chinese television series produced by Zhang Jizhong, starring Li Yapeng and Xu Qing in the leading roles. The series is an adaptation of Louis Cha's novel The Smiling, Proud Wanderer. It was first broadcast on CCTV in China in 2001.

  • 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.

  • Qin Dynasty Epic
    Qin Dynasty Epic (2020)8.1

    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.

  • Love Story in the 1970s
    Love Story in the 1970s (2026)8.0

    In 1970s China, Fei Ni, a hardworking factory girl, enters a fake marriage with Fang Muyang to secure housing and chase her dream of attending college. Through shared struggles and quiet moments, their bond deepens into real love as they pursue a brighter future together.

  • 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. He is 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.

  • Magic Mobile Phone
    Magic Mobile Phone (2008)7.5

    What happens when a time blip brings an all-purpose, ultra-tech mobile phone from 2060 and Journey to the West characters from ancient China to 2006? Loopy adventures abound in the new Mainland drama Magic Mobile Phone starring swordsman regular Vincent Jiao Enjun (The Tearful Sword) in his first modern drama. Trading in his sword for a superhero cape, Jiao has to save earth from being destroyed by the Bull Demon in this CGI-laden roly-poly mix of fantasy, adventure, sci-fi, and comedy. Joining in the good-natured silliness is Shu Chang (Lotus Lantern) and Li Bin (Shanghai Dream)

  • Guardians of the Dafeng
    Guardians of the Dafeng (2024)7.5

    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.

  • The Tale of Rose
    The Tale of Rose (2024)7.4

    Born into a scholarly family, Huang Yimei grows up surrounded by care and affection, displaying artistic talent from a young age. Early in her career, she quickly gains recognition and meets her partner, Zhuang Guodong. They fall in love but eventually drift apart. This period of professional growth gives her a clearer vision for her future, leading her to return to school for further education. After graduation, she marries her senior, Fang Xiewen. However, their divergent career paths lead to a divorce. Huang Yimei then starts her own business and makes a name for herself in the planning for art exhibitions. During this time, she meets her soulmate, Fu Jiaming, but their love story ends tragically with his passing just a few months later. Despite this, Huang Yimei remains resilient, continuing to strive for a more fulfilling life.

  • Sword Snow Stride
    Sword Snow Stride (2021)7.3

    In a time of turmoil, Xu Xiao rises as King of Northern Liang, defeating threats from steppe kingdoms and southern uprisings. His heir, Xu Fengnian, a free-spirited warrior, has spent years mastering his skills while forming alliances, including with the skilled swordswoman Nangong Pushe. Among the royal household is Jiang Ni, a princess from a rival kingdom who may harbor hidden motives. As Xu Fengnian ascends the throne, doubts arise about his ability to uphold his father’s legacy. When a critical campaign looms, the fate of the realm hangs in the balance.

  • Mysterious Lotus Casebook
    Mysterious Lotus Casebook (2023)7.3

    Li Lian Hua is a countryside doctor who travels dragging around a lotus tower. He accidentally becomes "famous" and gets pulled into the pugilistic world that he no longer wants to have any connections with.

  • The Unclouded Soul
    The Unclouded Soul (2025)7.3

    For centuries, humans and demons have battled over the legendary Yuli Spring, a symbol of desire. Free-spirited Xiao Yao unexpectedly enters Ten Thousand Demons Valley, disrupting the demon world. There, she meets the powerful Demon King Hong Ye, who grows to admire her pure heart. Together, they face mysterious cases and formidable enemies, uncovering hidden truths along the way.

  • Ode to Joy
    Ode to Joy (2016)6.3

    Five independent, career-driven women living in the Ode to Joy apartment building navigate love, ambition, and personal growth as they chase fulfillment on their own terms. As they try to make it in the big city, each faces unique challenges and romantic entanglements while discovering who they truly want to be.

  • Legend of Zang Hai
    Legend of Zang Hai (2025)5.8

    "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.