Crime TV series The Knockout, released on streaming website iQIYI and Central China Television on January 14, 2023, has been a big hit. Centered on a two-decade struggle between police officer An Xin and fish vendor-turned mogul Gao Qiqiang, the fast-paced thriller was acclaimed for its realistic plots and stellar performances. With iQIYI’s subscribers surpassing 120 million and its share price rising by 9.1 percent by the time the finale aired on February 1, its success has convinced video platforms that production quality counts. Veteran screenwriters, investors and reviewers paid tribute to the series. Unlike a dichotomy between heroes and villains, The Knockout displays the complexity of human nature and is considered a faithful reflection of contemporary society. Meanwhile, it struck a heavy blow to the tacky shows that rely on nothing but the star power of online celebrities. As China set an upper limit on the income of actors last year, producers may have more money to spend on quality movies.
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