Ratings Soar for The Legend of Canghai as it Tops Chinese Television Charts
The TV series "藏海传" (The Legend of Canghai) has seen a significant surge in its ratings since its premiere on May 18, 2025, on CCTV-8. According to data from multiple platforms, the show's ratings have consistently been strong, with its peak rating reaching 2.2% on May 27, making it the top-rated show on CCTV-8 during the golden time slot. The show's success can be attributed to its engaging storyline, which combines elements of politics, mystery, and traditional culture. The drama tells the story of Canghai, a young man who seeks revenge for his family's tragic fate, and his journey is full of twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

31 May 2025
The show's cast, including Xiao Zhan and Zhang Jingyi, has also been praised for their performances. Xiao Zhan's portrayal of Canghai has been particularly well-received, with many fans praising his ability to convey the character's complex emotions and depth. The show's ratings have been consistently high, with its average rating reaching 1.7467% on May 27, according to data from the radio and television administration. The show's peak rating has also broken the 2% mark, making it one of the highest-rated shows on Chinese television.
The success of "藏海传" has also been reflected in its online popularity, with the show's hashtag trending on social media platforms and its episodes being widely shared and discussed online. The show's popularity has also led to increased interest in traditional Chinese culture, with many viewers praising the show's attention to historical detail and its portrayal of Chinese customs and traditions. In a remarkable milestone, the Chinese television drama "Cang Hai Chuan" has set a new record for the most user reviews on IMDB, surpassing the previous record held by "Chen Qing Ling". With an impressive 13,000 user reviews, "Cang Hai Chuan" has not only garnered a significant following but also seen its rating soar from an initial 9.1 to 9.5.

The plot of "Czc海传" has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, with many taking to social media to discuss the intricacies of the narrative. A pivotal scene that has garnered significant attention features the character 藏海 (Cang Hai) sitting beside 香暗荼 (Xiang An Zhu), overcome with emotion to the point of tears. The online community is abuzz with discussions about this moment, with many users expressing their admiration for the subtlety and depth of the characters' interactions. The fan engagement extends beyond mere discussion, with the show's reception prompting the announcement of a "#藏海传二创大赛#" (Cang Hai Transmission Second Creation Contest), where fans can express their creativity inspired by the series.
Despite the recent fluctuations in viewership ratings, the overall trajectory of the series indicates a strong foundation for future development. The series' ability to initially draw in a large viewership demonstrates the public's interest in its genre and storyline, suggesting that with adjustments to address the causes of the ratings drop, such as enhancing character development, pacing, and perhaps integrating more dynamic plot elements, the show could regain and even surpass its initial popularity. The involvement of popular actors like Xiao Zhan brings a built-in fan base, which can be leveraged to promote the series across different platforms, potentially attracting an even broader audience.
The thematic depth of "藏海传", which explores historical, mystical, and humanistic elements, offers a rich canvas for storytelling and character development. By delving deeper into these themes and ensuring that each episode contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative without unnecessary prolongation, the series can maintain viewer engagement and attract critical acclaim. In conclusion, while "藏海传" faces challenges in maintaining consistent viewership, its initial success, coupled with the potential for strategic adjustments and the inherent appeal of its storyline, positions it well for future growth and development. With thoughtful production and marketing strategies, "藏海传" could not only recover from its ratings slump but also achieve a lasting impact on Chinese television drama.