Why Are MediaCorp Dramas So Unpopular?

The recent circuit breaker had us bored enough to flip through the television and we found ourselves asking: Why is Mediacorp so unpopular amongst young Singaporeans? Most of us were ardent fans of Mediacorp dramas as kids. So what changed? To find out, we delved into the fascinating world of Mediacorp dramas.
Disclaimer: Due to limitations in terms of our language abilities, we weren't able to include shows from Suria and Vasatham. However, if you have any insights from there, we would love to hear them in the comments below!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
🔗 LET'S CONNECT.
Instagram: / dott.sg
Facebook: / dott.media
🎬 PRODUCED, WRITTEN, & EDITED BY
Daniel: / danielyap
Wenxin: / wenxjn
Yoyo: / yoyotwinkles
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOTT stands for Documentaries on the Tube (very creative name, we know). At DOTT, we answer the questions you’ve always wanted to ask. If our films have inspired even a fraction of change in knowledge, attitude or action, consider our goals achieved.

[@mamamememoo]

As a scriptwriter, I would like to share that often times it isn’t that we cannot write better stories, or wittier dialogues, or scripts with more depth. It boils down to the broadcaster, it’s commissioning agent and red tape. As a writer and heartlander, I do not look down on our audiences ability to understand a more complex story, but the broadcaster often times ask us to pare it down, or overhaul the script greatly to meet their poorly pre-conceived notions of what heartlanders will like and are able to grasp. Please don’t hate on us writers. We are equally as frustrated, maybe even more so.

[@dott5174]

Hey Shalom! Thanks for sharing your perspective, that's interesting to know.

[@thyamus]

that's why it's boring, as I stated

[@marvint480]

That’s why PAP are our worst enemy. But the rich are so scared of failing.

[@BK7364]

There’s actually a more direct explanation. The leaders in Mediacorp are not interested in change and challenges. So the same old stuff gets approved while challenging scripts and shows get canned. There’s good talent. They just aren’t allowed past the gate keepers.

[@meilishang663]

Very nice summary, but I would like to highlight that “the last madame” and “ti tuodao” are not produced by Mediacorp, that’s why it’s worth watching. Which is also why you don’t see full time Mediacorp artistes acting inside .

[@eleanorpeh8803]

Last madame sisters of the nights is so nice omg

[@PrathinavRaghavendar]

I finally got the answer. I feel that if the IMDA just loosens up its regulations a bit and treats local dramas like movies (i.e. give a drama a M!18 or NC16 rating based on its content), things can be easily changed.

[@taylorong9645]

I don’t think the restrictions on language use, especially Mandarin, reduces the quality of current TV Shows. Mandarin dialogue sounds awkward because most Singaporeans are bad at Chinese. It sounds off even when a simple idiom is used in a dialogue - because although it’s common to hear them from a PRC/Taiwanese, not many Singaporeans have good enough Mandarin to use idioms in conversation. Turn to any Chinese/Taiwanese drama and you’ll find the same lines conveyed in a much more natural way. We do have a “local touch” in the dialogues of Singaporean Mandarin TV shows, where there’s a bit of slang here and there - but if you really want “authentic” Singaporean Mandarin, those you hear from the people around you - it’ll likely be filled with English terms and grammar errors. Especially from the younger generation. 艺术源于生活但高于生活，我们没办法在电视剧电影中直接使用最地道、最真实的说话方式。 Side note - Ti Tou Dao and Last Madame are not Mediacorp productions. They are outsourced. They are produced by Oak3 Films and Ochre Pictures respectively.

[@Zenocius]

When Suria starts to show Chinese and Korean dramas, you know that something's not right...

[@mamamememoo]

This is because Mediacorp is now a private entity. Previously the broadcaster was funded by the government. Those were the days where we got period dramas and more expensive sets/ locations. And then everything went downhill at some point. Also it just got cheaper to purchase dramas from elsewhere than to make their own ones... plus they were losing eyeballs and need them to attract advertisers aka $$$.

[@rogercmk95]

Incredibly well made video! I love the edit style. You guys have clearly done your research and not spouting fact-less opinions. Even Singaporean youtube channels have become cringe worthy for me but this is good stuff. Good job! Keep it up!

[@NCHProductions]

mediacorp here and there lo..... had a TV playing mediacorp in the background while I do my work.... they're showing a latest show where a mom goes to school with her daugther, the teaser had her saying "how do you do? Fellow kids!" I took a double take upon hearing that and shouted "Did they just took that iconic line from 30rock and put it into their show?!!!" Yeah, still need more work but, couple months back, they showed some proof of concept short films that they ask people to vote for them to be made into a series, one of it was a horror series in the vein/almost copy to the korean monster movie, the host, call raksasa. I think that was like the only show they actually attempt to break newgrounds... hope something develops from that....

[@ZzdeathangelzZ]

Pretty good summary on the local media scene!

[@eleanorpeh8803]

I hope that they accept our feedback no more cringe family lame drama😂 and too many rom com😂

[@charlesrichet6120]

I don’t quite agree with DOTT. Check out K Dramas. They would easily comply with IMDAs rules. I suspect it’s more to do with the script, budget and actors. I don’t agree that we need nudity, language or violence to be popular.

[@KeithLeeMH]

I will supplement the point here in support of Dott then. I think what is key here are stakeholders going "That's not obvious enough" and they are afraid if not exposited, the audience won't get it. Hope that helps

[@KeithLeeMH]

Just to point out that we have quality scriptwriters here in Singapore, it's just the clamping down of those who pumps in the money. It's a known challenge by any local filmmaker

[@aaagogo]

want to change the local media landscape, first you have to change those who put those rules and regulations in place, it's as simple as that. Until a new leadership in singapore that stops selling "if you don't have a degree, you won't be successful" and the best Wuhan Virus poll on the national newspaper showed that artist jobs is the #1 ranked non-essential job, nothing will change. #VoteThemOut

[@clara01231]

I think because actors and actresses needs more emotion rather than just delivering the line they need to work more into that matter. So far Rebecca Lim got it perfectly. Lastly add more thrill or plot twist in the story so the audience will be curious of what will happen next or what would be the ending. That they would get excited and look forward on what will happen next. Not that typical thing that they will watch the show then turn off the tv coz they knew the ending

[@HyuugaC0bicat]

This is beautiful, i still cant believe that durian alien thing happened. Suscribed and hoping for more!!

[@parrypan1302]

Missed those 1980s and early 90s SBC and TCS productions!!

[@novastardolphine]

The last time I watched them was 2013 :') I miss shows like game plan, beyond X ? Those shows are unique! especially beyond X~ they even include the marble dropping sounds part XD 13 floor = leads to another dimension XD 13:13:13

[@JeddtheJedi]

This was really well done. I know people who write for Singapore TV, and I imagine it must be intensely soul-crushing. The thing is, there are talented writers in Singapore, but the restrictions you've pointed out mean that every good idea they might have is flattened instead of developed and nurtured. There is no room for experimentation and innovation. I feel like there is a sliver of hope though, however thin, and would recommend checking out Khloe - it has some of the pitfalls associated with local media, but is also sharper, darker and generally better-acted than most MeWatch originals. I think the main thing that stands out to me is that the protagonist is a villain - it's very much "what if Patrick Bateman from American Psycho were a Singaporean influencer," which is pretty daring far as local content goes.

[@mamamememoo]

They are more willing to push the envelope on MEWATCH than on telly because it is online. There are more restrictions when it comes to TV broadcast.

[@mamamememoo]

And yes.... it is indeed soul-crushing, gut-wrenching and highly frustrating to write for local TV because we have a better story to tell but can’t do so.

[@javinye626]

@@mamamememoo Actually, even on MeWatch, Last Madame with its M18 rating had it's sex scene slightly censored, which is kinda weird since it's already deemed a show for mature audiences

[@JeddtheJedi]

I think that while online content is less restricted, it is still hard to break free of years of rigidly enforced standards. I think the shows that are produced by external production companies but then are distributed by the MediaCorp-owned MeWatch are generally better than the shows made in-house, and hopefully that's the direction things will move towards. I feel like Singapore's media censorship is symptomatic of the government viewing the citizens as children who need to be disciplined and controlled, therefore trusting that audiences will have the maturity should they choose to consume mature content is hard for the authorities to fathom.

[@Roma-kp4qg]

This video was well-made and concise!

[@javinye626]

You've pointed out some very good points about the current media industry in Singapore that still needs to be ironed out. As a side note, as some commentators have already pointed out, Titoudao and The Last Madame are produced by external production houses, Oak3 Films and Ochre Pictures respectively. Interesting enough, I too enjoy these 2 local dramas, and as someone who also works in the media industry for a while now, I think they are the step in the right direction, especially Last Madame. Hopefully in the future we see our industry improve, but competition from overseas films and shows is getting stronger, so we better improve fast...

[@hilscreate]

Hey thanks for this video. Really well edited and written. There is another aspect which is budget and deadline. A lot of the writers have to work with ridiculous deadline to come up with stories which is why the stories are recycled. They do care for the craft but the conditions are not great.

[@BrylightsSG]

Just found your channel through this video and this video is just so well done!! Subbed and hope you continue putting out great videos!

[@Ramesh_Muthusamy]

Good points 1. Well organised, fairly evaluated and edited content. Was enjoyable! 2. Provocative title which got my attention. 3. Could resonate with the premises especially the one on censorship. 4. A video that every media person in Singapore needs to watch to get the conversations going about the future of our local Media scene. What could be improved 1. MediaCorp includes other channels such as Suria and Vasantham which I wish would have even discussed so that it would be holistic and inclusive. 2. A global perspective on how Free to Air channels which are taxpayer funded and carry social value messages are doing across the board. Is MediaCorp doing better, worse or the norm ? 3. Delve deeper into how media is being consumed today. Binge watching, anytime, Anywhere strategy and customised playlists on the digital platforms with data analytics to offer suggestions to production houses on gaps in the creative space. My sincere feedback 1. MediaCorp needs to get serious about multi-year production contracts rather than calling for pitches at short notice and forcing all the production houses to scramble to piece together proposals and screenplays which in turn leads to shoddy drama. 2. The KPI are largely quantitative and include things like ratings and how many people watch per episode. They need to broaden the scope to include higher risk projects that push the envelope more. They need to have a partnering relationship with the production houses rather than a vendor-buyer modus operandi. 3. Take an active approach in auditing budgets to know whether the funds disbursed to the production houses is used fairly (paying the talent, technical teams, pre-production etc).

[@benedict331]

Well put!

[@andia968]

What are good channels to watch quality singapore dramas?

[@muhammadrafiuddinbinmohmme6078]

Well said! If Mediacorp fails to win back viewers, then we have to initiate free-to-air competition, for 2 reasons. One is GDP, and the other, to have a fresh, legitimate competition against Mediacorp. I suggest that Mediacorp relinquish its status as a public broadcaster. It's very clear to us that they aren't fit to serve its purpose, privatisation after privatisation. We can't closedown Mediacorp, but we can revitalise them to distance itself from political interference. We should give to new broadcasters who are willing to promote all kinds of values, democracy, and the freedom of creativity, speech and information. From the best of dramas and entertainment to news, sports, children's programming, education, life and politics. We should consider launching our own public broadcaster that will compete against Mediacorp. The broadcaster will be the National Broadcasting Corporation of Singapore (NBCS). They will ramp up production value and quality that will exceed expectations for the nation. More broadcasting hours for our minorities, and even more opportunities for the LGBT community, all races and for the vulnerable communities. Be willing to work with European and Asian broadcasters through partnerships for the sake of technology and digitalisation.

[@andia968]

@@muhammadrafiuddinbinmohmme6078 where can i see complete list of all mediacorps dramas produced since 2000 , thx?

[@muhammadrafiuddinbinmohmme6078]

@@andia968 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_programmes_broadcast_by_Mediacorp_Channel_8 This covers the list of programmes aired from 2000 till now.

[@testguy]

Lovely video with great points! I do feel that a huge factor restricting the growth of our media here is also the economics. One of the reasons I hear from artistes pursuing a career overseas is that Singapore does not have that 'critical mass' required for an artiste to make it big and they have to appeal mainly to overseas audiences in order to make it big. With a limit to how much audience it can reach and grow on, it would be difficult to allocate larger budgets to the media here in Singapore. Furthermore, big budget productions are usually done by for-profit corporations where they are able to tap on the company's larger resources and investors.

[@CharlTxx]

Great job, I enjoyed this video a lot! I agree that we should give local shows a chance. Watching the shows together with my grandparents has been a fun bonding activity, especially during this period 👍🏻

[@SY-jw7re]

hahaha thanks for the summary, they are extremely cringy, even in few seconds i walk past the living room as my parents continue to zombify in front of the tv.

[@muhammadrafiuddinbinmohmme6078]

This is why we need a new government to make media reforms happen. More media competition (i.e. launching more broadcasters) and ramping up production value and quality. If these are met, we wouldn't be having conservative genres all over the place and our GDP would've been a lot higher than before.

[@ChargedCoin]

Very good pointers! No one really ever watches shows on TVs anymore when there’s so much better online.

[@purpl7039]

Good vid! Very well made

[@lhilimblackwall3691]

The better question is, despite the fact that alternative media presented, unbound by IMDA. Why should the local works remain in the same chains? Everyone is already chasing alternatives, it's not like the government is actively stopping that. As such, why does IMDA still maintains such? Of course I'm not expecting more adult aspects to appear in prime time nor am I expecting an abolishment of all the chains, but to even consider loosening the chains and broadening the scope.

[@Alleniro]

you can probably say the same for TVB. TVB dramas are used to be good until the handover. My dad only like old TVB dramas because of that.

[@november132]

Kin is my favourite show. It's the first Singaporean show I've watched so I always wondered whether the awkward English was written that way or whether the actors were able to put their own flair on the script.

[@neorenjie]

Mediacorp is putting a lot of emphasis on MeWatch as the solution to all the problems you have stated.

[@meilishang663]

Unfortunately, good and relatable content is still the key. :(

[@eleanorpeh8803]

Mewatch cannot be comparable to viu... viu better tbh

[@szewei85]

Smart Phone is the new television hahahaha

[@Chockitkat]

Little Nyonya really is very good... I didn't watch it but I can remember it. It's really good.. Nowadays it's just... I'mma find kdrama Kdrama and Gordan Ramsay are so much better man... Singapore shows are boring :/ it's so sad that even anime is impossible in Singapore man

[@eleanorpeh8803]

Clif,against the tide,dui dui peng and you can be an angel was my favourite shows bro

[@michaelltr4806]

To be honest, what we want is something we can relate to. Something that we can go “oh thats something i saw trending on social media”. Saw this hype from meWatch abt this show ‘Classmates’. Quite relatable. It appeals to the parents and the teenagers. And the memes they ‘re-enact’ is so relatable. Bubble tea, “what i do, i just came grab food scooter, meeting room memes, dominic imran, BBFAs, etc. I think this one is different where its not too morally right. Personally feel we need more of this kind thats relatable and appealing to the youngsters like me. And its not done by Mediacorp i think.

[@taylorong9645]

It’s a production by Echo Entertainments.

[@michaelltr4806]

Taylor Ong your knowledge of local productions is amazing. More contents like TTD, Last MADAME and Classmates please!!

[@taylorong9645]

Goodnight Dad.. I’m actually a very small part of that production too. 🤣

[@michaelltr4806]

Taylor Ong oh my! Which one are u? I wanna try spot u. 🤣

[@justicebao7017]

ok lah... MediaCorp tried really hard to produce difference themes in their drama series such as 陰錯陽差，祖先保佑，花花公子。。。 at least some supernatural factors within them

[@starorcarina8525]

We won't be Seeing something like Game of Thrones or Historical Fantasy in general when CLEARLY Singapore actually has alot Opportunity to do that because British Colonial era, the Sultanates and our very Own Kingdom in the 1300s. But NoOoOOo our Government have to make crappy Family Dramas and Dramatic Version of Government Bodies

[@andia968]

What are good channels to watch quality singapore dramas?

[@jeikobu18]

Singaporean TV laws make local Singaporean shows terrible.

[@eleanorpeh8803]

Always the cry father cry mother scene you love me and I don't love you,fighting scene😂

[@jn8122]

Because too bloody also cannot . Too scary also cannot . Fight too violent also cannot . Too vulgar language also cannot . Only can kept doing those family drama . I feel that nowadays Singapore drama more on to educate the audience than entertainment.

[@WaywardWorks]

A+

[@dott5174]

Hey mom, we made it!

[@John_Smith_86]

I think most of the stated factors are of little impact, except for the final mention of money. Money trumps all else here. Our domestic market is tiny

[@acer950]

Hong Kong drama serials beat mediacorp hands down Perhaps this is partly due to bad morals expressed by mediacorp artists (see quan yi feng) in their private (and public) lives

[@huaiwei]

Actually, your #1 reason is still the one and only reason. People will watch any content from any source as long as they are entertaining enough. Fact is that local dramas back in the heydays (it was before the examples you cited, which was the 80s to 90s) were truly better written. And then things started sliding since the 2000s when censorship and control became more stringent. However, I have been noticing some better content in recent times, especially on Channel 5. Derek and Code of Law 5 is really pushing the limits. And btw, police shows are not that common as shown in your video....they tend to come in one big wave, and then disappear for some time, before appearing again.

[@cassidyho939]

I was actually INTERESTED in watching the Derek episodes for Code Of Law ( serial killing and implied incest all in one episode!) and was surprised how dark a LOCAL production could go, even having a good looking antagonist with a twisted background. Then I remembered it was shown LATE at night, when most families are asleep- hence the only loophole that allowed said shows to slip past the notoriously puritan censors.

[@ayushguruswamy6383]

I think sushii korkor new vid was inspired by this video

[@AndrewMystx]

Who’s here from Sneaky Sushii? 🙋🏻

[@Oztrose]

I miss the days of The Little Nyonya. It was honestly the best show Mediacorp ever produced and it’s a huge shame they cannot keep up that standard. Now they just overall suck. The Little Nyonya remake is actually worth the watch tho! Hopefully the art space opens up in future cause as an artist myself I understand that pain of living in SG

[@andia968]

where can i see complete list of all mediacorps dramas produced since 2000 , thx?

[@Oztrose]

@@andia968 I believe Wikipedia has a list of them. You can watch all the dramas for free on the MeWatch App

[@siongteck8371]

I rather surf MediaCock website than watching Mediacorpse TV

[@isaacsim5193]

Anyone watched 229 明天见? I think it was pretty good

[@andia968]

where can i see complete list of all mediacorps dramas produced since 2000 , thx?

[@eleanorpeh8803]

Yup the drama was quite funny lmao the big bro trying to prevent his sis from having an accident

[@itsjvsted]

little nonya and 豆腐街 were *chef's kiss*

[@andia968]

where can i see complete list of all mediacorps dramas produced since 2000 , thx?

[@nurulfarhana-xt1uw]

i do like Mediacorp shows like "Anak Metropolitan", "Unriddle", "Incredible Tales" but recently the drama has become so boring...like "Kin"/"Tanglin".. ...so I'd rather watch Korean Dramas

[@DrGru]

Most of mediacorp drama/shows are like propaganda/agenda that government want and out of touch with normal singaporean(especially youngsters) ... Happy, multi race, harmony, family,etc...no "dark side" of life/comedy/action..however i do like crime watch.

[@Jack_Hyde]

As an actor working in Singapore, I have to say I don’t watch any of their series that MediaCorp puts out on their local channels. That also includes their web series that they put on their internet streaming network, MeWATCH. Of course, when I’m involved in any one of their series, I watch them. But that’s about it. All the other episodes, or webisodes in the case of MeWATCH, that don’t involve me. I don’t even pay any attention to. Plus, I’ve been very critical of MediaCorp and how they currently work, how they stereotype certain characters, how they create a character from a community (like the LGBT community) and display them in a negative light, how they treat their actors and the writing and directions of their series. There’s also not a lot of passion and heart while working on set from both cast and crew. It’s just a quick cash grab. That’s it. Which I find really sad and depressing. That’s my opinion on MediaCorp.

[@andia968]

where can i see complete list of all mediacorps dramas produced since 2000 , thx?

[@fcmacbeth]

Malaysian here. I think the first reason also applies well to Malaysian drama shows especially today. They put out heavy regulations on the content the show can or can not have. It's like the Hays code back in the 1940s, where everything must be portrayed in a positive manner (most of the time). I'm not advocating for anti-censorship here. I think the best advice would be to loosen up the regulation a bit and allow creators to channel their creativity without any restrictions.

[@LightBluly]

At least Malaysia still have a bit of creative talent. Let's say animation. Animation in Malaysia is doing quite well by the looks of it with their iconic shows growing up and more youtubers popping up. Singapore? It's practically non existent here. Sure there are companies but not as big as other countries.

[@Alleniro]

@@LightBluly free to watch TV became worse with those CJ WOW SHOP ads in Media Prima Malaysian free-to-air channels. This is why choose between two cringe channels, I always prefer Mediacorp.

[@LightBluly]

@@Alleniro This was 7 months ago and yeah after i look into it, it was quite bad then Mediacorp. The reason why i sometimes prefer Malaysian channel because I grew up with NTV7 and TV9 with their iconic malay dub shows. I remember i use to watch a lot of cartoons back in 2000s and most of them are malay dubs cause my parents never pay international channels such as Disney Channel and CN back then. Even though i am Singaporean, you can watch Malaysian channels at the time with analog. Sadly, they remove the analog signals in 2019 so it's impossible to watch MY channels now. So I have no idea it was THIS bad. I thought it was the same back then and wtf is CJ WOW SHOP? I saw this through Reddit MY post.

[@Alleniro]

@@LightBluly CJ WOW SHOP is just the Malaysian version of Singaporean JML ads but timeslots are longer.

[@starrysnow7445]

I only watch the ho seh bo show from mediacorp only

[@Leon-fj5dt]

The hard truth is that the market in sg is too small and unique to satisfy the kinda success or monetary rewards that sg artists expect. Even with govt/taxpayer intervention, mediacorp can hardly sustain the viewership. It would only get worse if the govt decides to hands off. Rather than blaming the govt for lack of support, one should just acknowledge that the arts business has an inherently low success rate and should tailor their expectation accordingly. Lets be fair to the other sgporeans who feel that taxpayer money could be better spent on other more critical industries.

[@amandatan16]

+1 I haven't watch em since I can't remember

[@bummers]

Speaking proper English or Mandarin really has nothing to do with how good the shows are. If proper English means that shows are bad, then we should find every other show elsewhere bad. It's really the script writing that is crap. It seems like we go from Queen's English to Ah beng English in local shows. Think many Singaporeans speak somewhere in between. Having said that, Singapore as a whole is rather diverse, so it is hard to portray what would be deemed realistic across the board. Perhaps the disconnect is when a hawker start speaking perfect English or when everyone speak Singlish ... then it is cringe. But I still think scriptwriting is crap.

[@karenchia8179]

I still watch MediaCorp shows

[@zhihao81]

You can use proper english in artistic ways. The way I say things can make people laugh and engaged. It is the way the actors interact that spoil the show.

[@szewei85]

Haha my last drama ever probably is holland V. I know the nyonya story was a big revival but i was already in states side. So i missed them all. After that, the new generation talents are not good anymore unlike the 90s. I also glad a lot of old SG dramas are in netflix including growing up. I binged all 3 seasons in 3 weekends. Now my appetite 4 older dramas had shoot up since then.😂😂🤣🤣

[@andia968]

where can i see complete list of all mediacorps dramas produced since 2000 , thx?

[@szewei85]

Haha dont know

[@saltymf9564]

I like them tho im a tween

[@jc-tq4kg]

The local market is too small to warrant bigger budgets and higher quality. Unless the dramas can be exported. But mediacorp shows are way too local and heartland in trying to appeal to local audiences. I also don’t believe this is the side of Singapore authorities would want to project to international audiences.

[@andia968]

where can i see complete list of all mediacorps dramas produced since 2000 , thx?

[@jc-tq4kg]

@@andia968 sorry for the late reply. You can try MeWATCH it’s free mostly

[@Ra3_ar1adnE]

Damn, those broadcasting rules are vanilla af… As an illustrator it’s extremely extremely aggravating looking for a job in Singapore relating to art, from what I’ve came across they don’t value art as much which is why I’m migrating to Japan instead to put my skills to better use especially in the game business.

[@bummers]

Artist will always find it hard to thrive in Singapore, not simply because there's no art culture, but because there's not big enough of an art market in Singapore. It's just not big enough for anyone to survive as an artiste. On a larger scale, Mediacorp would just not have the means to fund productions.

[@umbrellalyx]

ok but clif

[@eleanorpeh8803]

Worse most of the star search contestant acts like robot memorising script without any emotions at all except for a few gd ones like gini chang

[@munchykimchi]

Still a no for mediacorp

[@gimgohoo8]

hey~ i am sorry who are u guys? would love to do something with u guys if u guys interested. i am an actor. : )

[@jennyxie5382]

I know Channel 8 actors require actor to speak SG Chinese. Which is flat pronunciation of word. If you "bite" each words with clarity and more emotions, like Beijing Chinese, they would not give you the role. Just makes dialogue unnatural and unbearable for overseas Chinese to listen to. Not sure about local...

[@SuccessforLifester]

The clowns that came out with the Act probably don't watch MediaCorp either. I bet they are watching cable and streaming subscriptions

[@thyamus]

MEDIACORP is boring. Period.

[@evannewu]

China censorship is even more tight. Why is their drama so good? I think its jus really cost cutting and budget. China production has dedicated crews for every part of the process. Costume focus on costume, sound focus on sound, hair focus on hair, even kopi also got 1 dedicated crew focusing solely on buying kopi. Mediacorp hire 1 bao ka liao person to multitask costumes and make up and hair and kopi.

[@crappygaming8495]

The only good movie in singapore on tv is movie 15

[@thattragedy]

Thai dramas are better now

[@FARID1870]

dont just talk about millennials and zoomers, even uncles and aunties are migrating to Netflix and KZbin. but if you have great content, regardless of budget, we will come back.

[@andia968]

where can i see complete list of all mediacorps dramas produced since 2000 , thx?

[@Atz888]

MediaCorp dramas are indeed dying due to their reuse and recycle formula consisting of family and police concepts. I get it, gov be trying to spread propaganda towards their favour and instilling family values but majority of these shows are highly highly and heavily supported by the old actors who play the grandmother/grandfather role. I suspect the day when those old actors die is the day these “dramas” will totally tank for real. And that’s not even including competition from KZbin/Netflix and other shows from overseas. I see doom overshadowing MediaCorp if nothing else

[@eleanorpeh8803]

Hey I think you produced better content second youtuber sneaky sushi was my first tho

[@amontano5161]

Just an observation: young Singaporeans are becoming very picky and very hard to please. They tend to have the mentality of "the pasture's greener on the other side." They also have this unrealistic ambition of becoming rich and famous without having to go through trials and tribulations. That's part of being the Snowflake generation, and they badly need to wake up to reality and toughen up! K-dramas also tend to focus a lot on family values and Korea's various socio-economic classes. It's obvious that young Singaporeans prefer them to MediaCorp dramas because K-dramas are from a different culture, and watching something different is refreshing. I personally enjoy watching MediaCorp dramas in general. I don't see the need for sex and violence, and certainly wouldn't like my own kids to grow up thinking that such destructive values are normal. Different countries have different fortes. If one finds that Singapore isn't the place for his/ her area of interest, it's fine to look for work elsewhere, but he/ she should refrain from condemning the country for the lack of something. As an example, Australia isn't the place to live in for people eyeing to make big bucks or wanting a high-tech lifestyle.

[@jonL88]

Ok boomer

[@Zacky51188]

How is something so drab, dry, sterile or conforming to predictable storylines with the same cringe type of acting so engaging to watch? You're making this about the young generation wanting an easy life without trials and challenges when this merely pinpoints the low quality Singaporean drama series or sitcom productions that are not on par with even its Asian neighbours. Is it so bad to dismiss Mediacorp for something different or refreshing? Is it so much to ask for quality and creative entertainment that has elements of mystery, suspense, adventure and appeals to the human heart from different personalities and interests? As for Mediacorp, we're simply not interested in those type of shows anymore. That's not quality. It may only appeal to a certain demographic but even they may find the storylines too predictable with little to no plot twist.

[@theguitarman501]

Crimewatch still rules though

[@andia968]

where can i see complete list of all mediacorps dramas produced since 2000 , thx?

[@bummers]

I kinda disagree with the point #1 that IMDA's censorship/requirement is what makes Mediacorp's shows incomparable to shows like GOT. If censorship was an issue, GOT would have been banned from Singapore to begin with. What Mediacorp lacks is good and tight script writing + good actors + good production crew (film directing, art design for sets, special effects etc). If you give Mediacorp GOT script verbatim and let them produce it, it will be a crappy knock-off version. There are a lot of sitcoms that is about family, social values etc. Older sitcoms like "Home Improvement" ran for 8 seasons, dreamy fluffy sitcoms like "Friends" about well, a bunch of friends, ran for 10 seasons. Seinfeld and Frasier ran for 9 and 11 seasons respectively. These two had really good and tight dialogues that tickle your intellect while poking fun at common everyday scene and current affairs in US. Watch any of the above drama/sitcoms and you will find character fleshing, story development in 1 min easily. A conversation in a cab, a quarrel at the lift lobby, and you immediately see the dynamics between characters play out. Watch Mediacorp drama. They can spend 1-2 mins to get the characters board a vehicle, travel, get off the vehicle, take the lift arrive at the HDB flat ... and absolutely no development in either character or plot. NOTHING. Pretty sure it has little to nothing to do with censorship.

[@november132]

So thankful I can rely on Mediacorp to produce shows without promoting lgbt. I have stopped watching American shows because of this so Singaporean shows are a refreshing change!!!

[@eleanorpeh8803]

Mediacorpse sucks😂