Key facts
- iQiyi is releasing "Immortals Over Mortal Love," described as the first "hybrid AI" drama series.
- The series combines AI-generated graphics from iQiyi's NadouPro AI platform with professional actors.
- "The Sequel to Journey to the West," a fully AI-generated series, began airing on Aug. 31 on Mango TV and Hunan Satellite TV.
- The production of "The Sequel to Journey to the West" took three months from commission to broadcast.
- Mango Excellent Media's shares surged by their daily limit after the debut of "The Sequel to Journey to the West."
Chinese video streaming platform iQiyi is preparing to launch "Immortals Over Mortal Love," a drama series that integrates AI-generated graphics with performances by professional actors. This development highlights the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence in content creation.
Separately, China's first fully AI-generated television series, "The Sequel to Journey to the West," debuted on Aug. 31 on Mango TV and Hunan Satellite TV. The mythology-themed drama, produced by Mango Excellent Media, was created using AI for visuals and character performances, with no human actors involved. The entire production process from commission to broadcast reportedly took three months.
The debut of "The Sequel to Journey to the West" triggered a rally in Chinese A-share short-drama and gaming stocks, with Mango Excellent Media surging by its daily limit. Analysts anticipate that AI in content creation could lead to significant cost and efficiency improvements in the industry.
While the use of AI in entertainment is growing, concerns about copyright, content compliance, and the impact on creative jobs persist. Mango Excellent Media has stated it prioritizes compliance and has established management mechanisms for AI-generated content. The company also noted that later episodes of "The Sequel to Journey to the West" will be refined based on audience feedback, a process enabled by AI.