China officially implemented new regulations on July 10, 2026, governing how actors are credited in television and web dramas.
The policy is designed to put an end to long-standing disputes over cast billing and name placement.
The new rules were jointly introduced by three major television industry organizations.
Under the regulation, all newly premiered dramas must list cast members according to the stroke order of their legal surnames in Chinese characters, rather than by popularity or celebrity status.
The format for actor credits has also been standardized to display legal name (stage name) for greater clarity and consistency.
In addition, the regulation reduces cast credit titles to only three categories: Leading Cast, Special Appearance, and Cast.
The new policy aims to reduce unnecessary controversy over billing order and encourage audiences to focus more on the quality. (Overseasidol.com)
