Abstract
Many societies, despite undergoing numerous transformations, exhibit remarkable institutional stability and continuity. This stability is largely rooted in the persistence of people's beliefs. In authoritarian China, most citizens display a high sense of national identity, often prioritizing national stability and unity as paramount values, while citizens in democratic nations typically value personal liberty, equality, and the right to political participation, viewing these as the foundations of an ideal society. A core question arises: What drives the persistence of these societal beliefs over time? In this paper, we propose that television dramas, as a mass communication medium with a long-term presence and wide audience reach, may serve as a key tool in shaping public beliefs in China. Glorifying the autocratic governments of past Chinese dynasties, this subtle yet pervasive messaging may unconsciously influence viewers, increasing their acceptance of authoritarian systems.