TVB Revives Classic Drama as Short Format Spin-off with Moses Chan Returning as Kong Wu
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
TVB announced on October 16 a strategic partnership with mainland short drama platform Hongguo Short Drama, marking the broadcaster's entry into the vertical-format short drama market. The first collaboration is a spin-off of TVB's beloved 2004 palace intrigue drama Golden Branch of Jealousy, titled Palace Wall Willows. Moses Chan, the TV King award winner, will return to play his iconic character Kong Wu, reprising the role for the first time in 22 years. The launch ceremony took place at Hengdian World Studios' Ming and Qing Palace complex, complete with a screening of the classic aria theme music that evoked nostalgia among attendees.
Key Points
- TVB formalised a strategic partnership with Hongguo Short Drama on October 16, 2026, to produce vertical-format short dramas targeting younger audiences .
- The spin-off series Palace Wall Willows held its launch ceremony at Hengdian World Studios in Zhejiang, with the classic theme music stirring memories among the production team .
- Moses Chan (陳豪) donned Qing dynasty costume for the first time in 22 years to reprise his role as Kong Wu, calling the vertical format a "fresh challenge" .
- Supporting cast includes Hong Kong actors Chan Yiyi (陳自瑤), Karno Kong (龔嘉欣), and Cheng Tzu Cheng (鄭子誠), while mainland short drama stars Zhao Xixi and Ruan Haobong take the lead roles .
- TVB Drama Assistant Controller Man Wai Hung stated the production will maintain the same rigorous standards as traditional flagship dramas despite the short-format presentation .
Why It Matters
The collaboration signals TVB's strategic pivot to capture the massive mainland short drama market, where vertical-format content dominates mobile viewing habits. While netizens expressed concern about Chan "sinking" to short dramas, others noted that traditional drama viewership has declined significantly, making market adaptation a commercial necessity rather than a step down. The success of this production could determine whether other classic Hong Kong drama IPs will receive similar spin-off treatments in the future.
The collaboration signals TVB's strategic pivot to capture the massive mainland short drama market, where vertical-format content dominates mobile viewing habits. While netizens expressed concern about Chan "sinking" to short dramas, others noted that traditional drama viewership has declined significantly, making market adaptation a commercial necessity rather than a step down. The success of this production could determine whether other classic Hong Kong drama IPs will receive similar spin-off treatments in the future.