In the Name of the People (TV series)

In the Name of the People (人民的名义, Pinyin: Rénmín de Míngyì) is a critically acclaimed and commercially successful Chinese political drama television series that aired in 2017. It portrays the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) anti-corruption campaign through the lens of a high-stakes investigation into corruption within a fictional province.

The series follows Hou Liangping, a prosecutor from the Supreme People's Procuratorate, as he is dispatched to Jiangsu Province to investigate a seemingly minor corruption case that quickly unravels into a web of interconnected individuals spanning local government, state-owned enterprises, and powerful families. The plot explores the complex dynamics of power, the temptations of wealth, and the challenges of maintaining integrity within the political system.

In the Name of the People distinguished itself by its relatively realistic portrayal of corruption and its depiction of high-ranking officials involved in corrupt activities. This departure from typical dramas with less explicit or sanitized depictions of official malfeasance contributed significantly to its popularity. The show features a large ensemble cast, portraying a diverse range of characters, including honest officials, corrupt officials, business tycoons, and ordinary citizens affected by the corruption.

The series garnered significant attention and triggered widespread public discussion about corruption, the rule of law, and the role of the CCP in combating corruption. It was praised for its compelling narrative, strong performances, and its willingness to address sensitive political issues. While ultimately promoting the CCP's anti-corruption efforts, the show also allowed for a nuanced exploration of the underlying causes and consequences of corruption. The series has been translated into multiple languages and distributed internationally.