Promotional material of Come Home Love: Lo and Behold Photo: Sina Weibo

Sitcom Come Home Love: Lo and Behold, airing on Hong Kong's Television Broadcasts Limited, has earned numerous thumbs-up from netizens in the Chinese mainland for including a scene promoting national security law. Many netizens in the mainland commented on how they feel Hong Kong has improved after the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law.

On Tuesday, two days ahead of China's National Security Education Day, the drama had a scene in which a father played by Chan Wing-chun asks his daughter, played by Lam Hoi-yan, to write the Chinese character an, which means "peace," or "security," and then goes on to explain that national security not only relates to sovereignty, politics and military defense, but also is highly connected to people's livelihood including economy and culture. 

"Only national security can ensure people's lives," says the father.

The scene earned a lot of support from netizens in the mainland. 

"This shows that Hong Kong is gradually getting on track after the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law," one netizen commented on China's Twitter-like Sina Weibo. 

"I think the scene was made on purpose since TVB has close contact with the media in the mainland," Shi Wenxue, a film critic based in Beijing, told the Global Times.

He added that TVB has deepened ties with various streaming platforms in the Chinese mainland, and that most of the viewers of its dramas and programs are in the mainland.

Premiering in 2017, Come Home Love: Lo and Behold often tackles social issues and entertainment hot spots. However, in September 2020, the drama found itself at the center of controversy after it showed a gesture frequently used by Hong Kong protesters. Many viewers accused one of its directors, Justin Fung, who was seen in showing support for Hong Kong separatists, which led to TVB terminating Fung.

"TVB will definitely be stricter with its film and television content to be in line with regulations and laws after the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law," said Shi. 

On March 29, TVB spokesman told media that "it was a purely commercial decision that we  decided not to pursue the Oscars this year."