Actor Douxiao in TV drama New Generation Photo: Sina Weibo

A discussion forum that aims to share the spirit of young Communist Party of China (CPC) members depicted in the TV drama New Generation kicked off in Beijing on Thursday. 

Screenwriter Zhang Tine said, when he went to interview an an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team in real life, he saw experts were undertaking their mission when the temperature was 40C and cobras were wandering around them. 

But they continued with their work without any fear. "They were real heroes."

As one of the many cultural productions marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, New Generation is particularly focused on how young Party members from different walks of life developed a love toward the CPC and fulfilled their responsibilities as a member of the Party. 

Divided into six chapters, the 48-episode drama follows young Party members, such as social volunteers, doctors and emergency rescue professionals, from all over China with the aim of portraying their resilience, passion and devotion, especially when facing life's setbacks. 

The show not only stars veteran Chinese greats such as Li Xuejian, Xi Meijuan and Sa Rina, but also has brought in young popular actors such as Tan Songyun and Bai Jingting to attract a younger audience demographic. 

"My daughter says these dramas are too serious because she has not lived through the history we or our parents had experienced, but she began watching them after her favorite idol played a role in the show. I'm not sure if she really likes the show or just the idol in the show, but at least she is starting to learn important history," Xiong, a parent in Chengdu, told the Global Times on Thursday. 

The drama has proven popular on Chinese streaming platforms such as Youku and Tencent Video as well as on traditional TV channels such as Beijing TV.