Abstract: Since entering the new century, American TV series are becoming more and more popular in China. This paper analyses the reasons of the popularity of American TV series in China by examples and comparisons: the distinctive characteristics in terms of productions and themes, the culture difference between eastern and western countries, the need of English learning and the peer pressure. However, the cross-cultural communication of American TV series has great influence on Chinese young people which should be worth deep thinking, especially on their value, behaviors and habits, patriotism consciousness, etc. This paper analyses how American TV series made influence on Chinese young people and finally some suggestions are given on how to treat the spreading of American TV series: inspecting American TV series, improving domestic TV series and educating Chinese young people on right values.

Key words: American TV series; Cross-cultural communication; Chinese young people; Influence

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要：

1.Introduction ..1

2.Literature Review .1

2.1Overview of Cross-cultural Communication

2.2Studies on American TV Series at Home and Abroad

2.3Studies on The Influence on Chinese Young People

3.The Popularity of American TV Series 3

3.1Cultural Elements of American TV Series

 3.1.1 Elements of Material Cultures 

3.1.2 Elements of Spiritual Cultures 

 3.2 Reasons of the Popularity of American TV Series in China

 3.2.1 The Distinctive Characteristics of American TV Series

 3.2.2 The Cultural Difference between America and China 

 3.2.3 The Need of English Learning 

 3.2.4 The Influence of Peer Pressure 

4.The Influence of American TV Series on Chinese Young People5

4.1 Positive Influences

4.1.1 Broadening the Horizon of Young People

 4.1.2 Raising Awareness of Independence and Innovation

 4.1.3 Raising Awareness of Globalization

4.2 Negative Influences

 4.2.1 Increase of Youth Violence

 4.2.2 Lack of Team Awareness

 4.2.3 Distorted Notion of Patriotism

5.Suggestions and Solutions .8

5.1 Inspecting American TV Series

5.2 Improving Domestic TV Series

5.3 Educating Chinese Young People on Right Values

6.Conclusion .9

Bibliography.11

Acknowledgements..12