“Trump Falls for Me, the Pregnant Janitor at the White House” — what began as an internet meme has now become reality.
As short dramas explode in popularity across the U.S., more production teams are cashing in on the trend. These bite-sized series are taking root in America, and now even former President Donald Trump has become subject matter for one.
Why would America, home to Hollywood, embrace these micro-series? It boils down to a fundamental human trait: laziness of thought.
In ancient times, writing was reserved for specialized domains like governance and philosophy. But after the invention of the printing press, books lost their exclusivity, leading to a flood of literature. While easier to digest than philosophy, literature still demanded mental effort.
Then came film, TV, and video games — each further reducing the need for textual engagement. Today, web novels and short dramas dominate, proving most people prefer entertainment that doesn’t make them think too hard.
After all, daily life is exhausting. Why “suffer” through complex content during downtime? Simple, effortless viewing wins.
Just look at China: short dramas there have overtaken the film market. If this trend thrives in China, why not the U.S.? Many Hollywood blockbusters are hardly intellectual masterpieces. Frankly, Europe might be next.
Now, short dramas are raking in cash in America. Productions are multiplying, fueled by over-the-top, absurd plots:
- Downtrodden sons-in-law
- Substitute brides
- Vampire “dragon kings” (OP protagonists)
Even niche U.S. actors are cashing in. No Oscar-worthy acting needed — just fast shoots and easy paychecks. Salaries have doubled or tripled. As long as audiences pay, actors get paid.
And why not? American viewers — especially suburban moms — have dollars to spare.
Producing these in the U.S. is simple. As Chinese director Gao Feng explains: “Just copy the homework.” Swap Chinese cultural trappings for American ones — the core “wish-fulfillment” beats stay universal.
But is it too good to be true? One director on Douyin (TikTok) recently questioned the hype: “If it’s this profitable, why shout about it instead of quietly getting rich?”
As we know, loud promotions often hide pitfalls. This director suspects the “short drama gold rush” narrative targets investors, not viewers — a lure to attract funding.
Still, there’s no denying their success:
- Paying subscribers are surging
- U.S. iOS entertainment charts are dominated by short dramas
How did these low-budget, often crude productions break through in Hollywood’s backyard? Novelty. Hollywood’s assembly-line precision breeds creative stagnation — safe, recycled formulas rule.
But short dramas, born from Chinese web fiction, offer something wildly unpredictable. That freshness, paired with addictive wish-fulfillment, will always find an audience hungry for quick, guilt-free thrills.