Two of China’s fastest-rising actors, Tian Hu Ning and Zi Yu, have been blacklisted by the country’s “Big Four” entertainment platforms — Tencent Video, iQiYi, Youku, and Mango TV — in a move that could derail their careers.
From Breakthrough to Blacklist
The news was confirmed on August 10 after Hunan TV’s variety show Hello Saturday released its latest trailer, with all of Tian Hu Ning’s scenes removed. The four platforms dominate Chinese film and drama production and distribution, and no artist can thrive in the industry without their support.
Tian Hu Ning rose to fame through the boys’ love (BL) drama Revenged Love, while Zi Yu gained attention as his co-star. However, the Chinese entertainment industry has long been cautious toward actors from BL productions. The National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) has an existing ban on same-sex romance in local productions, forcing Revenged Love to debut overseas as an “international drama” before airing domestically — only to be later pulled from mainland platforms.
Despite their surge in popularity, both actors now face multiple restrictions.
Scandals and Public Scrutiny
Tian Hu Ning’s personal life has become tabloid fodder. Past rumors claimed he was married with a child allegations denied by his agency, Huace. Still, some obsessive fans confronted him in person, even booking seats on the same flight to interrogate him about his dating history. Reports say Tian broke down in tears during the confrontation.
Adding to the controversy, Tian has been linked to alleged “dating scandals” with other actors, further fueling his playboy image.
Zi Yu, born in 2002, faced his own wave of backlash when an ex-girlfriend accused him of cheating and poor treatment. Related hashtags amassed over 500 million views on Weibo. Following the uproar, Zi Yu announced a temporary hiatus from acting to “reflect” on his actions.
Uncertain Future
Both actors enjoy large and growing fan bases, but industry experts say their long-term survival depends on consistently delivering acclaimed performances — a difficult task without access to major productions. Blacklisting by the Big Four effectively bars them from the most prestigious projects, leaving their once-promising careers in jeopardy.
For now, Tian Hu Ning and Zi Yu’s rapid rise has been met with an equally swift fall, illustrating the unforgiving nature of China’s entertainment industry.
Sources: Znews
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