ABSTRACT
In late 2006 a new TV documentary series made it into the headlines and created a public stir in China: it was the first time foreign history was extensively discussed in this format, dominating Chinese prime time TV. The series was greatly acclaimed, introduced various new features also in terms of visual presentation, and immediately attracted a huge audience, soon setting off a veritable ‘foreign history boom’. Obviously, the documentary, focusing on the ‘rise’ of the so-called ‘Great Powers’ in early modern to modern times, hit a nerve, and its topic was perceived as timely. However, the documentary was not simply some smart TV maker’s brainchild but had some more specific background to it that is worth considering when evaluating the interplay of entertainment, ‘public education’ and politics.
