CCTV Discovery. 8

Author: Xue Jijun, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: What does Discoveries hope to bring to its audience? What have the creators gained from this journey of discovery? The answer is not immediate. A new program format must go through stages of creation, growth, and maturity. Therefore, the program's positioning and target audience, including its presentation methods and unique charm that distinguishes it from similar programs, are all gradually clarified through exploration. For young creators of the program, as a popular saying goes, they naturally hope to satisfy themselves while contributing to others. If this can be achieved, it will be a passionate and fulfilling era. In fact, these are the inner thoughts of the program's creators, rarely shared openly. As mentioned earlier, the program's inception was like "crossing the river by feeling the stones," but it did not lack an original concept. To better explain Discoveries, it is necessary to first discuss what we did not want the program to become. First, it is not a traditional science and education documentary, one that dives headfirst into the ocean of knowledge and becomes lost. Second, it is not an elite documentary, one that only follows the most shocking statements. This is indeed too risky. Finally, it is certainly not a news-style documentary, one that skims the surface and offers only generalizations. So, what is Discoveries, or where does its value lie?
First and foremost, a program should realize its artistic value. Compared to other programs, Discoveries has very distinct features, its appeal lying in its storytelling approach. It starts with a story, then explores the connections between events, and finally provides the scientific key to solving the mystery. Here, knowledge is pushed into the background, with stories driving the knowledge and science woven into the plot to achieve the goal of "teaching through entertainment." This entertainment-oriented creative approach is not our invention, but we were indeed pioneers in science programs in China.
Second, the program's value in media. A good program, one with artistic value, must inevitably fulfill educational and promotional roles. Education and promotion can take many forms—shouting from the rooftops, speaking directly, or calmly and objectively spreading the spirit of science. We chose the latter.
Third, the program's value at the social level. At this level, it primarily reflects a cognitive value. Science itself is a clear stance—seeking truth, being pragmatic, and being realistic. It gradually imparts the spirit and attitude of science to the audience, naturally leading to social value. And I believe this is precisely what is missing in our national spirit today.
Discoveries is the only science exploration documentary program on China Central Television (CCTV). It examines the progress of human civilization through a scientific lens and pursues the truth with a spirit of discovery. Four years after its launch, it gained widespread popularity and was hailed as "China's Discovery." Compared to other programs, Discoveries has very distinct features, its appeal lying in its storytelling approach. It starts with a story, then explores the connections between events, and finally provides the scientific key to solving the mystery. Here, knowledge is pushed into the background, with stories driving the knowledge and science woven into the plot to achieve the goal of "teaching through entertainment." This entertainment-oriented creative approach is not our invention, but we were indeed pioneers in science programs in China.
Second, the program's value in media. A good program, one with artistic value, must inevitably fulfill educational and promotional roles. Education and promotion can take many forms—shouting from the rooftops, speaking directly, or calmly and objectively spreading the spirit of science. We chose the latter.
Third, the program's value at the social level. At this level, it primarily reflects a cognitive value. Science itself is a clear stance—seeking truth, being pragmatic, and being realistic. It gradually imparts the spirit and attitude of science to the audience, naturally leading to social value.
Discoveries takes readers on a journey of scientific revelation and mystery-solving. It peels away the layers of fog in various fields such as archaeology, biology, architecture, medicine, and geography. This series of books presents a suspenseful storytelling style, showcasing the process of unraveling mysteries step by step, and reveals the wonders of the world through a scientific perspective. Each chapter begins with a story, then explores the connections between events, and finally provides the scientific key to solving the mystery. Knowledge is pushed into the background, suspense triggers the readers, stories introduce the knowledge, and science is woven into the plot.
One of the key features of Discoveries is its consistent blend of suspense and entertainment. While calmly and objectively uncovering the scientific significance behind the surface, it allows readers to truly experience the charm of discovery, feel the rigor of exploring the unknown, and enjoy the pleasure of reading. Various types of knowledge are integrated into a series of progressively unfolding stories. Through reading, not only do readers gain scientific knowledge, but more importantly, they acquire the thinking methods for exploring the unknown and experience the joy of scientific discovery.
Another key feature of Discoveries is that the mysteries and mysterious places explored are mostly unique to China, something Chinese readers can feel and experience in real life. For example, The Mystery of the Wild Man, Unidentified Flying Objects in Chinese Skies, Will the Giant Panda Become Extinct?, and The Legend of the Falcon. These chapters narrate unsolved mysteries within China, offering readers the opportunity to witness them firsthand and even participate in uncovering these mysteries.