In the Name of People (2017)
A landmark Chinese political drama exposing high-stakes corruption, moral compromise, and the dangerous pursuit of justice within the halls of power.
In the Name of People - Series Information
- Original Title: 人民的名义
- First Air Year: 2017
- Last Air Year: 2017
- Created by: Li Lu, 周梅森
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (55 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 55
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Networks: Hunan Television
- Alternative Titles: The name of the people (US)
- Production Companies: 最高人民检察院影视中心, Ministry of Public Security Golden Shield Film and Television Culture Center 公安部金盾影视文化中心
- Production Countries: China
In the Name of People - Plot
In the fictional city of Jingzhou, prosecutor Tian Guofu and anti-corruption officer Sha Ruijin investigate high-level corruption, uncovering a complex web of political intrigue and power struggles. As they pursue justice, they face immense challenges, navigating a dangerous landscape where loyalty, ambition, and morality collide.
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In the Name of People - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Li Lu
- 周梅森
Main Cast
- Lu Yi
- Zhang Fengyi
- Wu Gang
- Xu Yajun
- Ke Lan
- Zhang Zhijian
- Hu Jing
- Zhang Kaili
- Gao Yalin
- Bai Zhidi
In the Name of People - FAQs
Is In the Name of People based on a true story?
While the series is set in the fictional city of Jingzhou, it draws heavily from real-life anti-corruption campaigns in China under President Xi Jinping. Writer 周梅森 researched actual corruption cases extensively, lending the drama a striking authenticity that resonated deeply with Chinese audiences and officials alike.
Why did In the Name of People become such a cultural phenomenon?
The series aired at a time when China's anti-corruption drive was front-page news, making its storylines feel urgently relevant. Its unflinching portrayal of high-ranking officials abusing power struck a nerve nationwide, sparking widespread public discussion and reportedly attracting viewership from within government circles themselves.
Who are the main actors in In the Name of People?
The ensemble cast is led by Lu Yi as prosecutor Hou Liangping, Zhang Fengyi as anti-corruption chief Sha Ruijin, and Wu Gang as the ambitious party secretary Li Dakang. Xu Yajun, Ke Lan, Zhang Zhijian, Hu Jing, Zhang Kaili, Gao Yalin, and Bai Zhidi round out the principal cast.
Where can you stream In the Name of People?
Streaming availability for In the Name of People varies by region. Your best option is to check JustWatch, which aggregates current viewing options across multiple platforms and regions, making it easy to find where the series is available to stream, buy, or rent near you.
How was In the Name of People received by critics and audiences?
The series was a massive critical and commercial success in China, drawing record ratings for Hunan Television and earning widespread praise for its sharp writing and powerful performances. It became one of the most-discussed Chinese dramas of the decade, praised for its bold, nuanced take on political corruption.
What makes In the Name of People different from other political dramas?
Unlike many political dramas that deal in abstraction, this series names the mechanisms of corruption with surgical precision — bribery networks, factional loyalty, and moral compromise are depicted in granular detail. The result is a show that feels less like fiction and more like a carefully documented exposé of institutional rot.
Is In the Name of People worth watching for international audiences?
Absolutely. Fans of prestige political dramas like House of Cards or Homeland will find much to admire here. The moral complexity of its characters, the tightly plotted intrigue, and the sheer scale of its 55-episode narrative make it a rewarding, immersive watch that transcends its specifically Chinese context.
What are some shows similar to In the Name of People?
If you enjoyed In the Name of People, consider exploring House of Cards (2013) and Homeland (2011) for Western political intrigue, or Years and Years (2019) for sharp social commentary. Among Chinese dramas, The Rise of Phoenixes (2018) offers similarly layered political storytelling in a historical setting.
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