The Turbulent Decade (1986)
A sweeping Hong Kong drama charting friendship, love, and justice across a city in the midst of extraordinary change.
The Turbulent Decade - Series Information
- Original Title: 黃金十年
- First Air Year: 1986
- Last Air Year: 1986
- Type: TV Series
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 60
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: CN
- Spoken Languages: Cantonese
- Networks: TVB Jade
- Production Companies: TVB
- Production Countries: Hong Kong
- Alternative Titles: The Turbulent Decade (US)
The Turbulent Decade - Plot
Set in the tumultuous 70s and 80s in Hong Kong, a group of young people from different backgrounds pursue their dreams amidst the rapidly changing city. Tian Yongtai accidentally kills someone and goes to prison, where he befriends Xu Weikang. After his release, Tian's complicated love triangle with his ex-girlfriend and a friend leads to unexpected challenges, with Weikang becoming a formidable foe. The drama explores themes of friendship, love, and justice as Tian faces a difficult choice.
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The Turbulent Decade - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Eddie Cheung Siu-Fai
- Carina Lau
- Shek Sau
- Jaime Chik Mei-Chun
- Dicky Cheung Wai-Kin
- Deborah Lee
- Meg Lam Kin-Ming
- Bobby Au-Yeung Tsan-Wah
- Tam Bing-Man
- Eddie Kwan Lai-Kit
The Turbulent Decade - FAQs
What is The Turbulent Decade about?
Set across Hong Kong's transformative 1970s and 1980s, the series follows young people from different walks of life chasing their dreams in a rapidly changing city. At its heart is Tian Yongtai, whose accidental killing lands him in prison, sparking a chain of events involving friendship, betrayal, a complicated love triangle, and a quest for justice.
Is The Turbulent Decade based on a true story?
The Turbulent Decade is a fictional drama, though it draws heavily on the real social atmosphere of Hong Kong during the 1970s and 1980s — a period of rapid economic growth, urban transformation, and shifting cultural identity. The characters and storylines are invented, but the backdrop feels authentically rooted in that era.
Who are the main actors in The Turbulent Decade?
The series features a strong ensemble cast led by Eddie Cheung Siu-Fai and Carina Lau, alongside Shek Sau, Jaime Chik Mei-Chun, Dicky Cheung Wai-Kin, Deborah Lee, Meg Lam Kin-Ming, Bobby Au-Yeung Tsan-Wah, Tam Bing-Man, and Eddie Kwan Lai-Kit — many of whom became prominent figures in Hong Kong entertainment.
Where can you watch The Turbulent Decade?
Streaming availability for The Turbulent Decade varies by region. As a classic 1986 TVB production, it may be accessible through platforms specialising in Hong Kong and Cantonese-language content. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options available in your area.
How many episodes does The Turbulent Decade have?
The Turbulent Decade consists of 60 episodes across a single season, which aired on TVB Jade in 1986. The generous episode count allows the series to develop its ensemble cast and interwoven storylines at a leisurely, immersive pace typical of classic Hong Kong long-form dramas.
What network originally aired The Turbulent Decade?
The series originally aired on TVB Jade, the flagship Cantonese-language channel of Television Broadcasts Limited in Hong Kong. TVB Jade was the dominant broadcaster of the era and the home of many beloved Hong Kong dramas throughout the 1980s and beyond.
What themes does The Turbulent Decade explore?
At its core, the drama wrestles with friendship tested by circumstance, romantic entanglement, moral compromise, and the pursuit of justice. Against Hong Kong's booming urban backdrop, it asks how ordinary people navigate loyalty and ambition when the city itself is changing faster than they can keep up.
What are some shows similar to The Turbulent Decade?
If you enjoy ensemble dramas following characters through life's highs and lows, consider Expats (2024), Full Circle (2023), or the long-running Sex and the City (1998). For drama with rivalry and moral complexity, Revenge (2011) and Dead to Me (2019) offer compelling viewing in a similar spirit.
More About The Turbulent Decade
Explore further details about this classic Hong Kong drama through the following resource.