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Another Era
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Another Era
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再創世紀
GenreModern Drama
Financial thriller
Written bySin Siu-ling
Choi Ting-ting
StarringRoger Kwok
Niki Chow
Frankie Lam
Tavia Yeung
Benjamin Yuen
Pakho Chau
Zhener Wang
Yu Zhihui
Pat Poon
Bowie Wu
Gloria Tang
Roxanne Tong
Dominic Lam
Yoyo Chen
Opening theme烏托邦 by Pakho Chau
Ending theme只想與你再一起 by Hana Kuk
Country of originHong Kong
Original languagesCantonese
Mandarin
No. of episodes34 (iQiyi)
36 (TVB)
Production
ProducerKwan Shu-ming
Production locationsHong Kong
China, Shenzhen
Singapore
Philippines
Canada, Vancouver
United Kingdom, London
Switzerland
Germany, Munich
Czech Republic, Prague
Running timeapprox. 43 min
Production companiesTelevision Broadcasts Limited
iQiyi
CCTV
CRTP
Original release
NetworkTVB Jade
CCTV-8
iQiyi
Release10 September (2018-09-10) –
28 October 2018 (2018-10-28)
Related
At the Threshold of an Era (1999-2000)

Another Era (Chinese: 再創世紀) is a 2018 drama produced by TVB, iQiyi, CCTV and CRTP. It is the sequel to At the Threshold of an Era with Roger Kwok, Niki Chow, Frankie Lam, Tavia Yeung, Benjamin Yuen and Pakho Chau as the main leads; and Linda Chung as a guest star.[1]

The theme and storyline revolve around the development of Hong Kong's economy in the past 10 years. Production cost a total of HK$100 million and took half a year.[2]

The cut 34-episode version was uploaded on iQiyi on 29 August 2018, and aired on CCTV-8 on 30 August 2018. The original 36 episode version aired on TVB Jade from 10 September 2018 and on Mediacorp's Channel U on 23 April 2020.

Plot

[edit]

The story of Another Era begins with the 2008 financial crisis. Ambitious businessman Leo Ho Ting Sang (Roger Kwok) wanted to buy out Fong Chung Yam’s (Bowie Wu) business group, but Cheuk Kai Tong (Pat Poon) stopped him in time. Furious, Leo decides to out a plan to destroy him.

Ten years later, Cheuk Kai Tong becomes one of the richest men in the city, but the psychological torment of his son’s untimely death has put him bedridden, soon followed by a coma. His daughter, Cheuk Ding Yiu (Niki Chow) learns to manage the family business, and together with her trusted accountant Ko Chit (Frankie Lam), she starts a business war with Leo. Leo’s wife Cheung Ming Hei (Tavia Yeung), Fong Chung Yam’s grandson Fong Chak Yu (Benjamin Yuen), and rookie entrepreneur Ching Hoi (Pakho Chau) also join the war, starting a new era of business politics.

Cast

[edit]

Ho family

[edit]
Cast Role Description
Roger Kwok
郭晉安		 Ho Tin Sang
賀天生

Leo

  • Qwai Sang Group Chairman
  • Ngo Tong Board of Directors → Sold all of his shares
  • Husband of Cheung Ming Hei
  • Diagnosed with Alzheimer's
  • Arrested by Interpol in episode 36
Tavia Yeung
楊怡		 Cheung Ming Hei
章明晞

Hayley

  • Dawnbreak Glory Group Chairman
  • Qwai Sang Group Chairman from episode 28
  • Tin Yam Group Board Member
  • Chinese Chamber of Commerce Chairman
  • Wife of Ho Tin Sang

Cheuk family

[edit]
Cast Role Description
Pat Poon
潘志文		 Cheuk Kai Tong
卓啟堂
  • Ngo Tong Group Chairman → Executive director
  • Father of Cheuk Ding Gam, Cheuk Ding Miu and Cheuk Ding Yiu
  • Died of acute heart failure in episode 33
Bond Chan
陳少邦		 Cheuk Ding Gam
卓定鑫

Gordon

  • Ngo Tong Group Board Member
  • Died in a car accident in episode 6
Jacky Yeung
楊鴻俊		 Cheuk Ding Miu
卓定淼

Melvin

  • Ngo Tong Group Board Member
  • Died in a car accident in episode 6
Niki Chow
周勵淇		 Cheuk Ding Yiu
卓定垚

Ella

  • Ngo Tong Group Board Member → Chairman → Resigned in episode 26
  • Girlfriend of Fong Chak Yu

Fong family

[edit]
Cast Role Description
Bowie Wu
胡楓		 Fong Chung Yam
方松蔭

方老爺

  • Tin Yam Group Chairman
  • Father of Fong Hau Chong
  • Grandfather of Fong Chak Yu
  • Died in episode 30
Geoffrey Wong
黃子雄		 Fong Hau Chong
方孝聰

Paul少

  • Father of Fong Chak Yu
  • Died due to drug overdose in episode 3
Benjamin Yuen
袁偉豪		 Fong Chak Yu
方澤雨

Walter

  • Tin Yam Group Chairman from episode 30
  • Boyfriend of Cheuk Ding Yiu
  • Killed by Ho Tin Sang in episode 34

Ko family

[edit]
Cast Role Description
Frankie Lam
林文龍		 Ko Chit
高哲

Duncan

  • Belial Funds Asia Representative
  • Ngo Tong Group Board of Directors → Resigned in episode 36
  • Founder of Hack Net
  • Boyfriend of Cheng Sze Yu
  • Reconciled with Cheng Sze Yu in episode 36
Linda Chung
鍾嘉欣		 Cheng Sze Yu
鄭思妤

Janice

  • Girlfriend of Ko Chit
  • Reconciled with Ko Chit in episode 36
  • (Guest Star)

Man family

[edit]
Cast Role Description
Dominic Lam
林嘉華		 Man Hok Lai
萬學禮

Martin

  • Ruskington Asia Pacific President
  • Father of Man King Yin
Wang Zhen
王振		 Man King Yin
萬敬賢

Kingston

  • Kok Yin Publishing founder
Gloria Tang

鄧佩儀

Chu Siu Wai

朱小慧

  • NOVOPUS member
  • In love with Ching Hoi

Other cast

[edit]
Cast Role Description
Pakho Chau Ching Hoi Inventor, startup founder, ex boyfriend of Yuen Ling Kiu
Yoyo Chen
陳自瑤		 Chung Si Kei
鍾思琪

Ada

  • Ruskington Group worker → Qwai Sang Group public relations manager → Board Member → Resigned in episode 36
  • Enepmy of Cheung Ming Hei
Roxanne Tong
湯洛雯		 Yuen Ling Kiu
阮令翹

Alice

  • Cheung Ming Hei's secretary
  • Ex-girlfriend of Ching Hoi
Lee Shing-cheong
李成昌		 Cheung Hoi Chuen
章海泉
  • Father of Cheung Ming Hei
  • Died of cancer in episode 25
Nicole Wan
尹詩沛		 Dang Lai Tung
鄧麗瞳

Lily

  • Ngo Tong Group Board of Directors
  • Friend of Cheuk Ding Yiu
Yeung Chiu Hoi
楊潮凱		 Poon Lik Sun
潘力晨

Sun

  • Hack Net Member
  • Working for Ko Chit
  • Died in a car accident in episode 29
Jackson Lai
黎振燁		 Foo Gin Yip
傅建業
  • Transport company labour head → Cheuk Ding Yiu's assistant
Sabrina Yeung
楊埕		 Wong Ji Lam
王子琳

Lydia

  • Mainland development assistant → Cheuk Ding Yiu's assistant
Yu Yuhui
余芷慧		 Kuk Duen Yi
曲端兒
  • Mainland exchange student
  • Cooking internet celebrity
  • In love with Fong Chak Yu
Janis Chan
陳貝兒		 Chang Yi Ning
曾依寧

Elaine

  • News reporter
  • Working for Man Hok Lai
Auston Lam
林師傑		 Jim Siu Chai
詹兆齊
  • Enemy of Ho Tin Sang

Broadcast

[edit]
Network Region Broadcast Date Time Notes
CCTV-8 China 30 August 2018 Daily 19:30-22:30 iQiyi Cut Mandarin version
iQiyi 29 August 2018
10 September 2018		 Weekdays 21:30
TVB Jade Hong Kong 10 September 2018 Weekdays 21:30 TVB original version

Music

[edit]
Title Type Composer Lyrics Arranger(s) Producer(s) Performer
Utopia (烏托邦) Opening theme Alan Cheung Sandy Chang Randy Chow
Nick Wong		 Herman Ho
Randy Chow		 Pakho Chau
Love You Again (只想與你再一起) Ending theme Damon Chui Johnny Yim Herman Ho
Joseph Wei		 Hana Kuk
Have Been Betrayed (為何你要背叛我) Interlude Alan Cheung Alan Cheung Jinny Ng

Viewership ratings

[edit]

TVB Jade

[edit]
# Timeslot (HKT) Week Episode(s) Average points
1 Mon – Fri 21:30 10 — 14 September 2018 1 — 5 22.1
2 17 — 21 September 2018 6 — 10 22.1
3 24 — 28 September 2018 11 — 15 19.7
4 1 — 5 October 2018 16 — 20 22.1
5 8 — 12 October 2018 21 — 25 21.3
6 16 — 19 October 2018 26 — 29 23
7 22 — 28 October 2018 30 — 36 22.4
Total average 21.8

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Recipient(s) Result
2019 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards Best Performance By An Actress (finalist) Tavia Yeung Won [3]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Another Era

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Another Era (Chinese: 再創世紀) is a Hong Kong television drama series that serves as a to the 1999–2000 series At the Threshold of an Era. Produced jointly by , , CCTV, and CRTP, the series consists of 36 episodes, each approximately 45 minutes long, and aired from September 10 to October 28, . It stars as the ambitious businessman Leo Ho Tin-sang, alongside and Niki Chow, and explores themes of corporate rivalry, financial crises, and personal grudges in the context of 's business world. The plot begins amid the 2008 global financial crisis, where Leo Ho attempts to acquire the corporation of Hong Kong's wealthiest man, Fong Chung-yam, but fails, leading to a long-standing grudge that impacts multiple generations and intertwines with themes of trade wars, ethical dilemmas, and family dynamics. Directed and produced by Guan Shu-ming, the series received mixed reviews, achieving an average rating of 21.8 points in Hong Kong, making it one of TVB's lower-rated dramas of the year, though it was praised for its inspirational elements and portrayal of modern economic challenges.

Background and development

Prequel and sequel context

At the Threshold of an Era (Chinese: 創世紀), a landmark Hong Kong television drama produced by , aired from October 1999 to March 2001 across 100 episodes, chronicling the ambitions and conflicts of three close friends—Yip Wing Tim (portrayed by ), Ma Chi Keung (), and Hui Man Bui (Sunny Chan)—who co-found the Lik Tien Century Construction company. The series is set against the backdrop of Hong Kong's economic turbulence leading up to and following the 1997 handover to , emphasizing themes of entrepreneurship, betrayal, and resilience in the property development sector. In the narrative, rivalries intensify with antagonists like Cheung Chi-lik (Louis Koo), whose schemes threaten the protagonists' empire, establishing a legacy of familial and corporate antagonism that echoes through subsequent stories. Key elements, such as the enduring Ho and Cheuk family business dynamics, provide foundational continuity, with characters like Ma Chi Keung representing moral steadfastness amid greed-driven plots. Another Era (Chinese: 再創世紀), released in 2018, functions as a direct sequel, advancing the timeline from the economic shifts to the 2008 global , while preserving the core motifs of fiscal instability and corporate intrigue in Hong Kong's landscape. This progression highlights generational inheritance of business empires, with legacy figures like Cheuk Kai-tong evolving into a pivotal antagonistic influence, underscoring ongoing tensions from the original's unresolved rivalries.

Production overview

Another Era was developed as a co-production between and mainland Chinese entities , , and CRTP, signifying TVB's push to expand its content distribution and partnerships in the Chinese market through joint ventures. This collaboration enabled the series' initial release on online platform on August 29, 2018, followed by broadcast on CCTV-8 the next day. The production carried a total budget of HK$100 million, allocated to achieve elevated production standards, including elaborate sets representing corporate and financial environments central to the business genre. Development of the series was announced in 2017, with beginning that year and wrapping after six months in December 2017, targeting an original run of 36 episodes. Guan Shu-ming served as both director and , overseeing a script that integrated real-world economic upheavals, notably the 2008 global financial crisis, to frame the narrative's exploration of corporate intrigue and ambition. As a direct to the 1999 TVB series At the Threshold of an Era, it continues the generational storylines from its predecessor while focusing on a new generation of characters.

Plot and themes

Plot summary

Another Era is a 36-episode Hong Kong drama that unfolds across a decade, beginning amid the 2008 global financial crisis. The story centers on ambitious businessman Leo Ho Tin-sang, who seizes the economic turmoil to attempt a hostile takeover of Fong Chung-yam's vast corporation, Hong Kong's largest business empire at the time. His bid is thwarted by fellow tycoon Cheuk Kai-tong, igniting a deep-seated grudge that Leo harbors for the next ten years. In the first 12 episodes, the narrative establishes the origins of the central conflict, detailing the financial crisis's impact on Hong Kong's elite and Leo's ruthless maneuvers, which sow the seeds of multi-generational rivalries. As the series progresses into episodes 13-24, the focus shifts to the Cheuk family, led by the now-wealthy but ailing Kai-tong, whose daughter Ella Cheuk Ding-yiu steps up to helm the family conglomerate after a personal leaves her father bedridden. Ella forms strategic alliances with key figures, including Duncan Ko Chit and associates from the Fong and other families, to launch a fierce against Leo's expanding . This phase escalates through corporate espionage, intricate boardroom battles, and emerging family betrayals that test loyalties across generations. The final arc, spanning episodes 25-36, intensifies the vendettas as the warring factions navigate economic recovery efforts intertwined with personal stakes. Themes of ambition and resilience drive the plot, culminating in resolutions to the long-simmering corporate and familial conflicts that have defined the characters' arcs. Throughout, the series explores how the crisis's ripples continue to influence Hong Kong's business landscape and interpersonal dynamics.

Key themes

Another Era delves into the theme of economic resilience by depicting Hong Kong's recovery from the 2008 global financial crisis, where ambitious businessmen navigate corporate takeovers and market volatility to rebuild fortunes. The narrative portrays protagonists exploiting economic downturns for personal gain, set against real-world events like the that impacted the city's economy. Central to the drama is the motif of family legacy and rivalry, portraying intergenerational conflicts among Hong Kong's tycoon families that echo actual business dynasties, with tensions arising between loyalty to heritage and individual ambition in sustaining empires. These dynamics highlight the pressures on heirs to uphold or innovate upon familial enterprises amid competitive business environments. The series addresses gender roles in business through characters like Ella Cheuk Ding-yiu, an inexperienced yet determined woman who steps into managing her family's corporation, challenging entrenched patriarchal structures in the male-dominated corporate world of . Female leads demonstrate resilience and strategic acumen, subverting traditional expectations by driving key plot developments in boardrooms and financial dealings. The drama also incorporates themes of trade wars, reflecting escalating international economic tensions during the period covered by the storyline. Broader social issues are incorporated through the series' co-production with mainland Chinese entities like iQiyi and CCTV-8, which reflects evolving mainland-Hong Kong media and economic collaboration in the post-handover era under frameworks like the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement.

Cast and characters

Ho family

The Ho family functions as the central antagonistic force in Another Era, spearheaded by patriarch Leo Ho Tin-sang (), an ambitious businessman whose ruthless tactics define the group's dynamics. Amid the 2008 global , Leo seeks to acquire Fong Chung-yam's corporation but fails, igniting a deep-seated grudge that escalates into a decade-long vendetta and multi-episode business confrontations. His character embodies corporate savagery masked by a charismatic exterior, driving the family's aggressive expansion of the Qwai Sang Group while prioritizing personal gain over ethical considerations. Key family members include Leo's wife, Cheung Ming Hei (also known as Hayley; ), a formidable who chairs the Dawnbreak Glory Group and later assumes of Qwai Sang. As Leo's steadfast partner, she actively supports his schemes, including the ongoing war against rivals like the Cheuk family, yet their alliance occasionally strains under the weight of high-stakes decisions and shifting loyalties within their corporate circle. No children are depicted as central figures, but the couple's interactions reveal internal tensions over power consolidation and inheritance implications, particularly as Leo's ambitions risk isolating those closest to him. The Ho emerges as the primary target for revenge in the narrative, symbolizing unchecked hubris that ultimately leads to the family's downfall through legal and personal repercussions. Their rivalries with the Cheuk family, marked by betrayals and , amplify themes of and retribution across Hong Kong's financial landscape.

Cheuk family

The Cheuk family serves as a pivotal force in Another Era, embodying resilience and strategic defiance amid a high-stakes corporate . Cheuk Kai-tong (portrayed by Pat Poon), whose business originated in the series At the Threshold of an Era where he thwarted a rival's aggressive attempt, rose to become one of Hong Kong's wealthiest tycoons over the subsequent decade. However, the tragic deaths of his sons plunged him into psychological distress, culminating in a heart attack and coma that left the family vulnerable. At the core of the family's narrative is Cheuk Kai-tong's daughter, Ella Cheuk Ding-yiu (played by Niki Chow), who transitions from a full-time dancer with no to a determined corporate leader. Initially perceived as inexperienced and somewhat sheltered, Ella steps up to safeguard her father's legacy following his incapacitation, forging key alliances to orchestrate counterstrategies against encroaching threats. Her personal growth unfolds across the series, marked by emotional turmoil from family losses and professional crises, yet driven by a deepening resolve that highlights themes of and . The family's structure, now centered on Ella after the loss of her brothers, emphasizes a tight-knit dynamic focused on preserving their conglomerate through calculated business maneuvers and emotional . Extended kin play supporting roles in operational decisions, reinforcing the Cheuk clan's emphasis on long-term planning over impulsive actions. This setup positions the Cheuks as protagonists in the revenge-driven , where Ella's not only sustains the empire but also symbolizes unyielding perseverance against orchestrated corporate sabotage.

Fong family

The Fong family functions as a supporting pillar in the business-centric narrative of Another Era, embodying established corporate legacy amid economic turmoil. Patriarch Fong Chung-yam (), portrayed as the territory's wealthiest magnate, oversees a vast business empire that becomes the primary target for acquisition by ambitious entrepreneur Leo Ho Tin-sang during the 2008 global financial crisis, thereby igniting the series' core rivalries and conflicts. Key family members include Fong Chung-yam's grandson and heir, Fong Chak Yu (nicknamed Walter and played by ), who emerges as a pivotal figure in the 's defensive efforts. As a young professional entangled in romantic ties with Ella Cheuk Ding-yiu from the allied Cheuk , Fong Chak Yu contributes to strategic partnerships that bolster resistance against hostile takeovers and market manipulations. These alliances emphasize the 's role in coordinating defenses and counteroffensives, highlighting internal dynamics where generational heirs blend familial loyalty with tactical business acumen to safeguard inherited assets. The Fong family's plot integration centers on their corporation's vulnerability during the financial downturn, which propels a narrative arc of initial setbacks followed by resurgence through collaborative economic maneuvers in the series' middle episodes. This trajectory underscores clashes between Fong Chung-yam's traditional, conservative approach to empire-building—rooted in long-term stability—and the cutthroat, innovative tactics of modern corporate adversaries, influencing broader themes of resilience in Hong Kong's financial landscape.

Ko family

The Ko family is prominently represented by Ko Chit (高哲), portrayed by , a seasoned manager at the Ngo Tong Group who embodies opportunistic maneuvering in Hong Kong's cutthroat financial sector. As a calm and decisive professional in his late 40s, Ko Chit initially maintains a neutral stance during the 2008 global financial crisis, focusing on managing Ngo Tong Group's s while prioritizing personal wealth accumulation and environmental initiatives. His strategic alliances shift based on potential gains, such as aiding the Cheuk family to stabilize their empire against external threats, without fully committing to any side until opportunities align with his interests. Family dynamics within the Ko lineage are marked by internal tensions and betrayals that ripple into broader corporate conflicts, though the household remains compact with Ko Chit as the central figure and no prominent siblings depicted. His long-term relationship with girlfriend Cheng Sze Yu (鄭思妤), played by , fractures amid revelations of his role in creating mini-bonds tied to the financial meltdown, leading to her temporary departure and exposing vulnerabilities in their loyalty. These personal betrayals fuel Ko Chit's evolving pragmatism, as shifting allegiances—such as his brief board membership at Ngo Tong—impact alliances in the escalating business wars, often prioritizing over unwavering support. In the narrative, the Ko family's role introduces pivotal plot twists through Ko Chit's double-dealing tactics, layering depth to the corporate intrigue by exploiting information asymmetries for leverage. For instance, he navigates tense interactions with the Ho empire, where Leo Ho Tin-sang (賀天生) publicly derides him as the "mini-bond mastermind," prompting Ko Chit to counter with calculated exposures of rivals' weaknesses. This adds unpredictability to the power struggles, as his actions—such as resigning from the Ngo Tong board in episode 36 to found his own firm, Hack Net—create ripple effects in . Ko Chit's arc traces an evolution from a peripheral bystander observing the crisis to a pivotal player in the late episodes, where his expertise becomes indispensable in high-stakes confrontations. Initially content with advisory roles, he transitions into a founder and influencer, reconciling with Cheng Sze Yu by the finale while establishing independent ventures that underscore his growth from reactive opportunist to proactive force in Hong Kong's economic landscape. This progression heightens the drama's exploration of ambition amid adversity, culminating in his contributions to resolving the central business rivalries.

Man family

The Man family plays a pivotal role in the business machinations of Another Era, embodying the tensions between generational ambitions and corporate survival amid the 2008 global . Man Hok Lai (Martin), portrayed by Dominic Lam, serves as the Asia Pacific President of the British conglomerate Ruskington, a position that positions him at the heart of Hong Kong's power struggles. His family's background is marked by the crisis's ripple effects on , where business setbacks and lost opportunities drive his relentless pursuit of boardroom influence and strategic collaborations, including a key partnership with ambitious tycoon Leo Ho Tin Sang to counter larger threats. Man King Yin (Kingston), played by Wang Zhen, represents the younger generation as a financial whose idealistic views clash with his father's pragmatic , creating a core emotional arc centered on familial discord and eventual reconciliation. This father-son dynamic highlights personal stakes in redemption, as the crisis exacerbates their rift—stemming from differing responses to economic instability—but fosters growth through shared confrontations in the corporate arena, underscoring themes of and familial bonds over individual gain. The Man family's narrative impact lies in bolstering alliances that support broader efforts for corporate , particularly aiding the Cheuk family's resistance against aggressive takeovers, while Martin's calculated maneuvers blend redemption with tactical romance elements in subplots of confrontation and alliance-building.

Other characters

Ching Hoi, portrayed by , is a ambitious inventor and startup founder who emerges as a rising player in Hong Kong's tech sector during the series' timeline. His character introduces subplots centered on and , often acting as a catalyst for mergers and rivalries among the established tycoons by leveraging new technologies to challenge traditional models. Ching Hoi's romantic interests, including a past relationship with Alice Yuen, add layers of personal conflict to the economic narratives without deep ties to the core families. Yuen Lim Kiu, nicknamed Alice and played by , serves as a entangled in the periphery of the financial power struggles. She functions primarily as a romantic foil, particularly in her ex-relationship with Ching Hoi, which fuels subplots exploring betrayal and reconciliation amid corporate espionage. Alice's interactions occasionally influence property deals that intersect with the main economic plotlines, providing tension without familial allegiances. Chung Sze Kei, known as Ada and portrayed by , works as an employee at the Ruskington Group, a multinational firm. Her role offers comic relief through workplace mishaps and office politics, while subtly advancing subplots involving internal leaks and advisory roles that affect broader business decisions. Ada represents the everyday professionals caught in the tycoons' games, highlighting themes of ambition in mid-level corporate environments. Other recurring supporting figures include figures like those from advisory firms, who appear in episodes dealing with global investments, and journalists covering the , whose exposés serve as plot catalysts for scandals without aligning to any family lineage. Guest appearances, such as brief cameos by industry experts inspired by real-world financiers, link to the series' economic inspirations but remain peripheral to the central conflicts.

Production

Filming and locations

Principal photography for Another Era commenced in June 2017 and spanned six months, concluding with a wrap-up banquet in early December 2017. The production was filmed primarily in , utilizing TVB's facilities for interior scenes such as office environments. Exterior shots captured the city's financial districts to reflect the drama's setting during the 2008 global financial crisis. The series incorporated on-location shoots abroad, contributing to its substantial of HK$100 million, which supported the depiction of international business elements. As a co-production between , , CCTV-8, and CRTP, the filming process involved logistical coordination across borders, though specific details on approvals were not publicly detailed. Actors faced demanding schedules, with some working 4-5 days a week and starting as early as 4 a.m., leading to reported exhaustion among the cast. The production was shot in high definition, standard for TVB dramas at the time, to ensure visual quality for both local and international broadcasts.

Music and soundtrack

The music for Another Era (再創世紀), a 2018 TVB drama, features original theme songs that underscore its themes of corporate ambition, betrayal, and familial reconciliation, composed and performed by prominent artists. The opening theme, "" (烏托邦), performed by , captures the series' exploration of relentless ambition amid economic crises through its , which evoke a pursuit of an idealized world fraught with challenges. The track, with music by Zhang Jiacheng and by Zhang Meixian, runs for approximately 3:59 and sets a motivational tone for the narrative's high-stakes business rivalries. The ending theme, "Love You Again" (只想與你再一起), is sung by and emphasizes redemption and the enduring bonds of , aligning with the drama's resolution of personal and relational conflicts. Composed by Luo Qiang Xu with by Mei-Xian Zhang, the 3:54 provides emotional closure to episodes, highlighting themes of forgiveness and reunion in the face of adversity. An interlude track, "Have Been Betrayed" (為何你要背叛我), performed by , accompanies pivotal emotional business climax scenes, intensifying moments of deception and heartbreak within the corporate intrigue. This 4:34 piece, released as a single, amplifies the tension in key plot developments involving betrayal among the central families. No comprehensive was released for Another Era, but the theme songs and interlude are available individually through TVB-affiliated platforms and streaming services such as and myTV SUPER. The original score, tailored to underscore tense corporate sequences with dramatic orchestral elements, enhances the series' atmosphere of financial maneuvering and power struggles without a credited lead composer in public records.

Release

Broadcast in Hong Kong

Another Era premiered in on on 10 September 2018, airing weeknights from Monday to Friday at 9:30 PM HKT. The series filled the post-dinner slot, succeeding the drama The Stunt in TVB's lineup. The production spanned 36 episodes, with each installment running approximately 45 minutes, and concluded its run on 28 October 2018. This format allowed for a continuous delivery during the standard weekday broadcast schedule on Hong Kong's leading channel. Local promotions for the series included the release of official trailers that highlighted its economic themes, such as financial crises and corporate intrigue reflective of Hong Kong's business landscape. TVB also organized press conferences and production-related events to engage audiences and media, tying into the drama's focus on contemporary economic developments.

International distribution

In , Another Era was co-produced with and premiered as a shortened 34-episode version on the platform on 29 August 2018 to accommodate streaming formats, followed by a broadcast on starting 30 August 2018. This release marked the return of a Hong Kong drama to after a 20-year hiatus and contributed to TVB's increased co-production revenue from three drama serials, reaching HK$299 million in 2018, a 61% rise from the previous year. Beyond , the series was distributed through 's international streaming service TVB Anywhere, which launched in in September 2018 via partnerships with telecom providers , M1, and MyRepublic, making Another Era available to subscribers there. Plans for further expansion into and were announced for 2019, with localized apps to support Southeast Asian markets. These efforts generated HK$371.768 million in licensing revenue from and in 2018. For global audiences, particularly the Hong Kong diaspora, Another Era was offered on international platforms with English subtitles, including and Plex, enabling access in regions like the and , which contributed HK$121.583 million to TVB's 2018 programme licensing revenue. This distribution formed part of TVB's broader 2018 strategy to enhance cross-border content delivery, including three co-productions supplied to platforms and new media licensing that boosted income by HK$107 million.

Reception

Viewership ratings

Another Era achieved an overall average viewership rating of 21.8 points on TVB Jade across its 36 episodes, marking a solid but modest performance for the 9:30 p.m. weekday slot in 2018. The series ranked as the third-lowest rated among TVB's 2018 dramas, outperforming contemporaries such as Infernal Affairs (average 21.69 points) and Succession War (average 21.5 points). Initial episodes, aired during the buildup to the storyline, averaged around 19.7 points through the first three weeks, reflecting a slower start amid competition from mainland Chinese dramas like . Ratings improved in subsequent weeks, reaching 20-22 points during early crisis developments, with mid-season highs in the low 20s tied to plot alliances and escalating business conflicts. The series peaked toward the end, with the final Sunday episode drawing 22.6 points and weekday closers at 22.4 points. These figures are derived from official ratings data, which measure household viewing shares in , where typically captures over 80% of the audience during primetime. Despite the respectable averages, the series fell short of the peaks achieved by its , At the Threshold of an Era, a landmark drama that dominated viewership in the early 2000s.

Critical reception

Critics praised Another Era for its timely exploration of Hong Kong's economic landscape, particularly the 2008 global financial crisis and its impact on business dynamics, offering a realistic depiction that resonated with viewers familiar with the city's corporate world. The drama's focus on authentic business politics marked a departure from TVB's conventional storytelling tropes, earning commendation for its relevance to contemporary economic challenges. The cast was highlighted as a strength, with Roger Kwok's portrayal of the ambitious and vengeful businessman Leo Ho Tin-sang drawing particular acclaim for its depth and versatility, drawing on his experience in complex roles to authentically capture the character's moral ambiguity. Supporting performances by actors like and contributed to the series' strong character-driven narrative, enhancing the overall ensemble dynamic. Despite these positives, the series faced for relying on predictable tropes typical of dramas, such as intense corporate rivalries, and for pacing problems in later episodes, where dense economic and multifaceted subplots overwhelmed the storyline. Audience feedback was mixed, as evidenced by an rating of 6.6/10 based on 20 user ratings (as of November 2025), with some praising the ties to the original 1999 series while others found the plot dragging and elements unrealistic. for the boosted enthusiasm among longtime fans, contributing to engaged discussions on its thematic continuities. In terms of legacy, Another Era is regarded as a successful that revived TVB's tradition of epic, multi-generational business sagas, while its co-production with and CCTV-8 marked a significant step in cross-border collaborations, paving the way for future TVB-mainland partnerships.

Awards and nominations

Another Era received several at the 21st in 2018, highlighting the performances of its lead actors, though it did not secure any major wins. was nominated in the Top 5 for for his role as Leo Ho Tin-sang. was nominated in the Top 5 for for her portrayal of Hayley Cheung Ming Hei. Niki Chow also earned a Top 5 in the same category for her role as Chloe Fong. received a Top 5 for for his performance as Fong Chak Yu. At the 2019 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards, Tavia Yeung was awarded a Finalist Certificate in the Best Performance by an Actress category for her role in the series. This recognition underscored the international appeal of her performance amid the series' regional focus. The co-production with iQiyi marked Another Era as a notable cross-border drama, though specific platform awards were not conferred. In mainland China, the series received minor acknowledgments for its exploration of economic themes during the 2008 financial crisis, reflecting its relevance to contemporary discussions on Hong Kong-Mainland relations. Overall, the show's awards profile remained limited internationally, with Yeung's acting standing out as a key highlight.

References

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