TVB drama City of Splendour sparks controversy and regulatory complaints

The TVB anniversary drama ‘City of Splendour’ has sparked significant controversy and public debate in Hong Kong. The series, which features themes of wealthy family power struggles and complex romantic entanglements, has drawn both praise for its acting and criticism for its repetitive subject matter.

A major point of contention involves a provocative scene featuring actress Rosamund Kwan. The scene, which depicts her character attempting to secure a partnership through bold physical displays, has resulted in 28 formal complaints to the Communications Authority, with 25 specifically targeting a single episode. Parents and viewers have expressed concerns regarding the appropriateness of such content during prime-time broadcasting.

In response to the controversy, Kwan revealed she spent nine months on physical training to prepare for the role. Meanwhile, co-star Raymond Lam noted that his family watched the intense scenes together. While the drama has achieved high viewership and social media engagement, some viewers have criticized the industry for prioritizing escapist, high-society plots over more grounded, relatable storytelling.