Saga, a TV documentary series featuring nature and society is proving to be a hit among viewers.

The series is being broadcast from more than 60 major TV stations nationwide.

At first sight, it is quite similar to Discovery, an American TV series popular among Chinese intellectuals since it was introduced to China in the late 1990s.

The Saga documentaries fall into four categories - nature, military, arts and sciences. They allow viewers to delve into the mysteries of nature, the world and human society, something ordinary people might not experience in their daily lives.

The series' VCD and DVD versions are also available, according to its distribution company, Beijing Jingwen Recording Company.

While Discovery is made in the United States, Saga is earnestly made in China, with a distinctive style and flavour.

With the help of Australian-based Leland International Corp Pty Ltd, Beijing Continental Bridge Culture Development Ltd collects raw material from TV documentaries made by more than 60 entertainment companies in 16 countries.

The company then chooses what it regards as suitable for release to the Chinese market.

Continental Bridge expects to build Saga into a well-known brand. According to the company's plans for the next 12 months, it will publish relevant books and magazines based on the TV series. In addition, it is also planning to open a "Saga Channel."

(China Daily March 11, 2002)