A new urban TV crime drama, "Watch Your Back," highlights the heroic efforts of a railway anti-theft police team, offering a complex portrayal of modern society.

A poster for "Watch Your Back." [Image courtesy of iQiyi]

The 24-episode series, produced by China Central Television (CCTV) and iQiyi, debuted on CCTV-8 and the streaming platform iQiyi on March 18, quickly topping the ratings.

Directed by Lu Lunchang and written by Wang Xiaoqiang, the show stars Guo Jingfei, Qin Lan, Zu Feng and Chen Jingke. It follows an elite railway anti-theft team as they solve major theft cases and dismantle criminal gangs.

"Watch Your Back" has garnered widespread attention for its unique narrative approach and social commentary. The series explores the conflict between good and evil through the lens of railway anti-theft operations, focusing on three interconnected groups: police, thieves and victims.

The show combines case-driven plots with character backstories, weaving together the lives of railway police, thief gangs, migrant workers and victims. It delivers thrilling chase scenes while revealing the complex lives of diverse characters, highlighting the struggles of ordinary people in changing times.

"The multi-threaded narrative tightly weaves the main characters and cases together in terms of rhythm and structure, enriching character development within limited time and space, allowing the audience to experience greater emotional impact during the process of solving the mystery," Wang said.

Director Lu noted that "Watch Your Back" showcases innovative storytelling techniques and creative narrative approaches.

"During editing, we stepped away from subjective perspectives, weighed multiple opinions, and re-examined and reflected on the material, which ultimately led to the final cut we see now," she said.

The production team chose real-life filming locations to ensure authenticity and meticulously designed the scenery. They purchased an actual train carriage and built two additional carriage sets. For one month, they secured permission to film at an operational train station in Changsha, Hunan province – a logistical challenge that involved coordinating hundreds of extras daily.

"Watch Your Back" also incorporates a popular science approach, offering insight into the operations, rivalries and survival rules of theft gangs. It provides a rare glimpse into the thieves' underworld, showcasing an encyclopedic range of techniques, from pickpocketing to the intricate use of tools like tweezers and blades.

A promotional picture for "Watch Your Back." [Image courtesy of iQiyi]

The TV series portrays a tense struggle between law enforcement and criminals against the backdrop of bustling train stations, showcasing the city's economic vibrancy and social intricacies. The anti-theft police force demonstrates unwavering courage and commitment through their relentless efforts and personal sacrifices.

Yang Bei, senior vice president of iQiyi, emphasized the series' broader significance: "'Watch Your Back' is not just a crime drama; it also conveys profound messages and warnings. We hope the audience can take lessons from it, recognizing the importance of upholding moral boundaries and maintaining kindness in their hearts."

Zhang Haidong, the show's general producer, highlighted its departure from conventional crime stories, allowing it to explore deeper aspects of human nature. "Every artistic creation aspires to deliver meaningful content to the audience," she said.