Abstract：With the development of era and the progress of disseminating technology, American TV series are coming into fashion by a unique perspective among college students. American TV series can be a powerful influence on the new generation of young people in shaping world outlook, and outlook of life and values. American has controlled 75% of the world’s TV shows, which issues at least 300,000 hours of total duration to other countries each year. Among these, the most popular is TV series. With the rapid development of American TV series in China, the cross-cultural communication of American TV series have a subtle effect in life-style and spiritual world on Chinese young people. A group consist of college students is gradually being assimilated by western culture advocated in American TV series. It is known that the college students have aroused the attention of all circles of the society as the future force and the new flame. In order to avoid incorrect psychological reactions and negative impact caused by American TV series, research on the development of American TV series in China is very necessary and significant. This paper is mainly about popular types of American TV series among college students, and the reasons of the popularity, and then discusses the impact of the spread of American TV series. In the end, this paper gives a brief conclusion: When watching American TV series, college students should not blindly follow the trend. They need to make up their own minds and choice when they are confronted with the mixed cultural elements and values.

Key words：American TV series; college students; popularity; influences

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Popular Types of American TV Series among College Students-2

2.1 Science Fiction Shows-2

2.2 Spy Adventures-3

2.3 Political Dramas-3

2.4 Situation Comedies-4

3. Reasons of the Popularity of American TV Series among College Students-5

3.1 To Know More about American Society and Culture-5

3.2 To Improve English Abilities-6

3.3 To Meet Their Psychological Needs-6

3.4 Wonderful Plots, Compact Pace, Exquisite Pictures-6

4. The Influence of American TV Series among College Students-7

4.1 Positive Aspects-7

4.2 Negative Aspects-8

5. Suggestions on Developing Appropriate Attitudes towards American TV Series-8

6. Conclusion-9

References-10

Acknowledgments-11