Island Nation

Island Nation (國際橋牌社) is a Taiwanese political drama based on Taiwan's transition from an authoritarian state to a democracy in the 1990s. The series will include 80 episodes over 8 seasons, with the first season premiering on 20 January 2020. The second season, Island Nation 2, debuted on 12 September 2021.

Production
US$2.46 million was spent on the first season, with the Ministry of Culture subsidizing US$0.98 million in production costs. A replica of the Presidential Office Building was built at a Republic of China Navy base in Taoyuan, while the presidential inauguration scene was filmed in the building itself.

Casting was a challenge, as several local actors and actresses declined roles in the series, for fear of compromising their ability to work in China.

Critical reception
Cinema Escapist described Island Nation as "one of the most compelling series in Taiwanese entertainment history thus far", noting the contrast to the apolitical stance and self-censorship undertaken by many Taiwanese entertainers in order to access China's media market. The second season of the series was promoted by Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen on an Instagram post.