Watch China's Lost Girls

China's Lost Girls is a documentary series from National Geographic that explores the social and cultural dynamics of China's one-child policy, and its unintended consequences on the country's female population. Directed by Neil Hallsworth and narrated by renowned journalist Lisa Ling, the show presents a compelling account of the gender imbalance and the plight of orphaned girls in China.

The first episode of the series sets the stage by introducing viewers to the history and impact of China's one-child policy. Enforced in 1979 to curb population growth, the policy led to a significant imbalance in the male-to-female ratio and a cultural preference for male children. The episode interviews families who chose to have male children, recounting their motivation behind such decisions and how they managed to circumvent the government's rules.

The second episode delves into the plight of abandoned baby girls, the so-called "missing daughters" who were either given up for adoption or discarded in trash cans. Through interviews with adoptive families, social workers, and former orphanage workers, the episode provides a sobering account of the harsh realities of China's abandonment and adoption system.

The third episode examines the impact of China's gender imbalance on marriage and social dynamics. It showcases the struggle of unmarried men who are unable to find wives due to the shortage of eligible women, and the rise of "single dogs," a derogatory term for older single men who live alone with their pet dogs. The episode also features the social stigma that orphan girls have to contend with and how the Chinese government is responding to the issue.

The fourth and final episode focuses on the efforts made by individuals and organizations to help the girls who have been abandoned or orphaned. It highlights the work of rural schools and community centers that provide free education and vocational training to girls. The episode also showcases the efforts of foreign adoption agencies, which have helped to facilitate the adoption of Chinese girls by families from the United States and other countries.

Throughout the series, China's Lost Girls offers a candid look at the complex issues surrounding child abandonment, gender preference, and a rapidly aging population. The series provides a humanizing portrayal of the girls caught up in the one-child policy and sparks a discussion about the long-term effects of such policies on society. It sheds light on China's history and culture, and the challenges it faces as a nation trying to balance modernity with tradition.

Overall, China's Lost Girls is an eye-opening series that sensitively explores a difficult subject. The show is well-produced and features stunning cinematography, compelling narratives, and a deeply poignant message that stays with viewers long after the show is over. As such, this series is an ideal viewing experience for anyone interested in Chinese culture or global human rights issues.