China's censors have ordered the removal of four popular American TV shows from video streaming sites in keeping with new censorship rules that programs disallowed on television should be taken off the online shelves as well.

Ordered removed were "The Big Bang Theory", "The Good Wife", "NCIS" and "The Practice." The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio Film and Television issued the order on Friday.

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As of Sunday, the web page where three of the shows used to stream on carried the notice, "Cannot provide watching for policy reasons".

On the other hand, there was no page to watch "The Big Bang Theory" on Sohu Video which has the exclusive copyrights for the TV drama.

Among the four TV dramas, the removal of "The Big Bang Theory" and "The Good Wife" had the most impact because the two dramas have more fans in China.

Now on season 7, "The Big Bang Theory" is a well-loved comedy in China and many followers were disappointed to find that show had been taken off the online shelves.

They were likewise disappointed to miss their favorite legal drama, "The Good Wife", an Emmy Award winning show that is now on Season 5.

Many netizens do not understand why the TV dramas were banned, and Sohu has not responded to their queries.  Some, however, were optimistic that the ban would be temporary.

In July 2012 and January 2014, the media censorship body issued a statement requiring all video websites to strengthen the management of internet TV dramas and micro films, to confirm the system of "Review first, Play later", and to require video producers to work with certificates and to upload videos using with real names.

In March 2014, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television again released a statement reaffirming the content review of internet dramas and micro films.

Apart from websites' self-produced TV dramas and those made in China, American and British TV dramas purchased by video websites for streaming are being reviewed and examined.