ABSTRACT A majority of previous studies on code-switching are based on 'authentic' linguistic data in Mainland China, thus demonstrating a neglect for media discourse, especially the tele-cinematic discourse. Against this background, this thesis attempts to explore the phenomenon ofcode- switching in a popular Chinese sitcomlpartment I , which mainly tells the colorful lives of seven youngsters in their mid-to-late 20s. According to the framework of screen-to-face discourse, the thesis seeks to explore the functions ofcode-switching in televisual characterization by virtue of a qualitative analysis of the data gathered from the TV drama. This investigation also attempts to reveal how code-switching to acronyms and brand nanes, to some degree, helps construct in- group- ness among peers as well as the contemporary Chinese youth culture in bilingual talk. In this thesis, my discussion will focus on the reasons of frequent use of code-switching in Ipartment, and it also attempts to compare the language/style in face-to-face conversation and that of scripted dialogues Key words: code-switching, sitcom, televisual characterization.