Video streaming websites in the country have been told to stop showing four popular American TV shows, including "The Big Bang Theory" and "The Good Wife."

A spokeswoman for leading online video site Youku said yesterday that it received notification on Saturday not to show sitcom "The Big Bang Theory," political and legal drama "The Good Wife," crime drama "NCIS" and legal drama "The Practice." Of those, Youku showed only "The Good Wife."

The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television didn¡¯t give a reason for its order, said the spokeswoman.

"We cannot provide the service temporarily because of policy and other reasons," Youku and fellow video site Sohu said on the pages of the shows.

The State Administration of Film, Radio and Television issued a statement last month to enhance checking on online video products, including shows from both home and abroad as well as other videos and micro films.

Domestic video websites which buy broadcasting rights must send US and UK shows to the administration for censoring before broadcasting on the internet, the statement said.

"Any company violating this stipulation will be warned or fined," the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television said.

Offenders could have their equipment and earnings confiscated or see their licenses suspended for five years.

Officials from the websites said that they suspended the shows of the orders of supervisors. They were given no reason for this, the officials added.