亲爱的仇敌 24 2024 5月7日 腾讯视频 高叶、陈妍希、袁弘 都市 Dear Enemy
Here’s the plot overview: Luo Man (starring Gao Ye) 罗曼（高叶 饰) and 陈凯西（陈妍希 饰）Chen Kai Xi starring Chen Yan Xi were best friends in college. After college, their paths diverged with Luo Man becoming a well known screenwriter while Chen Kai Xi married wealthy and became a stay at home wife. Luo Man seeks further fulfillment in life and believes marriage is the way to go so that she can finally be on equal terms with Chen Kai Xi. The two have since become frenemies as they each try to best each other however they can. Meanwhile Chen Kai Xi is facing marriage woes and must decide on her own happiness or that of her family’s. Yuan Hong plays the Luo Man’s love interest who has a complicated past with his ex-wife.
This drama is headlined by Gao Ye, who is now a comfortable leading lady, two years after becoming the breakout star from 2023’s The Knockout. Chen Yan Xi, fresh off her divorce from Chen Xiao, had two dramas air in May. This one and her cameo in The Legend of Zang Hai. She’s definitely focusing on her career now that her child is older. As for Yuan Hong, we haven’t seen him in a while apart from a small role in Fight for Beauty that aired in March. He has a few dramas in the wings but I miss seeing him on screen! This drama did only ok, not making a big dent, but I don’t think that really mattered to these leads. They mainly just want to have dramas successfully air and get their names back out there.
Prisoner of Beauty
折腰 36 2023 5月13日 腾讯视频 宋祖儿、刘宇宁 古装
Another surprise drop for Song Zu’Er. Looks like whatever tax scandal she was involved in has been resolved. We’ve seen 2 of her dramas that were in post production suddenly drop and she has been seen to be filming just today! Prisoner of Beauty was a highly anticipated drama so fans were quite upset when she was soft blacklisted. This drama has done surprisingly well for having very little notice. It has breached 30,000 on Tencent’s popularity index, the 3rd drama to do so this year behind The Guardian of Da Feng and The Glory.
Here is the premise for this historical romance drama.
As a young child, Wei Shao ft Liu Yu NIng saw his father and older brother die due to a betrayal. As a young man, he takes on the burden of leading the kingdom. But rather than continue to fight via war, he opts to try to find peace and bring prosperity to his people. Due to an agreement, he must marry a daughter of the Qiao family but it is the Qiao family that betrayed the Wei family and caused the deaths of his beloved family members.
Xiao Qiao ft Song Zu Er steps in for her older sister to marry Wei Shao. While both were not happy with the marriage, their shared values helped them build trust into a stronger marriage, one where they aim to quell the conflict between their families.
I’ve written up my rather lengthy review on our website chasingdramas.com that you can read. Overall I quite liked it. The chemistry between the main leads Liu Yu Ning and Song Zu Er worked out quite well. Certainly a couple that I could “ke” or ship and was happily chasing their romantic moments. The world is sprawling with many different characters and kingdoms that certainly took me a while to fully understand but added to an immersive universe. Once you move away from the funnier romance components of the show, I did like the fact that the drama made me really sit to think about the side characters. Why did Xiao Qiao, the main female lead’s sister make the decision she did while one of the main antagonists recognizes that even though he would like to be the person Xiao Qiao wants him to be but his upbringing and background prevents him from doing so. In all, a fun show that marks a triumphant return for Song Zu’Er.
人生若如初见 40 2020 5月13日 爱奇艺 李现、春夏、魏大勋、朱亚文、周游 革命 A Love Never Lost
This drama we’ve actually talked about a few years ago. It was filmed a whopping 5 years ago and then in 2022 had 6 episodes suddenly air but then randomly got pulled. So this drama was basically in purgatory for years. Once again, not sure if Song Zu’er’s release had something to do with anything but this drama also was finally able to air. It is a Republic of China era drama starring Li Xian as the main male lead. Chun Xia is the female lead and Wei Da Xun is also in the show.
In the late Qing dynasty or the early 1900s, China was undergoing a very turbulent time. Many youths come forward with the aim of changing and saving their home country. 梁乡played by Li Xian, 杨凯之 played by Wei Da Xun and 李人骏 played by Zhou You are one of the earliest students to study in Japan for better knowledge. They come across 2 others 吴天白（朱亚文饰）、谢菽红（春夏饰）on the ship over and their 5 lives are forever entwined. After experiences overseas, the group return home and see the political turning of the tides. Various factions emerge as revolutionaries fight to overthrow the prior order and bring China to a new prosperous path.
Eh – Not sure if this is necessarily my cup of tea, at least at the current moment. The drama didn’t make that big of a splash. While the rest of China was watching Prisoner of Beauty and Zang Hai Zhuan, this drama was in 3rd place with around 6-8% share of views. On iQiyi, it maxed only breached 7000 on its popularity index. Perhaps its because there was limited marketing for this drama or because of its subject matter. Even though Li Xian is the male lead and he did quite well in several of his other dramas over the years and newly minted explosive idol Wei Da Xun were not able to bring big audiences for this show.
The Legend of Zang Hai
藏海传 40 2024 5月18日 央视八套 肖战、张婧仪、周奇、黄觉 古装
One of the year’s most anticipated dramas, this star-studded production led by Xiao Zhan and Zhang Jing Yi. This drama is directed by Zheng Xiao Long 郑晓龙, the director of Empresses in the Palace, who despite some misses, has helmed other hits over the years. It has breached 10,000 on Youku’s popularity index, the fastest to do so this year. It has even reached a peak of 10,400.
Here’s the plot overview: Zhi Nu grew up in a loving family, learning geomancy from his father Kuai Duo, the director of the Imperial Observatory. This life comes crashing down as Zhi Nu witnesses his entire family and friends murdered by the Marquess of Ping Jing. He is rescued by a mysterious man who sends him to learn skills in order to seek revenge for his family.
Ten years later, the now Zang Hai (ft Xiao Zhan) returns to the capital and must find his way to gain favor with the Marquess of Ping Jing. He gains an unlikely ally from Xiang An Tu (ft Zhang Jing Yi), a wealthy businesswoman. Zang Hai must dispatch the Marquess’s close confidantes and replace them in order to gain the Marquess’s trust and enact his own plans. It’s a treacherous journey in which Zang Hai must not lose himself to the temptations of power, wealth, and lust.
This is Xiao Zhan’s first return to period dramas since 2023’s The Longest Promise and he does a great job as the highly intelligent and hilariously weak Zang Hai. What I mean is that we finally have a male lead in a revenge drama who isn’t this highly skilled martial artist. He has to solve issues with wit, resilience, and skill. Meanwhile, it’s the female lead, starring Zhang Jing Yi, who has all the money and is the master warrior. I wrote in my review that the traditional male and female roles in these revenge stories are reversed and for the sprinkles of romance that we do see, it’s fun to see Zang Hai literally helpless while Xiang An Tu is off fighting the bad guys. Anyways, this drama started off well and has gotten great ratings on Youku and decent ratings on CCTV 8. I’m chasing this drama live right now and the second half isn’t AS strong as the first but still a very enjoyable watch. If you want a drama with revenge, suspense, and a sprinkle of romance, I recommend this one.
韶华若锦 30 2024 5月19日芒果TV（首播），5月20日 湖南卫视金鹰独播剧场（上星） 宋威龙、包上恩 Youthful Glory
Here’s the summary: The Prince of Bei Ding Jiang Xu (ft Song Wei Long 宋威龙) sneaks back to the capital to investigate corruption regarding the funds for his army. While undercover, he encounters Ming Tan (ft Bao Shang En 包上恩), daughter of the Marquess of Jing An, who is trying to wiggle her way out of her arranged marriage. She is unhappy with this mysterious and cold stranger who seemingly is always in her way. Jiang Xu discovers that the corruption runs deep in the empire and must secure allies to continue the investigation. He sets his eyes on the Marquess of Jing An and the Ming family. Ming Tan and Jiang Xu face enemies from all sides as they try to save their families and the Empire.
Song Wei Long and Bao Shang En were doing some heavy promos of the drama when it first aired, especially since this aired on HunanTV but this drama has been a critical and commercial dud. I mean, I get why. I chased 10 episodes and couldn’t keep watching. Song Wei Long is the best part of the entire drama and played the handsome, thoughtful, and devoted prince. But gosh, the screenwriters really could not figure out what to do with Bao Shan En’s character Ming Tan. She’s rash, impulsive, and childish! I stopped watching because of her. The show boasts a great cast of rising young actors like Dai Lu Wa, Ke Ying, Bai Shu, Qin Xiao Xuan, and Quan Yi Lun. If you’re in the mood for light entertainment and some attractive eye candy, this drama delivers on that front but definitely don’t watch it for the plot. Ming Tan’s actions just made me boil. Go check out my short review on our website!
陷入我们的热恋 24 2024 5月28日 腾讯视频 刘浩存、王安宇 都市 Be Passionately In Love
For some modern day romance, Be Passionately In Love is a 24 episode drama that started airing on May 28 starring Liu Hao Cun and Wang An Yu on Tencent.
In the rainy southern city of Qingyi, young highschooler 徐栀zhī（刘浩存 饰 Xu Zhi (played by Liu Haocun) meets fellow student 陈路周（王安宇 饰） Chen Luzhou (played by Wang Anyu). A misunderstanding sparks the beginning of their story. As they bicker and tease, a budding tension grows stronger. Unfortunately, the two must face reality. Chen Luzhou is sent by his family to study abroad, while Xu Zhi heads to Beijing to pursue architecture. However, fate takes a turn due to an unexpected incident. Chen Luzhou gives up studying abroad and transfers into Xu Zhi’s university. He faces his feelings head-on and vows to win back his “ex-girlfriend”.
Wang An Yu is a on a roll right now with his 3 modern day drama airing this year. He’s definitely found his niche but none have really caused a big splash like last year’s Romance in the Alley. He and his co-star Liu Hao Cun have been heavily promoting this drama. It’s still in its early days so we’ll see how this fares. I think it will do ok. We just haven’t had a huge modern day romance idol drama in a while.
在人间 8 2024 5月28日 爱奇艺 赵丽颖、尹昉 悬疑 What A Wonderful World
For a short 8 episode modern day thriller, check out What A Wonderful World featuring Zhao Li Ying, and Yin Fang. This is the drama that Zhao Li Ying was promoting on WeiBo when there were trending tags on her dating life.
Ride hailing app driver Xu Tian featuring Yin Fang is in love with Jia Xiao Duo ft Zhao Li Ying. She is a customer who rides his car and has ridden it more than 15 times but he has never spoken to her. Together, they enter an alternate space where they embark on a spiritual journey. There are many different worlds with different threats. In this alternate space, they meet different types of people with different challenges. They help and encourage each other to rid themselves of their own shackles to achieve self healing.
This drama announced the cast last September and is already presented to audiences. I must say, that’s a quick turnaround time. I watched the 1st episode and was kinda weirded out by it because Xu Tian as the driver being obsessed with Jia Xiao Duo even though they never spoke is creepy as hell to me and I was getting triggered. Maybe I’ll continue watching it just to see what the heck is going on in this alternate universe but yea the opening moments of this drama were not for me. I was like GIRL GET OUT THIS IS HOW WOMEN DIE IN REAL LIFE. I would like to think Zhao Li Ying picks unique/interesting scripts so I may come back to this.
All 8 episodes are out – I don’t think it made a huge splash and struggled to compete with the 2 juggernauts.
临江仙 32 2024 6月6日 爱奇艺 白鹿、曾舜晞、何瑞贤、陈鑫海、赵昭仪、连凯、赵弈钦、张籽沐 古装 Feud
Next up is the next major fantasy romance drama airing on iQiYi. It’s 临江仙 or Feud. This 32 episode drama stars Bai Lu, Zeng Shun Xi, He Rui Xian, Chen Xin Hai, and Zhao Zhao Yi. 白鹿、曾舜晞、何瑞贤、陈鑫海、赵昭仪.
Here’s the synopsis –
The Four-Spirit Immortal Hua Ruyue (played by Bai Lu) 花如月（白鹿饰) and the Grand Black Mystic Bai Jiusi (played by Zeng Shunxi) 白九思（曾舜晞饰) were born of the same origin and destined soulmates. However, misunderstanding turned them into bitter enemies. After experiencing breakups, the loss of their child, and cruel deaths, Hua Ruyue and Bai Jiusi struggle with the love and hatred they have for one another. They discover that they were unknowing pawns in a far greater conspiracy. As catastrophe looms, the two set aside their personal grievances and fight side by side, joining forces to save all living beings.
So far, what’s different about this drama is that the main couple experiences three marriages and three divorces so to speak. I don’t know right now if they live three lives. Bai Lu returns to a fantasy romance after this year’s Moonlight Mystique. This is Zeng Shun Xi’s first lead role since last year’s dud Snowy Night Timeless Love. I thought the two had acted in something together but after looking at their dramas, they haven’t! I”ll be curious on the plot and acting of this drama. I’m hoping the gods aren’t too focused on romance. iQiYi desperately needs a win with romance fantasies. Its April offering of Love in Pavillion was another dud.This drama just announced its air date earlier today so i hope we get some good promotion of this drama.
长安的荔枝 2024 6月7日 央视八套 雷佳音、岳云鹏 古装 The Lichi Road
The drama I am excited to watch upcoming in June, is Chang An De Li Zhi. Guess what, we are back in Chang An, back in the Tang dynasty and back with Lei Jia Yin as the main male lead. We spent forever talking about Chang An featuring Lei Jia Yin in the Longest Day In Chang’An and we’re back again with literally the same Director as the Longest Day in Chang An Cao Dun and with the story from the same Author As longest day in Chang An, Ma Bo Yong.
This drama will air on tencent as well as CCTV8. A rarity for historical dramas.
Set in the Tang dynasty, Li Shan De ft Lei Jia Yin 李善德（雷佳音饰）was tricked into becoming the Lychee official and was forced to accept a mission to ship fresh lychees for the Noble Consort’s birthday. This is literally a death sentence because of how difficult it is to move fresh lychee at that time. From Ling Nan to Chang An is over 5000 Li which makes this an impossible task. In order to ensure his daughter’s safety, Li Shan De has no option but to embark on this journey. On this journey he is joined by Zheng Ping An ft Yue Yun Peng, someone aimed at finding evidence of the Right Chancellor’s corruption. Returning home the 2 meet many people that serve as obstacles on their path. How will they complete their respective missions?
EEEEK I am So excited!!! Finally! We have a PROPER history drama again! For listeners, this should be VERY familiar. I’m not sure how the drama will change things around in terms whether or not the people will be actually named, but in history, it’s literally set in the same time period as the Longest Day in Chang An, well maybe not the same year, but the noble consort, the emperor the chancellors all should be the same. We actually talked about Noble Consort Yang with her Lychee back in The Story of Yanxi palace. This is a significant display of wealth from the Emperor to dote on this consort that was not well received by poets. I’ll be interested to see how they play this and if it ties to history as much as we know the history of it. But hey, after so many dramas that are set in made up places, I’m glad we’re back in the Tang dynasty!