Chasing Dramas
Karen and Cathy explain cultural and historical references episode by episode in popular Chinese historical dramas as well as Chinese pop culture news. The podcast is in English with proper nouns and phrases spoken in Mandarin Chinese. Currently, they are discussing Season 1 of Joy of Life. Completed dramas/movies include: The Story of Yanxi Palace, The Longest Day in Chang'An, The Story of Ming Lan, Empresses in the Palace, Royal Nirvana, Palace (2013 film), and Mulan (2020 Disney movie) among others.
Episodes
Oct 2026 C-Drama Update: Against the Current, Spring of the Blade, A Prophet, and more!
Against the Current ft Liu Xue Yi and Tan Song Yun was the major juggernaut drama in September/October, posting massive numbers both on Tencent's popularity index and overall daily viewership numbers.Meanwhile all other dramas, like Spring of the Blade ft Xu Kai and Zhou Ye, A Prophet ft Li Xian and Li Yi Tong, Irreplaceable ft Wei Da Xun and Zhao Jin Mai and Shadow Punisher ft Luo Yun Xi all
In the Know - The NSFW Headlines Dylan Wang Wishes Would Go Away
Karen and Cathy provide an update on one of the most bizarre, hilarious, but also rather unfortunate stories from September 2026 featuring Dylan Wang (Wang He Di 王鹤棣).An anonymous, explicit rumor was falsely linked to Dylan Wang, prompting his team to deny the allegations and announce legal action. But instead of disappearing, the story took on a life of its own.We break down how the controversy s
The Road to Splendor (花开锦绣) History Deep Dive - Chastity Archways, Marriage, Salt and More!
In Cathy's first solo Chasing Dramas video, she dives into the history and cultural references behind The Road to Splendor (花开锦绣)! From the Ming Dynasty salt trade and the rise of the Shanxi merchants to chastity archways, wedding traditions, and the "East bed" signals a son-in-law.
Sep 2026 C-Drama Update: The Early Spring, The Road to Splendor, Genius Girlfriend and more!
Karen covers Chinese dramas that aired in August/September 2026.Modern day romance The Early Spring ft Jing Bo Ran and Sun Qian is a surprise hit right now, with over 30% market share.I personally quite liked The Road to Splendor for its history, costumes and cinematography.Other dramas that aired in August though were surprising duds like Pull Strings and Genius Girlfriend.#chinesedrama #cdrama
In the Know - Jing Tian vs Justin Sun: The 6,000 Word Essay SHOCKING China
On August 27, crypto billionaire Justin Sun (Sun Yu Chen) published a 6,000-word essay titled "My Girlfriend Jing Tian" and Chinese social media blew up. Karen introduces C-drama star Jing Tian and crypto billionaire Justin Sun and goes into the details of the essay he wrote, the 30million RMB he's suing her for, and why the details of the essay could be career ending for her.
Aug 2026 C-Drama Update - Mystic Nine, Overdo, Royal Betrothal and more!
William Chan's Mystic Nine becomes a surprise hit for the summer (finally a "hit!) while Zhang Ling He's Overdo struggles to match the success of Pursuit of Jade. Other dramas like Royal Betrothal, Blossoms of Power, Key to the Phoenix Heart were all fine...but nothing exceptional
In the Know - China's Most-Watched Dramas of 2026 So Far (Mid-Year Rankings)
Karen lists the most viewed dramas in China through the first half of 2026. Unsurprisingly, Pursuit of Jade was THE biggest drama, dominating the metrics across almost all platforms. Other top dramas include The Lead, Born With Luck, The Punishment and others.
In the Know - Concerts: The New Trend
In the past few months, Chinese celebrities have flocked to giving concerts, performing at music festivals, and going on tour. That has worked well for some celebrities but not so much for others. Xie Na, a famous host, encountered significant backlash with the announcement of her tour in June. Listen to our latest podcast episode to hear what happened!
In the Know - Lu Han's Continued Drama
On July 6, influencer Si Xiao Di posted more explosive content implicating having an affair with Lu Han. After being silent for 6 months since her January posts, she also implicates other celebrities. All eyes are on Lu Han's camp and whether or not they will make a statement. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the latest developments!
July 2026 Chinese Drama Update: Archives: The Nan Yang Mystery, Love Has Fireworks, The Eternal Fragrance and more!
Dramas airing in June/early July 2026 include detective thrillers, some modern day romances and a few other costume dramas. Though some have outperformed expectations, there has yet to be an "explosive hit" this summer.
In the Know - New Regulations for Short Dramas
We first give an update on Bai Lu's woes. Then discuss the changes in regulations on the budding new short drama and micro drama industry. Hong Guo, a new micro drama app, was rumored to have also set new guidelines on content. Listen to our latest podcast episode for more details!
In the Know - Keep Running's Reckoning and Bai Lu's Difficult Month
Keep Running finds itself in hot water after viewers discover that cities might be paying the show millions of dollars to film at their respective cities. One of the main cast, Bai Lu, continues to find herself in hot water in the aftermath of the Keep Running controversy from May. With her new drama, First Jasmine, airing, she needs to face the negative publicity head on. Listen to our latest pod
June 2026 Chinese Drama Update - The Lead, Zhan Zhao Adventures, The Heir, Ashes to Crown and The First Jasmine!
Our first Video podcast! May/June 2026 Chinese dramas include:Zhang Jia Yi and Liu Hao Cun in The Lead 主角 which was THE hit in May.Yang Yang, Fang Yi Lun and Zhang Ruo Nan in Zhan Zhao Adventures 雨霖铃Yang Zi and Han Dong Jun in The Heir 家业Chen Du Ling and Zhou Yi Ran in Ashes to Crown 翘楚and upcoming is Bai Lu and Cheng Lei in The First Jasmine 莫离
In the Know - Swirling Negativity
There's been a lot of negative commentary in C-ent over the last few weeks with 3 actors/actresses at the heart of the discussion. They are - Lu Yu Xiao, Bai Lu and Wang He Di. Tune in to hear what prompted the negativity in the Chinese discourse.
In the Know - AI in the Chinese Entertainment Industry
In March, a Chinese Media company released a video announcing that they signed two AI generated actors to their platform. In April, iQiYi, a major Chinese media streaming company, announced that actors and actresses have signed their AI agreement that generated a lot of buzz and backlash in China.
In the Know - Ride the Wind 2026 Shenanigans
Ride the Wind 2026 has already garnered huge viewership and sparked major online discourse after just two performances. The live format adds an element of surprise, and three contestants have emerged as unexpected fan favorites — not because they are the strongest singers or dancers, but because they are simply so entertaining to watch.Olympian Wang Meng, actress Li Xiao Ran, and actress Tang Yi X
May 2026 Drama Updates - The Epoch of Miyu, Born with Luck, A Perfect Match, a Splendid Match and More!
The Epoch of Miyu was a surprise hit in April/May, where social media was abuzz about this modern day drama that featured a main female lead who was cheated on by her husband. Costume dramas currently airing right now include A Perfect Match starring Ren Jia Lun and Wang He Run and A Splendid Match starring Ren Min and Ci Sha. Born With Luck, a modern day comedy police thriller, though is offering
Important Chasing Dramas Announcement!
Karen and Cathy have exciting news on where they are bringing Chasing Dramas next!
In the Know - Ride the Wind 2026 pt 2
Another Year, another Ride the Wind competition. Tune in as we introduce the rest of the 33 ladies participating in Hunan/Mango TV's singing and dancing competition for 2026! Some fan favorites include the likes of Empresses in the Palace alum Tang Yi Xin and 90s stars such as Dai Si, Sun Yi, and Chen Yao
In the Know - Ride the Wind 2026 pt 1
Another Year, another Ride the Wind competition. Tune in as we introduce the first half of the ladies participating in Hunan/Mango TV's singing and dancing competition for 2026!
Joy of Life S2 - Ep 36: Recognizing Humanity
In the last episode of the season, Fan Xian discovers the location of where the Ming family hid the rest of the 3 Great Warehouses. He also discovers a plot on his life. Grandmaster Ye Liu Yun has been summoned by the Princess Royal to take his life. Fan Xian must choose between saving his life and taking over the 3 Great Warehouses. Listen to our latest podcast episode as we discuss episode 36 of
Joy of Life S2 - Ep 35: The Depravity of the Ming Family
Fan Xian heads to the Ming family for dinner but is met with a horrific sight and learns how little the Ming family thinks of human lives
April 2026 - Chinese Drama Update - Love Beyond the Grave, Veil of Shadows and more!
In March and April 2026, Dilraba Dilmurat stars in a Love Beyond the Grave alongside Chen Fei Yu as the 400 year old ruler of the spirit real. Ju Jing Yi faced a fierce battle with her agency right before her drama Veil of Shadows starring alongside Chen Du Ling, Zeng Shun Xi, and Tian Jia Rui aired. Zhou Ye starred in a 1980s drama Dream of Golden Years. Gong Jun and Ren Ming round out the month
Joy of Life S2 - Ep 34 - Making an Entrance
Fan Xian sees the corruption in JiangNan and the power the Ming family wields in the region and decides to make a powerful statement when he docks in Su Zhou
In the Know - Hilarious Popularity Resurgences
In the last two weeks, 54 year old Qu Ying suddenly became popular again after her guest appearance on Papi Jiang's show. Her relaxed demeanor and hilarious stories took generated quite a stir on social media. Meanwhile, The Pursuit of Jade has been suffering a lot backlash on the portrayal of generals, leading to the unexpected popularity of He Run Dong for his portrayal of generals back in t
Joy of Life S2 ep 33 - Journey to Jiang Nan
After the Emperor proactively reveals that he is Fan Xian's father, it is time for Fan Xian to head down to Jiang Nan where the Ming family will make it difficult for him to take back control of his mother's 3 Great Workshops
In the Know - Addressing the Billing Problem
On Mar 13, the Chinese Department of the National Radio and Television Administration held a press conference discussing the "issues" that it will tackle. The most pressing is the issue of top billing and who gets top billing for Chinese dramas. Listen to the latest to the solution China has decided to implement.
Joy of Life S2 - ep 32: Marital Disputes
Wan'er confronts Fan Xian about his involvement in her brother's death while the Empress also seeks an audience with the Emperor that turns sour. Beyond that though, more mysteries of the Sacred Temple where Fan Xian's mother and Wu Zhu came from begin to surface.
In the Know - More Social Media Backlash
In the past few weeks, there has been 3 main events that have garnered significant social media backlash including the filming announcement of a very popular book Jiang Men Du Hou with stars Wang He Di and Meng Zi Yi, Dilraba and a series of unfortunate events surrounding Paris Fashion Week, and the new drama The Pursuit of Jade starring Zhang Ling He and Tian Xi Wei. Listen to our latest podcast
Mar 2026 - Chinese Drama Update - How Dare You, Pursuit of Jade, Love Story in the 1970s and more!
Wang Chu Ran and Cheng Lei brought forth laughs in the costume romance drama How Dare You while Zhang Ling He and Tian Xi Wei have their own costume romance drama, Pursuit of Jade, coming up soon. Love Story in the 1970s though was the winner in late February, primarily due to the second male and female lead couple's shipping.
Joy of Life S2 - Ep 31 - Fan Xian's Parentage
As Fan Xian is recovering from his injuries, rumors begin flying around the capital about Fan Xian's parentage. The Princess Royal and the Empress have visceral reactions to this news and decide to take action. Meanwhile, the 2nd Prince decides to tell Wan Er a secret that leaves her with questions on how to face her husband. Listen to our latest podcast episode everything that unfurls in epis
In the Know - Fan Fueled Script Drama
Actor Yang Yang just started filming a new drama after a long hiatus. However, his fans are furious over a supposed leaked script of the drama. Tune in find out what happened!
Joy of Life S2 - Ep 30 - Medical Miracle
Fan Xian gives chase to the assassin but is surprisingly overpowered by his opponent. Gravely injured, Fan Xian seeks the aid from his sister to perform surgery on him. After the operation, Fan Xian learns of the shocking secret as to just who the assassin was. Listen to our latest podcast on episode 30 of Joy of Life S2!
In the Know - 2026 Spring Festival Gala Recap - Year of the Horse or Robot?
The annual Spring Festival Gala occurred on Monday to bring in the Year of the Horse. But Robots actually dominated the stage in multiple performances which are both awe inspiring and terrifying. We go through the 4 regional performances and some other fun tidbits of the show. Overall though, we think it was overstuffed and boring.
In the Know - 2025 Weibo Night Chaos
Fans erupted into chaos during the 2025 Weibo Night because of a mix up/change in seating arrangement that caused Xiao Zhan and Yang Mi (Weibo King and Queen) to not be able to sit for the event. Fans were outraged and even shouted during the evening. Meanwhile, the overly waxed/slippery floors caused quite a few people to slip or get injured in the evening. Suffice to say, odd drama to occur on a
Joy of Life S2 - Ep 29 - The Assassination at the Hanging Temple
In episode 29, everyone at court heads to the Hanging Temple for the Chrysanthemum viewing event. Fan Xian is somehow tasked with protecting the Emperor. Things go awry at the last minute and Fan Xian must decide who to save. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the history and significance of Chrysanthemums in Chinese history!
Feb 2026 - C-drama update: Swords into Plowshares, Love between Lines, Unveil: Jadewind and more!
Jan/Feb 2026 currently airing Chinese dramas include modern romance Love Between Lines with Chen Xing Xu and heavy historical drama Swords into Plowshares with Bai Yu. Bai Lu and Wang Xing Yue are currently starring in Unveil: Jadewind as a Tang dynasty detective drama. There are several other shows on offer but most have not made major splashes.
Joy of Life S2 - Ep 28 - Bank Creation and the End of the Honeymoon
News travels fast to the Capital about these new bonds that Fan Xian is trying to sell. The Emperor makes no comment but instead orders the Chrysanthemum viewing festival be moved up to whenever Fan Xian is available. This sends a huge signal to others in the Capital and they decide whether or not to buy Fan Xian's bonds. Listen to our latest podcast episode on episode 28 of Season 2 of Joy of
In the Know - Chinese Pop Culture News - (Il)legal Activity?
There were a few stories that dominated the headlines these week. Two female celebrities were exposed to have engaged in activities with questionable legality. Zhang Yu Qi is accused of having one of her children born via surrogacy which is illegal in China. Jin Chen might have been involved in a hit and run. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the scoop!
Joy of Life S2 - Ep 27 - Investor Pitch
Fan Xian takes Wan'Er to Cang Mountain for a honeymoon but it turns into an investor pitch as he tries to sell Qing kingdom bonds in order to plug the 20mm taels of silver debt from the Imperial Treasury.
In the Know - Chinese Pop Culture News - Fan Engagement via Weibo
The annual voting period for the upcoming Weibo night is underway. We explain how exactly do fans stay engaged and how that reflects fandom popularity
Joy of Life s2 - Ep 26pt 2: The Hall of Joy
After the wedding, Fan Xian and Wang Qi Nian heads to the Hall of Joy, the business created by his mother Ye Qing Mei.
In the Know - Chinese Pop Culture News - More Relationship Reveals
Well known Chinese 35yo actor Tan Jian Ci was exposed to have dated a 20y/o actress quite recently. Though he now says he's single, this is his second relationship reveal in a month. 44 yo Singaporean singer JJ Lin (Lin Jun Jie) publicly announced that he is dating 23y/o Qi Qi on social media in December. Meanwhile, Zhou Qi and Xiang Han Zhi have broken up after the news of their relationship
Joy of Life S2 - Ep 24pt 2+25+26 pt 1: Fan Xian and Lin Wan Er's Wedding
At long last, the Emperor has agreed for Fan Xian to be married! The two only have 3 days to prepare for the event. Lin Wan Er's mother decides to return to the capital to see her daughter once more but also give her future son-in-law a "present". Listen to our latest episode on our thoughts on the wedding and the political currents pushing the events along.
Jan 2026 - Chinese Drama Update: The Unclouded Soul, Glory, Shine on Me, The Punishment and more!
Jan 2026 airing Chinese dramas include: Shine on Me 骄阳似我 ft Song Wei Long and Zhao Jin Mai , The Punishment 罚罪2 ft Huang Jing Yu and Wang Chuan Jun, The Unclouded Soul 逍遥 ft Tan Song Yun and Hou Ming Hao, Glory 玉茗茶骨 ft Hou Ming Hao and Gu Li Na Zha and many others!
In The Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: 2026 New Year Bombshells
3 days into 2026, the Chinese entertainment industry was abuzz with the latest bombshells from an influencer "iamroosie". She claims that she has had dalliances with many popular Chinese actors and idols including Lu Han, Lin Geng Xin, Tan Jian Ci, and others. Listen to our latest podcast episode on this explosive news and how it progressed over the past 48 hours!
In The Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: 2025 C-ent Male Winners, Losers and Everything in Between
In our last podcast episode for 2025, Karen and Cathy go over their subjective list of the Chinese actors that were the winners, losers and everything in between in 2025.
In The Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: 2025 C-ent Women's Winners, Losers and Everything in Between
Karen and Cathy go over their subjective list of the Chinese actresses that were the winners, losers and everything in between in 2025.
Joy of Life S2 - Ep 23+24 pt 1: The Road to Retirement
In episodes 23 and part 1 of episode 24 of S2 of Joy of Life, the Chancellor resigns from his post and leaves the capital towards retirement. However, this journey is not a simple as it seems. Fan Xian must make moves to protect his father-in-law's life but it seems like everyone has been played as a pawn by the Emperor. Listen to our latest podcast episode to learn about the pop culture and h
In the Know - 2025 CDrama Recap
Zhao Lu Si's Love's Ambition was 2025's top Cdrama both in terms of popularity on Tencent and overall views per episode. We recap what were the other top Chinese dramas this year though we note that the quality and popularity of these dramas lagged prior years.
Joy of Life S2 - Ep 21+22: The Emperor's Master Plan
In episodes 21 + 22 of Joy of Life S2, Fan Xian ensures some fairness for this years Spring Exam results. However, just as he thought all was clear, the conniving He Zong Wei appears with a mysterious woman who accuses Chancellor Lin with the murder of her husband. Fan Xian must confront these accusations only to find that everyone was but a pawn in the Emperor's master plan.
Dec 2025 - Chinese Drama Update - Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty 3, Love on the Turquoise Land, Love and Crown and more!
Nov/Dec 2025 Chinese dramas currently airing include season 3 of the gruesome but thrilling Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty: To Chang An which has dominated the streaming charts in November. Dilraba brings us her new modern day supernatural drama, Love on the Turquoise Land alongside Chen Xing Xu. Ren Jia Lun and Peng Xiao Ran starred in Love In Crown but no one really watched it. Chen Xiao stars in
Joy of Life S2 - Ep 20: Stopping Systematic Cheating
Fan Xian swaps out candles, water and even builds new latrines to ensure the safety of the students for the Spring exam. He also inspects the officials who are evaluating the exam papers to prevent them from enacting various cheats. However, after all that, there is still one person's paper who was swapped.
In the Know - Unique features in Chinese social media apps
X / Twitter caused quite an uproar recently with enabling the feature to disclose the location of the where the post originated. Interestingly, that feature has been a staple of all Chinese social media apps for a few years. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the 2 main unique features of Chinese social media application that meant a completely different viewing and engagement experience betw
Joy of Life S2 ep 19: Let the Exams Begin
The spring exams start under Fan Xian's watch and there are plenty of traps he has to watch out for.
In the Know - 2025 Golden Rooster Awards and Zootopia 2
We're back with more movie gossip and tea! The 2025 Golden Rooster Awards were recently held and there was a huge uproar with the winners. Meanwhile, Zootopia 2 is poised be a juggernaut in China but fans are deeply disappointed with the newly announced cast of voice actors. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the latest news and drama about these movies!
Joy of Life S2 - ep 18: Fighting for Fairness
Fan Xian ultimately decides to fight for fairness at this year's imperial entrance exam which goes against years of unspoken norms. He asks the Emperor to be his shield for his endeavor and starts to enact his plan
In the Know - Director Levels of Drama!
In our latest In the Know episode, we discuss the latest scandals surrounding famed Hong Kong Director Wong Kar-Wai and potential plagiarism during the creation of the 2023 hit drama Blossoms Shanghai. Actress Bai Bai He also caused quite a stir for her cryptic posts during the Tokyo Film Festival. Listen to hear Karen and Cathy latest gossip about these events!
Nov 2025 Chinese Drama Update - Blood River, Whispers of Fate, Sword and Beloved and more!
Right now, there is a plethora of Chinese male idol led costume dramas. Gong Jun leads Blood River, Luo Yun Xi leads Whispers of Fate and Cheng Yi leads Sword and Beloved. There are several other dramas we highlight for Oct/Nov 2025 airing Chinese dramas!
Joy of Life S2 Ep 17: The Back Door
In episode 17 of Season 2 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian investigates the new crop of scholars that are preparing themselves for the imperial entrance exams. He uncovers the blatant corruption throughout the process and finds himself the recipient of many bribes as a proctor of the exam. He must decide if there's anything that can be done. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the fun pop culture
In the Know - Police Confirmed Romance, New Baby, and Trouble in Paradise!
We're moving away from fashion to talk about the top headlines of the past few weeks! 19 year old Rong Zi Shan made a name for himself and not in a good way as he was summoned by police about his physical altercation towards his girlfriend. Hong Kong Actor William Chan announced a surprise baby boy with supermodel He Sui. There's potential martial troubles with Dou Xiao and Laurinda Ho onl
Joy of Life S2 Ep 16: New Challenges
In episode 16 of S2 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian is interrupted by a gang of young aristocrats seeking revenge for the closure of Bao Yue Lou in the name of the 3rd Prince. He waves them off as petty challengers. The Emperor appoints Fan Xian as a new overseer for the upcoming imperial civil service exams, which poses new challenges for Fan Xian. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the history and
In the Know - Vogue China's Forces In Fashion 2025 Gala
Vogue China's Forces In Fashion Gala in Shanghai didn't necessarily wow on the fashion side but had plenty of conversation topics both pre and post event. Liu Yi Fei wowed on the red carpet while actress Zhong Chu Xi is currently being blasted online for her position in a group photo.
Joy of Life S2 Ep 15: Shocking Punishment
Censor Lai brings numerous reprimands and reports of people at court, starting from Fan Xian then moving all the way up to the Emperor. However, actions of Censor Lai stepped over the Emperor's boundary and was given a shocking punishment for his actions.
In the Know - Fantasy and Costume CDrama Issues We're Over With
Karen and I watch a lot of Chinese dramas, especially fantasy and costume dramas. Over the past few years, there's been overabundance of several tropes that we quite frankly have taken issues with. There's also many dramas that generally can't execute well. Listen to our latest podcast episode on our thoughts on the issues we have with some of the popular tropes in fantasy and costume dramas.
In the Know - C-ent Actors/Actresses w/ Prior Specialties
Several top Chinese actors/actresses had different careers before turning to acting. Many of them were dancers. Tune in to learn who were classically trained as some may surprise you.
Joy of Life - S2 Ep 14: The Spymaster!
In episode 14 of Joy of Life S2, Fan Xian seems to have gained the upper hand against the 2nd Prince. Fan Xian captures one of the 2nd Prince's trusty warriors with the help of a fan favorite. Meanwhile, Fan Si Zhe has safely arrived at the Qi Kingdom and connects with another familiar face. This familiar face boasts that he is now the spymaster of the Qing network in the Qi Kingdom. Is that r
Oct 2025 - Chinese Drama Update: Love's Ambition, Fated Hearts, The Journey of Legend, Mobius and more!
Zhao Lu Si and Chen Wei Ting's modern day romance Love Ambition is a massive surprise hit right now. Meanwhile, Cheng Yi's The Journey of Legend underperformed as both the production and Cheng Yi were panned for poor quality. Bai Jing Ting came forward with a sci fi thriller, Mobius in September and Li Qin and Chen Zhe Yuan star in newly airing Fated Hearts.
Joy of Life - S2 Ep 13: Visiting the Chen Manor
Fan Xian reconciles with Wan'Er and the two head over to Chen Ping Ping's residence. The extravagance shocks them as they see a difference side of Chen Ping Ping. Meanwhile, the 2nd Prince has a few more tricks up his sleeve as he desperately tries to win against Fan Xian. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the history found in this episode!
Joy of Life - S2 Ep 12: Three Couples
In episode 12 of Joy of Life Season 2, Fan Xian finally decides to visit his betrothed Lin Wan'Er. The 2nd Prince has his own motives for meeting Lin Wan'Er and encounters his own betrothed, Ye Ling Er. The four sit down for a meal but are interrupted by another engaged couple, the 1st Prince and the Northern Qi Princess. Tensions are high as Fan Xian confronts the 2nd Prince. Fan Xian mus
In the Know - A Shocking Death and other negative news in C-ent
The surprise accidental death of 37 y/o Chinese actor Yu Meng Long shocked everyone for how sudden it was. Sadly, it looks to be drinking related. Other negative news includes Xu Kai now being accused of leading a gambling ring while filming and 2 dramas that were scheduled to film, including one headlining Yu Shu Xin, are now paused indefinitely.
Joy of Life - S2 Ep 11: The Retaliation
Fan Xian had his first win at the Imperial Court with the help from Chancellor Lin. The 2nd Prince is seething at the new investigations to those loyal to him and vows to bring Fan Xian down. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince is caught in the crossfire and must navigate through his own precarious situation. Listen now to our latest podcast episode on episode 11 of Season 2 of Joy of Life!
In the Know - Vogue China's 20th Anniversary + Xin Zhi Lei's International Award
Vogue China's 20th Anniversary September Cover featured 11 Chinese actresses with Liu Yi Fei sponsored by Bulgari taking center stage. However, there was plenty of discussion around who was or was not included.One of the actresses on this cover was Xin Zhi Lei who recently won best actress at the Venice Film Festival. This became a point of national pride and catapulted her to the top of the A
Joy of Life - S2 Ep 10: First Day at Court
In episode 10 of Season 2 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian has his first day at the Imperial Court after receiving summons from the Emperor to respond to the allegations of corruption from the Censorate. Fan Xian has a plan but is surprised to see the cast of characters at court.Listen to our latest podcast episode to hear more about palace etiquette!
Sep 2025 Chinese Drama Update - This Thriving Land, Destiny Brings the Demon, Moonlit Reunion, Shadow Love and more
The biggest Chinese drama to air in August was This Thriving Land with Yang Mi as a lead but shined as an ensemble cast. Meanwhile, the fantasy/costume dramas featuring the likes of Xu Kai, Tian Xi Wei, Chen Fei Yu, Cheng Lei, Song Yi, Wang Ying Lu all didn't make too much of a splash. Listen in for more details!
In the Know - Xu Kai's Messy Love Life
On August 22nd, Weibo exploded when one of actor Xu Kai's (of the Story of Yanxi Palace fame) ex-girlfriends, Xu Li Sha, publicly posted how Xu Kai cheated on her. Xu Kai became a trending topic with billions of views about what happened. His manager, Yu Zheng also joined in on the fray by livestreaming a rebuttal. It became a whole saga which we explain in this episode.
Joy of Life - S2 Ep 9: Gaining Support
In episode 9 of S2 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian's acceptance of 3000 taels of silver is reported to the Emperor from the Censorate. Fan Xian must make his case in front of the Imperial Court. However, Fan Xian does not seem too particularly worried. Instead, he turns his attention to the chief clerk, Deng Zi Yue, and tries to understand what happened to this once righteous man. Listen to our lates
In the Know - 2025 W Annual Gala
Dilireba dominated social media after her unique red carpet look at the W Annual Gala on Aug 19. We discuss some of our other looks as well as the themes for the evening.
Joy of Life - S2 Ep 8: New Boss in Town
Fan Xian is now the head of the 1st Bureau and heads off to his first day of work. He instead finds the men happily playing Mahjong while accepting "gifts" from others. The chief clerk, Deng Zi Yue, is full of flattery towards Fan Xian but Fan Xian isn't fooled. Fan Xian decides to investigate the Crop Investigation Bureau for all of the "gifts" it sends. Listen to our late
In the Know - Zhao Lu Si's Saga continues
On Aug 2, Chinese Drama actress Zhao Lu Si publicly blasted her management company on Weibo for mistreatment following her illness at the beginning of the year. She has since been on continuous live streams with both positive and negative commentary. Listen in to hear more!
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