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// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did The Early Spring say to Winter? Leaf me alone.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Early Spring
Promotional poster
Also known asBright Early Spring
Simplified Chinese早春晴朗
Hanyu PinyinZǎo Chūn Qíng Lǎng
Genre
Based on
Zao Chun Qing Lang
by Gu Niang Bie Ku
Written byGao Xiao Xian
Directed byJiang Ji Zheng
Starring
Country of originChina
Original languageMandarin
No. of episodes24
Production
Production locations
Running time45 minutes
Production companies
Original release
Network
Release26 August (2026-08-26) –
9 September 2026 (2026-09-09)

The Early Spring (Chinese: 早春晴朗; pinyin: Zǎo Chūn Qíng Lǎng) is a 2026 Chinese television series starring Jing Boran and Sun Qian.[1] It is adapted from the web novel Zao Chun Qing Lang by Gu Niang Bie Ku, directed by Jiang Ji Zheng and written by Gao Xiao Xian.[2] The story is about a young professional navigating a competitive advertising agency while entangled in a complex romance with her demanding superior.[3][4] On 26 August 2026, it was released on Youku and Netflix.[5][6]

The series exceeded 10,000 'Popularity Heat Index' points on Youku throughout its broadcast period,[7][8] and achieved a historic first for Chinese series by entering the 'Top 3' on Netflix: ranking 4th in 'Top TV Shows Worldwide' and 2nd in the 'Global Non-English TV List'.[9][10] It was listed as S+ Tier i.e. 'Top Performing Shows' on Yunhe Chart.[11] Upon its release, Jing Boran and Sun Qian were ranked as 'Top C-drama Artists in the International Market', while their portrayals topped the 'Character Index List'.[12]

Synopsis

[edit]

Shang Zhitao (Sun Qian), a determined young woman from a modest background, unexpectedly lands a job at a top advertising agency. There she encounters an aloof and demanding industry veteran Luan Nian (Jing Boran). Navigating intense office politics and a complex romance with Luan Nian, she gradually transforms from a naive newcomer into a seasoned professional. Years later, after stepping away from the corporate grind to run a quiet restaurant in her hometown, their paths cross once again, forcing both to re-evaluate their past and future.[13][14]

Casts

[edit]

Main

[edit]
  • Sun Qian as Shang Zhitao / Flora. An optimistic and hardworking woman who navigates the challenges of a competitive corporate environment.[15]
  • Jing Boran as Luan Nian / Luke. An advertising executive known for his sharp intellect and detached demeanor.[16]

Supporting

[edit]
  • Guo Xiaoting as Zang Yao: A special appearance. Luan Nian's childhood friend, who harbors unrequited romantic feelings for him while he views her strictly as family.
  • Liu Xiaobei as Sun Yuanzhu: Shang Zhitao’s roommate, an introverted autonomous-driving technology researcher. He always takes everyone's feelings into account while quietly dealing with heavy family pressure.
  • Qi Tianqing as Sun Yu : Zhitao’s supportive friend and housemate.
  • Zhang Yezi as Lu Mi: Luan Nian's subordinate, who serves as a trusted career mentor to Shang Zhitao.
  • Liu Chang as Will: Head of the marketing department, who harbors feelings for Lu Mi.
  • Ning Xin as Kitty: A colleague in the company.
  • Zhao Zhenyu as Tan Mian: A former advertising executive turned private kitchen owner, who serves as Luan Nian's love mentor.
  • Peng Yang as Tracy Liang: Human Resources Manager, who overcomes strong internal opposition to hire Shang Zhitao.
  • Li Chuan as Alex: Director of the second division and a major business rival to Luan Nian.[17]
  • Liu Yongxi as Duane: Luan Nian's former colleague, who leaves to join Alex at his new agency.
  • Wen Xiangji as Li Tianran: Alex's former colleague and loyal follower.
  • Mu Ruini as Zhang Xin: Luan Nian's ex-girlfriend, who struggles to accept their breakup and relentlessly pursues him.
  • Dong Musha as Dony: The new business unit General Manager overseeing new media, who previously betrayed Luan Nian to launch a rival agency.
  • Wang Wenqi as Yao Bei: Zhitao's senior
  • Lin Peng as Lao Shang: Zhitao's father.
  • Zhao Qian as Da Zhai: Zhitao's mother.
  • Zhang You as Zhang Lei: Zhitao's landlord.
  • Zheng Hao as Xin Zhaozhou: Zhitao's ex-boyfriend
  • Stuart Forbes as Long Zhentian: Zhitao's tutor for French and English.
  • Zheng Weili as Liang Suyun: Luan Nian's mother, who is a doctor.
  • Xiao Han as Luan Siyuan: Luan Nian's cousin.

Production

[edit]

On 10 September 2024, the project was first announced for Youku during autumn press conference, and the official poster was released.[18] In March 2025, it was listed in the "Network Audiovisual Program Excellence Creation and Dissemination Project" organized by the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA).[19][20]

On 5 September 2025, Principal photography officially began in Beijing.[21][22] The popularity of the novel sparked heated discussions regarding its adaptation tone.[23] In November 2025, early production took placed in Beijing and Harbin, the locations included historic landmarks like Central Street, Saint Sophia Cathedral, and the East Hechang 1917 cultural complex.[24] On 26 November 2025, the filming wrapped at Jinlong Mountain.[25]

Tsai Chia-yin was hired as an intimacy coordinator to establish boundaries and direct movement for sensitive scenes,[26][27] representing the first formal use of intimacy coaching in a Chinese television series.[28][29]

Reception

[edit]

Hindustan Times rated 3.5/5 and stated that "The Early Spring refuses to hand viewers a sugar-coated fairy tale, and that refusal is its greatest triumph. It is a messy, emotionally intense, and highly addictive exploration of flawed people trying to navigate love and ambition. However, if you crave a mature, fast-paced romance with sizzling chemistry, complex character growth, and a beautiful cinematic style, this drama is an absolute must-watch."[30] WION stated that "The Early Spring is presented as a workplace romance and drama, with considerable emphasis on Sun Qian's characters' professional growth rather than simply their romantic relationship."[31][32]

Daily Tribune states that "The drama has quickly become one of the titles viewers are talking about, thanks to its intense workplace romance, charged boss-and-rookie dynamic, and sizzling chemistry between Jing Boran and Sun Qian."[33] The Hindu states that "Moving away from the vanilla, saccharine sweet tropes one has come to associate with romances in many East Asian shows, The Early Spring embraces the chaos and messiness of an urban workplace relationship; one that must contend with pride, ego and, most importantly, a power imbalance."[34] As per Papo de Dorama review "The Early Spring does not reinvent the office romance, but it finds its own personality in the way Jing Boran and Sun Qian play two people who spend far too long avoiding saying plainly what they feel."[35]

Soundtrack

[edit]
The Early Spring OST[36]
No.TitleLyricsMusicSingerLength
1."Passing Sunshine" (Theme Song)Silence WangSilence WangSilence Wang4:45
2."Her" (Opening Theme)Yu YanYu YanLiu Yuning3:41
3."This Moment" (Closing Theme)Yu YanYu YanTia Ray3:34
4."At This Moment"Zhang Zihan, Gao XiaoxianZhang ZihanDuan Aojuan3:49
5."Lady Snow"Yu YanYu YanChen Jingfei3:44
6."You Are My Light"Ding Jiayu, Xiao MinchengDing JiayuYang Yuqing3:29
7."You Should Know"Li ChanggengLi ChanggengLi Changgeng3:43
8."I Will Be Beyond This World"Yu YanYu YanYi Nuo4:27
9."Fall Through"Jing TaChan YouWei Bi3:13
10."Crooked Philosophy"Jing TaXiao Wu Tai TaiWei Bi3:43

Ratings

[edit]
  • The Orange number represents the lowest ratings and the Blue number represents the highest ratings in China.
  • Based on the average audience share per day (Yunhe Data).[37]
Original Broadcast Date Average Audience Share National Ranking
China
August 28, 2026 18.5% 1
August 29, 2026 23.5% 1
August 30, 2026 25.6% 1
August 31, 2026 25.3% 1
September 1, 2026 26.2% 1
September 2, 2026 27.7% 1
September 3, 2026 28.8% 1
September 4, 2026 30.2% 1
September 5, 2026 32.2% 1
September 6, 2026 33.5% 1
September 7, 2026 33.9% 1
September 8, 2026 34.8% 1
September 9, 2026 40.3% 1
Average

29.27%

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ "The Early Spring - Jing Boran, Sun Qian". CPOP HOME. 2026-04-27. Retrieved 2026-09-04.
  2. ↑ "早春晴朗 - 搜狗百科". baike.sogou.com. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  3. ↑ J, Anne (2026-08-29). "The Early Spring Starring Jing Boran and Sun Qian Sizzles With Chemistry and Rising Ratings". DramaPanda. Retrieved 2026-09-04.
  4. ↑ "The Early Spring Is New Netflix Sensation - 5 Reasons Why Fans Are Calling It China's Fifty Shades Of Grey?". TimesNow. 2026-09-02. Retrieved 2026-09-05.
  5. ↑ Wang, K.L. Connie (August 27, 2026). "Netflix's Steamy New C-Drama Breaks One of the Genre's Biggest Traditions". Parade. Retrieved 31 August 2026.
  6. ↑ Khan, Alisha (2026-08-31). "The Early Spring Episode 13 release is near: When and where to watch - AOL". AOL.com. Retrieved 2026-09-01.
  7. ↑ "Six must-watch C-dramas to watch on Netflix, Viki if you loved hit show The Early Spring: When I Meet The Moon to Pursuit of Jade". The Economic Times. 2026-08-30. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2026-09-04.
  8. ↑ "Youku's 'The Early Spring' Reaches No. 2 on Netflix's Global Non-English TV List". www.streetinsider.com. Retrieved 2026-09-05.
  9. ↑ "TOP 10 on Netflix in the World on September 4, 2026 • FlixPatrol". FlixPatrol. Retrieved 2026-09-04.
  10. ↑ Yadav, Monica (2026-09-02). "Jing Boran-Sun Qian romance The Early Spring breaks Netflix record; debuts at No 2 globally with 2.4 million views". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 2026-09-04.
  11. ↑ "Feel The Pulse of Chinese Entertainment!". www.v-pulse.com. Retrieved 2026-09-04.
  12. ↑ "Feel The Pulse of Chinese Entertainment!". www.v-pulse.com. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
  13. ↑ Bella (2025-12-10). "網評2025最高期待甜寵陸劇TOP10!《狙擊蝴蝶》才第8，虞書欣《雙軌》第2，冠軍確實必追". beauty美人圈 (in Chinese). Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  14. ↑ Tribune, Daily (2026-08-31). "If you love Christian Grey, meet The Early Spring's Luan Nian". Daily Tribune. Retrieved 2026-09-05.
  15. ↑ 腾讯网 (2025-09-05). "早春晴朗官宣孙千井柏然_腾讯新闻". news.qq.com (in Chinese (China)). Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  16. ↑ "'The Early Spring': All about the workplace drama's cast, plot, and release date". Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong. Retrieved 2026-09-05.
  17. ↑ "《朝雪錄》李蘭迪熱戀敖瑞鵬紅成爆款劇 兩人火速二搭演毒舌霸總愛上職場菜鳥全網期待 -- 上報". www.upmedia.mg (in Chinese). Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  18. ↑ 优酷 (2025-09-05). "井柏然孙千主演《早春晴朗》优酷独播" ["Early Spring Sunny Days" will be exclusively broadcast on Youku.]. 新浪网 (in Chinese (China)). Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  19. ↑ "国家广播电视总局 工作动态 国家广播电视总局2024-2025年"网络视听节目精品创作传播工程"扶持节目发布" [NRTA 2024-2025 High-Quality Online Audiovisual Programs Support List]. www.nrta.gov.cn. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  20. ↑ "9月网剧备案：热门言情IP《早春晴朗》《双轨》影视化". m.mp.oeeee.com. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  21. ↑ 聯合新聞網. "陸劇《早春晴朗》官宣！井柏然、孫千上演職場禁忌愛戀 話題小說改編開拍登熱搜" ["Early Spring Sunny Day" officially begins filming, starring Jing Boran and Sun Qian in a highly anticipated workplace romance adaptation.]. udn 女子漾 (in Chinese). Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  22. ↑ "Beijing To Harbin: Mapping Real Filming Locations Of 'The Early Spring'". Travel and Leisure Asia | Southeast Asia. 2026-09-08. Retrieved 2026-09-15.
  23. ↑ 腾讯网 (2025-08-11). "井柏然孙千《早春晴朗》北京开机 职场爱情长跑引期待_腾讯新闻" ["Early Spring Sunny Day" begins filming in Beijing, starring Jing Boran and Sun Qian.]. news.qq.com (in Chinese (China)). Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  24. ↑ 造咖. "2026必追7部小說改編陸劇《難哄》姐妹作｜造咖". 造咖 (in Chinese). Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  25. ↑ "Early Spring Sunny WrapUp Filming". weibo.com. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  26. ↑ NOWnews今日新聞 (2026-09-02). "《早春晴朗》親密指導是蔡嘉茵！井柏然彎腰親、背吻 性張力爆棚 戲劇 娛樂". NOWnews今日新聞 (in Chinese). Retrieved 2026-09-06.
  27. ↑ "《早春晴朗》带头安排"亲密指导" 教戏 井柏然孙千接吻床戏变高级 - 娱乐 - 国外娱乐 - 中港台". 星洲网 Sin Chew Daily Malaysia Latest News and Headlines (in Chinese (China)). 2026-08-27. Retrieved 2026-09-06.
  28. ↑ "Netflix's 'The Early Spring': First C-Drama with Intimacy Coordinator and Steamy Romance". Yahoo Entertainment. 2026-08-27. Retrieved 2026-09-06.
  29. ↑ Matterz, All Dat (2019-03-06). "The Early Spring Review: Why This C-Drama Is Trending Online?". Alldatmatterz. Retrieved 2026-09-06.
  30. ↑ Yadav, Monica (2026-08-30). "The Early Spring review: Jing Boran and Sun Qian turn a risky and complicated office romance into addictive television". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 2026-09-01.
  31. ↑ "The Early Spring: Why viewers are comparing this C-drama to Fifty Shades of Grey". Wion. Retrieved 2026-09-01.
  32. ↑ "The Early Spring is proof that not everyone can talk about their feelings, and it is perfectly OK". Wion. Retrieved 2026-09-05.
  33. ↑ Tribune, Daily (2026-08-31). "If you love Christian Grey, meet The Early Spring's Luan Nian". Daily Tribune. Retrieved 2026-09-01.
  34. ↑ Poorvaja, S. (2026-09-02). "'The Early Spring': Why this Chinese drama is taking global audiences by storm". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2026-09-04.
  35. ↑ "Is The Early Spring Worth Watching? 10 Reasons to Start". Papo de Dorama. 2026-08-30. Retrieved 2026-09-04.
  36. ↑ "The Early Spring OST". Spotify. Retrieved 6 September 2026.
  37. ↑ "Youku's 'The Early Spring' Reaches No. 2 on Netflix's Global Non-English TV List". www.newswire.ca. Retrieved 2026-09-04.
[edit]
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