Numerous highly anticipated Chinese costume dramas have arrived in the first half of 2026, with stellar casts and huge budgets. However, not everyone lived up to expectations. From weak storytelling to underdeveloped characters, these historical dramas have drawn mixed reactions from viewers and critics.
1. Rebirth
Once considered one of the most promising historical dramas of the year, Rebirth it ultimately failed to impress audiences after its premiere.
The series has been criticized for its illogical plot development, superficial political intrigue, and simplistic handling of the main plots. The performances of the main actors also became a topic of debate, especially in emotionally demanding scenes. Many viewers felt that the chemistry between the lead couple was not convincing enough, weakening the drama’s romantic narrative.
Despite the criticism, the production received praise for its stunning locations and visually impressive cinematography.
2. Veil of Shadows
With a high-profile cast including Ju Jingyi, Joseph Zeng and Chen Duling, Veil of shadows generated significant buzz prior to its release.
However, the drama has been criticized for being overly ambitious. Although it attempted to build a vast fantasy world and multiple interconnected plots, many viewers found the narrative confusing and difficult to follow.
Several secondary characters introduced as important figures received little significant development, while the ending was criticized for resolving major conflicts too quickly, leaving audiences unsatisfied.
3. The imperial coroner 2
After the success of the first season, The imperial coroner 2 it was expected to continue to provide gripping investigations and a compelling romance between its protagonists.
However, the sequel left many fans disappointed. The forensic mystery elements that made the original drama stand out were significantly reduced, while the romantic plot failed to recreate the charm that captivated audiences in the first season.
Many viewers felt that the drama lacked the emotional impact, suspense, and strong storytelling that had previously made the franchise a fan favorite.
4. From generation to generation
As one of the most anticipated wuxia dramas of 2026, From generation to generation we entered the year with high expectations.
Unfortunately, many viewers felt that the series failed to capture the spirit of classic martial arts storytelling. Critics pointed out that the drama focused too much on the romance between the main characters while neglecting the larger world of martial arts and the supporting cast.
Although the opening episodes generated interest, the story gradually lost momentum and became increasingly controversial among viewers. However, the drama’s traditional costumes and elegant style of the characters were widely praised.
5. A splendid match
To complete the list there is A Splendid Gamean adaptation of a popular novel with a dedicated fan base.
One major source of controversy was the drama’s decision to shift focus away from the original story. Fans had anticipated intricate family power struggles and a strong romantic arc between the main characters. Instead, the adaptation devoted more screen time to political schemes and court intrigue.
As a result, many viewers felt that the series lost the elements that originally made the novel so beloved. Romantic relationships have also been criticized for lacking emotional depth, making key conflicts less impactful.
The first half of 2026 has proven that a famous cast and a popular source are not enough to guarantee success. While these dramas entered the year with considerable fanfare, issues such as weak scripts, inconsistent pacing, and underdeveloped characters ultimately prevented them from fully connecting with audiences.
Sources: Saostar
