Chinese dramas continue to dominate online discussions in 2026, with a wide variety of genres captivating audiences across China. From palace intrigues and martial arts adventures to modern romantic and crime comedies, several productions have emerged as the most-watched and most-talked-about titles on Douban.
Here are the six Chinese dramas currently attracting viewers’ attention the most.
1. The first jasmine
One of the hottest dramas on Douban right now, The First Jasmine stars Bai Lu and Cheng Lei in a story of historical revenge and political intrigue adapted from the novel Sheng Shi Di Fei. The series follows Ye Li, a descendant of Mountain Li whose fate changes after an imperial marriage decree makes her Princess Consort to Prince Ding. What begins as a strategic alliance gradually evolves into a powerful partnership as the pair battle rebel forces and confront dangerous political schemes. The series has been praised for its intense power struggles and clever plot twists.
2. The heir
Rather than focus on palace politics, The Heir explores China’s cultural heritage through the traditional ink-making industry of Huizhou during the Ming Dynasty. Led by Yang Zi, the story follows Li Zhen as he attempts to restore his family’s reputation after a devastating setback. Together with Luo Wenqian, he embarks on a journey to rebuild the family business. The drama blends entrepreneurship, cultural preservation and romance, giving it a unique identity among historical productions.
3. The protagonist
Adapted from a novel that won the prestigious Mao Dun Literary Prize, The Lead offers a profound exploration of traditional Qin work and the life of Yi Qin’e. The series chronicles her transformation from shepherdess to celebrated theater artist. Along the way, he faces numerous personal struggles involving family, marriage, and self-discovery. Beyond the coming-of-age narrative, the drama highlights the relationship between traditional art forms and social change.
4. Dazzling
Set against the backdrop of youth and career development, Dazzling tells the story of Qing Ye and Xing Yu, two longtime friends whose paths diverge after college. Eight years later, they reunite in a big city and face professional challenges while rediscovering feelings they had never truly left behind. The series resonated with viewers due to its realistic portrayal of adulthood, ambition and lasting love.
5. Adventures of Zhan Zhao
Starring Yang Yang, Zhan Zhao Adventures reimagines the legendary character Zhan Zhao in a mysterious martial arts setting. As an imperial guard known for his loyalty and fighting skills, Zhan Zhao finds himself entangled in a series of complex criminal cases while uncovering deeper political conspiracies. Combining wuxia action, detective fiction and historical intrigue, the drama stood out in this year’s crowded landscape of costume dramas.
6. Criminal with low IQ
Moving away from conventional crime thrillers, Low IQ Criminal embraces dark comedy to tell the story of a police team investigating a series of unusual cases. The twist lies with the criminals themselves, many of whom repeatedly sabotage their own plans through incompetence and poor decision-making. While packed with humor, the drama maintains a coherent detective plot, making it a refreshing alternative for fans of the crime genre.
The success of these titles reflects the changing public preferences on Douban. Viewers are increasingly drawn to productions that offer distinctive storytelling, strong character development and diverse themes rather than relying solely on star power.
As competition among Chinese TV productions continues to intensify, these six series have successfully emerged as the current leaders in terms of viewership and online discussions in Douban.
Sources: Saostar
