020 chinese drama

Here is a list of notable Chinese dramas that aired or gained popularity around the year 2020. This was a landmark year for Chinese television, producing several massive hits that are still discussed today. I'll break them down by genre: The Massive 2020 Hits (Must-Watch) These are the dramas that defined the year: The Untamed () - Genre: Xianxia (Fantasy), Adventure, Bromance - Why it's iconic: While it actually premiered in 2019, its popularity exploded throughout 2020. This drama, based on the novel Mo Dao Zu Shi, became a global phenomenon. It launched the careers of Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo into superstardom. The story of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji is a masterpiece of slow-burn emotional storytelling. - Verdict: The absolute must-see of the era. The Story of Minglan () - Genre: Historical, Romance, Family Drama - Why it's iconic: Premiered in late 2018 but was a major topic in 2020. This is widely considered one of the best historical dramas ever made. It's a slow, deliberate, and incredibly rewarding story about a smart, pragmatic woman navigating the treacherous politics of a wealthy Song Dynasty household. Zhao Liying and Feng Shaofeng (real-life couple at the time) have incredible chemistry. - Verdict: For fans of mature, intelligent storytelling and deep character development. Nirvana in Fire 2: The Wind Blows in Chang Lin () - Genre: Historical, Political, Wuxia - Why it's iconic: A sequel to the legendary Nirvana in Fire. While it doesn't feature the original cast, it's a fantastic drama in its own right. It tells a new story of loyalty, sacrifice, and court intrigue set 50 years after the first. Huang Xiaoming and Liu Haoran deliver powerful performances. - Verdict: A must-watch if you loved the first Nirvana in Fire. Modern Romance & Life Go Go Squid! () - Genre: Modern Romance, Esports - Why it's a hit: A pure, sweet, and addictive romance. It follows a genius esports player (Li Xian) and a bubbly computer science grad student (Yang Zi). The chemistry is electric, and the story is a delightful mix of competitive gaming and adorable romance. - Verdict: The ultimate feel-good rom-com of 2020. Put Your Head on My Shoulder () - Genre: Modern Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life - Why it's a hit: A very popular rivals-to-roommates-to-lovers story. It's charming, lighthearted, and features a very realistic and sweet relationship between a physics genius and a marketing major. A perfect comfort drama. Suspense & Thriller The Long Night () - Genre: Crime, Suspense, Mystery - Why it's a masterpiece: This is arguably the best Chinese suspense drama of 2020. It's a dark, gripping, and heartbreaking story about a prosecutor who sacrifices everything over a decade to uncover the truth about a rape and murder case. The non-linear storytelling and powerful performances (especially by Bai Yu) are exceptional. - Verdict: A must-watch for fans of gritty, intelligent thrillers like True Detective. The Bad Kids () - Genre: Crime, Psychological Thriller, Suspense - Why it's a shocker: This 12-episode mini-series took the world by storm. It starts with three children filming a murder and spirals into a terrifying web of lies and manipulation. The acting, especially by the child actors and Qin Hao, is phenomenal. The "scary mom" meme originated from this show. - Verdict: A genre-defining masterpiece. Be prepared for a very dark ride. Xianxia & Fantasy Love and Redemption () - Genre: Xianxia (Fantasy), Romance, Action - Why it's a hit: One of the most popular xianxia dramas of the year. It's a classic trope-filled story: a seemingly cold and emotionless hero (Cheng Yi) is tasked with protecting a naive and seemingly powerless heroine (Yuan Bingyan). The plot has massive twists, intense emotional pain (the famous "blood rain" scene), and incredible CGI. - Verdict: Perfect for fans of The Untamed and epic romance with a heavy dose of suffering. The Legend of Fei () - Genre: Wuxia, Romance, Adventure - Why it's a hit: Starring the mega-stars Zhao Liying and Wang Yibo. While not as critically acclaimed as some others, it was a massive ratings success due to its star power. It's a classic wuxia tale of a young heroine growing up and finding love in a chaotic martial arts world. Summary Recommendation For the absolute best overall story: The Long Night or The Bad Kids (if you like thrillers). For the most addictive romance: Go Go Squid! or Put Your Head on My Shoulder. For the biggest fantasy epic: The Untamed or Love and Redemption. For the most intelligent historical drama: The Story of Minglan. This list should give you a fantastic starting point for exploring the incredible output of Chinese dramas from the 2020 era!