Chinese television drama is making waves internationally with the overseas debut of the new fantasy show, ‘The Longest Promise‘. Adapted from the popular novel ‘Zhu Yan’ by renowned Chinese author Cang Yue, the drama blends traditional aesthetics and the fantasy genre into an irresistible spectacle.
The 40-episode series weaves a fantastical tale set in an imaginary world inhabited by three ethnic groups, each possessing unique magical abilities, from rejuvenating wilted plants to transforming tears into pearls. The gripping narrative centers on a prince and princess who fall in love and unite to salvage their world from a dire state of chaos and unrest.
Since its domestic premiere, ‘The Longest Promise’ has charmed Chinese viewers and has swiftly garnered international attention. It debuted on the streaming giant Netflix on July 7, only five days after its release on WeTV, Tencent Video’s international streaming platform.
In the wake of its WeTV release, the drama quickly rose to prominence, earning a spot among the top five most-watched series in over 110 countries and regions, including Thailand. It also topped single-day viewership charts in several nations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
On Netflix, the drama quickly climbed to the top playlists in various countries, including Indonesia, Nigeria, and the Philippines. According to Flixpatrol data, ‘The Longest Promise’ currently holds the 28th position in Netflix’s global daily list of TV programs, having once occupied the 8th position in Netflix Singapore for its highest viewership.
Sun Jiashan, a researcher at the Chinese National Academy of Arts, offered insights into the international success of the drama. “From martial arts to the current fantasy genre, ancient costume dramas have continuously evolved to meet audience tastes. This evolution represents the ongoing innovation in our popular culture and is crucial for achieving global recognition,” Sun told the Global Times.
On My Drama List, a platform for fan reviews of Asian dramas and films, ‘The Longest Promise’ boasts an impressive score of 8 out of 10. The show’s world-building draws on elements from Chinese mythology’s famous ‘Shan Hai Jing’, contributing to its allure.
In its commitment to presenting traditional oriental aesthetics, the production team constructed a sprawling soundstage of nearly 30,000 square meters. The success of ‘The Longest Promise’ underscores the global appetite for high-quality Chinese dramas and their profound cultural resonance.
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