The Chinese workplace romance drama The Early Spring is set to arrive on Netflix very soon. The series, starring Jing Boran and Sun Qian, will premiere on August 26, 2026. Netflix will stream the show at the same time as its Chinese broadcast on Youku, giving viewers around the world a chance to watch this much-discussed series right away.
The show is based on a popular web novel by Gu Niang Bie Ku. It tells the story of a young woman who starts working at a top advertising company and finds herself in a complicated relationship with her sharp-tongued boss. The series has already gained a lot of attention online, with the number of people who have marked it to watch crossing 300万 (3 million).
Release Date and Where to Watch
The Early Spring will start streaming on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The show will be available on Netflix in many countries around the world. It will also air on the Chinese platform Youku at the same time.
The series has 24 episodes in total. Each episode runs for about 45 minutes. On the first day, the first four episodes will be released. After that, two new episodes will come out each day until the final episodes arrive on September 5, 2026.
For viewers in the United States, the show will be available on Netflix with a subscription. The streaming service offers different plans, starting from $8.99 per month for the Standard with ads plan. Viewers in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, and other regions can also watch the series on Netflix as part of their local subscription plans.
What Is The Early Spring About?
The story follows Shang Zhitao, a young woman from an ordinary background who gets a job at one of the world’s top advertising agencies. On her first day, her new boss, Luan Nian, tells her to quit. But she does not give up. She works hard, faces many challenges, and slowly proves herself as a skilled professional.
Over time, she falls for Luan Nian. They share a relationship that lasts for six years. However, misunderstandings tear them apart, and she leaves without saying goodbye. Years later, they meet again. She has returned to her hometown and now runs her own restaurant and small event company. He has changed as well. The story shows whether they can fix their past and find their way back to each other.
The series explores themes of workplace politics, personal growth, and second chances in love.
Who Is in the Cast?
Jing Boran plays the male lead Luan Nian. He is an advertising genius and a department director known for his cold and sharp tongue. Jing Boran is a well-known actor who has starred in popular shows like The Love of Hypnosis and movies like Monster Hunt. He also gained fame for his roles in Road Home and Decoded.
Sun Qian plays the female lead Shang Zhitao. She starts as a newcomer to the city and the workplace. Over the course of the story, she grows from a shy rookie into a confident and independent woman. Sun Qian is known for her work in Meteor Garden and Love Song in Winter.
The supporting cast includes:
- Guo Xiaoting as Zang Yao
- Peng Yang as Tracy
- Liu Xiaobei as Sun Yuanzhu
- Zhang Yezi as Lu Mi
- Qi Tianqing as Sun Yu
- Ning Xin as Kitty
The show is directed by Jiang Jizheng, who is known for directing the thriller Had I Not Seen the Sun. The screenwriter is Gao Xiaoxian.
What Makes This Show Stand Out?
The Early Spring has been getting a lot of buzz even before its release. The show’s promotion has focused on the strong chemistry between the two leads. Trailers have shown intense romantic scenes, including passionate kisses and emotional confrontations.
One thing that sets this show apart is its approach to intimate scenes. The production brought in a professional intimacy coordinator, Cai Jiayin, who has worked on Netflix’s Taiwanese series Let’s Talk About CHU. This is a notable step for a Chinese drama, as it aims to portray physical relationships from a female perspective, using distance and small movements to show changes in power dynamics between the characters.
Jing Boran also put a lot of effort into his character’s look. He brought over 120 personal outfits and high-fashion pieces to the set to help define Luan Nian’s style. The suits he wears change from sharp and cold to softer as his character’s feelings evolve.
The show was filmed in Harbin, a city in northern China known for its cold winters. The cinematography team behind the movie Cliff Walkers worked on the series, which adds to its visual quality.
Music and Soundtrack
The music for The Early Spring features a strong lineup of artists. Wang Sulong wrote the lyrics and composed the theme song titled Passing Through the Clear Sky, which he also performs. Liu Yuning sings the opening theme song Her. Yuan Yawei performs the ending theme song This Moment. The soundtrack is expected to add to the emotional depth of the series.
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Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The show has already created a lot of excitement online. On Weibo, a major Chinese social media platform, the topic #SunnyEarlySpring# (The Early Spring) has been trending. Fans have been sharing their anticipation for the series, especially after the release of trailers and behind-the-scenes clips.
One fan commented on the chemistry between the leads, saying:
“The Early Spring is a 2026 Chinese urban romance drama produced by Youku and Qianyu Studio, adapted from Gu Niang Bie Ku’s novel. It stars Jing Boran and Sun Qian as a demanding boss and a resilient…”
Another social media user noted the global appeal of the show:
“Looked at the discussion热度 (buzz) overseas, it’s equally high. No wonder #The Early Spring# can be simulcast in over 190 countries and regions!”
The show’s promotional material has also drawn attention for its sensual posters. One blogger described them as:
“the most explicitly sensual drama posters I’ve seen in a while”
The series has already surpassed 3 million reservations on Youku, showing strong viewer interest before its first episode even airs.
Global Streaming on Netflix
Netflix has been expanding its collection of Chinese dramas. The Early Spring joins a growing list of C-dramas on the platform. Earlier in 2026, Netflix acquired simulcast rights for other Chinese series like Pursuit of Jade and Light to the Night.
The deal with Youku allows Netflix to stream The Early Spring in the US and most international regions shortly after each episode airs in China. This means fans outside of China will not have to wait long to watch new episodes.
The show will be available with subtitles in multiple languages, making it accessible to a wide audience.
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