The new Chinese drama Love Story in the 1970s has arrived, and viewers are already talking about its fresh take on romance set against a unique historical backdrop. The show, which premiered on February 21, 2026, brings together a talented ensemble cast led by some of the most promising young actors in the industry today .
Adapted from the novel The Pragmatist’s Love Story by Meng Zhong Deyi, this series transports audiences to the late 1970s, a period of change and new beginnings in China. At its heart, it tells the story of a young couple, Fang Muyang and Fei Ni, who start their marriage under unusual circumstances. They become “a small couple who slept in bunk beds,” navigating life, dreams, and eventually, genuine love .
Here is a complete look at the cast and characters who bring this period romance to life.
The Lead Cast of ‘Love Story in the 1970s’
Chen Feiyu takes on the lead role of Fang Muyang. He plays a young man who becomes a local hero after a brave act of saving someone, which leaves him injured. His character’s life takes a turn when he enters into a practical arrangement with Fei Ni. Chen Feiyu is known for his performances in projects like The Gumai Story and Ever Night, and here he portrays a man whose dreams of becoming a painter are supported by the woman he marries .
Sun Qian stars opposite him as Fei Ni, the ambitious and determined female lead. She works in a hat factory but dreams of attending university and changing her fate. It is Fei Ni who proposes the idea of a “fake marriage” to Fang Muyang to help solve her brother’s housing problems. Sun Qian, recognized for her roles in The Heart of Genius and A Love So Romantic, brings to life a character who is practical yet romantic at her core .
Supporting Cast and Key Characters
The drama also features a strong lineup of supporting actors who add depth to the story.
Wang Tianchen joins the cast in a key role. While specific details about his character are being kept under wraps, his presence adds to the ensemble’s strength. He has previously appeared in dramas like The Oath of Love .
Guo Xiaoting is another important member of the cast. She is a familiar face to Chinese drama fans, having starred in popular series such as The Double and Wonderland of Love. Her role in this 1970s-set story is expected to bring additional layers to the narrative .
Liu Mintao, a veteran actress known for her powerful performances in The Knockout and A Lifelong Journey, is also part of the cast. Her involvement often signals a project with strong dramatic weight .
Other actors rounding out the cast include Wu Yue, Hao Wenting, Hou Changrong, Kong Lin, Shi Yunpeng, Xia Haoran, Li Shuman, Guo Weijie, and Wu Youyou, creating a rich tapestry of characters from that era .
What is ‘Love Story in the 1970s’ About?
The show, originally titled The Pragmatist’s Love Story, paints a picture of life in China during the late seventies. The story follows Fei Ni, who takes the initiative to care for the injured Fang Muyang, hoping her good deed might help her get recommended for university. When that plan doesn’t work out, and with the pressures of daily life mounting, she proposes they marry to get a house for her brother.
They end up with their own small home, living as a practical couple in a room with bunk beds. The drama shows how, while facing challenges and supporting each other’s dreamsโFei Ni aiming for university and Fang Muyang pursuing artโtheir relationship slowly blossoms into something real and romantic. It captures the spirit of the time, where people were described as “practical but kind, romantic but hardworking” .
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Where to Watch the Drama
Love Story in the 1970s premiered on February 21, 2026, and is currently airing. In China, it broadcasts on CCTV-8 during the primetime slot at 19:30. For international viewers and those preferring to stream, the series is available exclusively on Tencent Video (also known as WeTV), where new episodes are released .
For viewers in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and India, the show is accessible on the Tencent Video app and website (WeTV) with English subtitles typically available for international audiences. The series is expected to run for around 30 episodes, each lasting approximately 45 minutes .
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A Story of Gradual Love
What makes Love Story in the 1970s stand out is its premise of two people who enter marriage for practical reasons and discover love along the way. The drama focuses on the small, everyday moments between Fang Muyang and Fei Ni as they transition from strangers under the same roof to a couple deeply connected. With its talented cast, including Chen Feiyu and Sun Qian, and its nostalgic setting, the show offers a heartfelt look at how love can grow in the most unexpected circumstances.
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