Explore every episode of the podcast Chasing Dramas

On August 22nd, Weibo exploded when one of actor Xu Kai's (of the Story of Yanxi Palace fame) ex-girlfriends, Xu Li Sha, publicly posted how Xu Kai cheated on her. Xu Kai became a trending topic with billions of views about what happened. His manager, Yu Zheng also joined in on the fray by livestreaming a rebuttal. It became a whole saga which we explain in this episode.

In episode 9 of S2 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian's acceptance of 3000 taels of silver is reported to the Emperor from the Censorate. Fan Xian must make his case in front of the Imperial Court. However, Fan Xian does not seem too particularly worried. Instead, he turns his attention to the chief clerk, Deng Zi Yue, and tries to understand what happened to this once righteous man. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the history found in this episode!

Dilireba dominated social media after her unique red carpet look at the W Annual Gala on Aug 19. We discuss some of our other looks as well as the themes for the evening.

Fan Xian is now the head of the 1st Bureau and heads off to his first day of work. He instead finds the men happily playing Mahjong while accepting "gifts" from others. The chief clerk, Deng Zi Yue, is full of flattery towards Fan Xian but Fan Xian isn't fooled. Fan Xian decides to investigate the Crop Investigation Bureau for all of the "gifts" it sends. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the history found in this episode!

On Aug 2, Chinese Drama actress Zhao Lu Si publicly blasted her management company on Weibo for mistreatment following her illness at the beginning of the year. She has since been on continuous live streams with both positive and negative commentary. Listen in to hear more!

Fan Xian leaves the palace, disappointed that the Emperor will not take action against the 2nd Prince. He finally has a face to face conversation with Chen Ping Ping about the trajectory of his life. He finally returns to the Fan Manor and must inform his father and mistress Liu of Fan Si Zhe's involvement with Bao Yue Lou. The family make a decision for Fan Si Zhe's future with the hopes for him to gain some real-world experience and grow his talents in business

July/August 2025 Chinese dramas that are airing include historical detective romance, The Coroner's Diary ft Li Lan Di and Ao Rui Peng, fantasy drama, The Immortal Ascension starring Yang Yang and Jin Chen and Sword Rose featuring Dilireba and Jin Shi Jia. Other dramas include The Wanted Detective and Legend of the Female General among others.

In episode 6 of season 2 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian clashes with the 1st Prince, who has just returned to the Qing capital after many years patrolling the borders. The Crown Prince comes to quell tensions as all of the Princess arrive at the gate to welcome the 1st Prince home. Fan Xian is still furious with the 2nd Prince and decides to report his findings to the Emperor. Listen to our latest podcast episode to hear more!

Chinese singer influencer Wang Zai Xiao Qiao recently caught the ire of online netizens for her expensive concerts but also caused singer Zhang Bi Chen and Wang Su Long to be embroiled in a feud over who had singing rights to a popular song Nian Lun.

Zi Yu, the 2nd main male lead to gay drama Revenged Love, was revealed to have cheated in a recent relationship.

In episode 5 of Season 2 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian wraps up the ordeal with Bao Yue Lou. He must now return to the diplomatic envoy and devise a plan of how to "publicly" return to life as his death was widely publicized. He finds a new person as a member of the crew, a Qi Princess who is now to wed the 1st Prince. Listen to our latest podcast episode to hear more!

Revenged Love is a new highly popular C drama airing outside of China that features a gay couple. However, the main male leads are embroiled in personal scandals. Elsewhere, we discuss Xiao Zhan going solo from his boy band and the results of the investigation into Huang Yang Tian Tian's family.

Fan Xian is furious to find his brother Fan Si Zhe as the owner of the brothel, Bao Yue House. Except, he's not the only one. Shortly after, the 3rd prince, the 2nd prince AND the crown prince arrive for an eyebrow raising gathering.

Fan Xian continues his quest to discover the secrets of Bao Yue Lou. With guidance from the courtesan, Sang Wen, he learns of a new girl, Miss Jin, who has been forced to the brothel. Fan Xian encounters a vegetable vendor, Old Man Jin, who is desperately trying to save his daughter, the same woman Sang Wen mentioned. Fan Xian agrees to help the old man but is shocked at the outcome. Seething, Fan Xian vows to find the owner of this mysterious establishment. Listen to our latest podcast episode on our thoughts on the episode and the history found in the season 2, episode 3 of Joy of Life!

Karen and Cathy list the most viewed Cdramas both on streaming platforms and on TV as well as the dramas that breached coveted popularity thresholds across key streaming platforms.

We're now hitting the high summer season and all of the major platforms are releasing what they hope will be the smash hit of the summer. There's thrillers including The Seven Relics of Ill Omen. There's spy dramas such as Deep Undercover. There's period romance dramas including The Princess's Gambit, A Dream Within a Dream, In the Name of the Blossom, and Qing Chuan's Veil of Vengeance. But the biggest winner so far is the modern day case thriller In the Name of Justice. Listen to our latest podcast episode as we have been watching several of these dramas!

Despite advice to leave the capital, Fan Xian decides to seek an audience with the Emperor instead. The meeting turns out fine and his next step is looking for Teng Zi Jing's widow and son in Bao Yue Lou, a new brothel.

Labubu has taken China by storm and has gotten a ton of traction in the West! What exactly is Labubu and why is Brad Pitt even talking about it on his F1 press tour? There's also an update on the Naer Naxi college entrance exam scandal that exploded everywhere on social media. Listen to our latest In the Know podcast episode to find out!

After 5 years of waiting, we finally learn how Fan XIan actually survives from being stabbed by Yan Bing Yun. His "fathers" are distraught but then pleased to learn he faked his death. Fan Xian and Wang Qi Nian return back to the capital to find a rather interesting sight.

Lei Jia Yin returns to the Tang Dynasty with his new drama the Litchi Road. It's a welcome return to see many familiar faces from The Longest Road in Chang'An. But the biggest controversy is with actress Naer Naxi, a woman from Inner Mongolia and of the Mongolian minority. News surfaced that she might have taken advantage of her minority status to get preferential treatment for her college entrance exams. Listen to our latest podcast episode to hear more!

We provide a brief intro to Season 2 of Joy of Life that was presented to audiences 5 years after Season 1.

There's been quite a few new topics dominating the trending topics in China. The first is an interesting fan feud between the two female leads of the 2015 drama, The Diamond Lovers. The two female leads (Tang Yan and Dilraba) didn't instigate anything but rather, a producer decided to jump into the fray. Then there's an influencer He Qiu Shi who was accused of plagiarism at his most recent concert. He tried to defend himself but it didn't go over too well. Lastly, the two leads of the 2021 dark horse drama, Rattan, starring Jing Tian and Zhang Bin Bin announced their pairing up again to star a new drama. Listen to our podcast on the latest in Chinese entertainment news!

The Prisoner of Beauty ft Song Zu'Er and Liu Yu Ning and The Legend of Zang Hang ft Xiao Zhan and Zhang Jing Yi were heavy hitters in May. For upcoming dramas, Bai Lu and Zeng Shun Xi come forward with Feud and Lei Jia Yin returns to Chang An in the Tang Dynasty Drama, the Litchi Road. Listen in to hear more!

We noticed a LOT of electric vehicles in our latest trip to China. This episode discusses latest EV trends that are also making headlines in the west.

The biggest bombshell over the past two weeks involve the 17 year old actress Huang Yang Tian Tian and a pair of earrings that she wore. This set off a firestorm with everyone focusing on her background and potential corruption. Meanwhile, Zhao Li Ying has a new rumored boyfriend that has sent her fans spinning. Listen to our latest podcast episode to hear about these two new events!

Fan Xian and company head out on their journey back to the Qing kingdom. Turns out, the 2nd prince was behind everything Fan Xian suffered in the Capital. He threatens Fan Xian into working with him but Fan Xian refuses. However, this results in a shock ending that left fans waiting painfully for season 2.

In the penultimate episode of season 1 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian must tie up the loose ends before heading home. That loose end is Shen Zhong. He cleverly sets a trap for Shen Zhong by building a fragile alliance with Shang Shan Hu. Sure enough, with some prompting from Shang Shan Hu, the Empress Dowager strips Shen Zhong of his powers. Before Fan Xian departs, he pays one more visit to the Qi scholar Zhuang Mo Han. Fan Xian informs him of Xiao En's death, providing closure to the old man. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the history found in this episode!

Fans of different celebrities (Wang He Di, Bai Lu, Zeng Li etc) have been the center of different stories over the last few days. Listen to hear what's happened, often times without input from the idol/celebrity they represent.

Hai Tang Duo Duo invites Fan Xian to her residence after a grocery trip. They have a delightful meal together where Fan Xian finally let's down his guard. After several drinks, he reveals to Hai Tang Duo Duo that he is lonely. He has no friends. He wants to do more in this world than just politics and here he recites the inspiration of this whole story of Joy of Life. The poem Liu Yu Qing from Dream of the Red Mansion. Fan Xian wakes hours later and is shocked to discover Si Li Li sitting next to his bed. He's angry at Hai Tang Duo Duo for setting him up but she jokes that this is simply revenge for their first encounter.

Listen to our latest discussion of episode 44 Joy of Life season 1!

Here are the dramas that aired in April and are airing now in May The Demon Hunter's Romance 无忧渡 starring Allen Ren Jia Lun and Song Zu Er surprised everyone with its airing as Song Zu Er was soft blacklisted a few years ago. Love in Pavilion 淮水竹亭 is part 2 to the Fox Spirit Matchmaker series starring Liu Shi Shi and Zhang Yun Long. Serendipity 榜上佳婿 features Lu Yu Xiao and Wang Zi Qi. We discuss other dramas, many of which have actually faired quite poorly in April

In episodes 43 and 44 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian begins to set in motion his plan to seize power within the Overwatch Council and gain favor in the Qi Kingdom. The best way to do so is to form new allegiances with different factions and defeat the formidable Shen Zhong. Fan Xian brings to light the of embezzlement occurring in the kingdom to the Empress Dowager and makes a persuasive case for Shen Zhong to reveal his secrets. Listen to our latest podcast episode to understand more about the political machinations at play.

Social media was all abuzz around April 20th because for the 1st time since they started dating 7 years ago, Guan Xiao Tong did NOT wish Lu Han a happy birthday on Weibo. We talk about what the implications are and the speculation around their relationship.

In episode 42 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian is stunned to discover that not only is he a prince, but that his whole life has been nothing more than a lie that was masterminded by Chen Ping Ping. The reason for his move to the Capital, his friendship with Teng Zi Jing, and his trip to the Qi Kingdom was all pushed forward by Chen Ping Ping. He also deduces that there must be more to his mothers death and vows to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, Chen Ping Ping and the Emperor are pleased with the turn of events but the Emperor immediately begins to question Chen Ping Ping's loyalty.

In 2025, Zhao Lu Si and Zhang Wan Yi have dominated the trending topics on social media, but not all to their benefit. Zhao Lu Si, who publicly announced she was suffering from mental illness late last year, released a new reality show that resulted substantial backlash in China. Zhang Wan Yi has fallen out of favor with Chinese audiences despite his prolific output in the past year. Listen to our latest podcast episode on our thoughts on the events surrounding these two stars and how a break from the public eye would be good for their health and public image.

Fan Xian spends time with Xiao En on his deathbed who reveals shocking secrets to Fan Xian after mistaking him for his grandson.

We're back to discuss the remaining 15 ladies for this season's Sister Stage 2025! There are actresses, singers, former idols, hosts, and rappers! Listen to this episode to learn more about these ladies and how they performed during the first round of individual performances!

With Yan Bing Yun rescued, Fan Xian now needs to work on rescuing Xiao En under Shen Zhong's watch. To do so, he partners up with Shang Shan Hu

Karen and Cathy discuss the latest dramas that have aired in March and April! Ski into Love 嘘，国王在冬眠 starring Esther Yu Shu Xin and Li Yin was a disappointment ratings wise despite all of the promotions. The Glory 雁回时 starring Chen Du Ling and Xing Yun Lai was a surprise hit for Tencent due to the strength of the plot, not the acting from the leads. A Moment But Forever 念无双 starring Tiffany Tang Yan and Liu Xu Yi marks Tang Yan’s return to fantasy dramas after many years. Sun Li of Empresses in the Palace fame returns to the small screen after 4 years with Breaking the Shadows 乌云之上 with Luo Jin in a new mystery drama.

Fan Xian and company tail Shen Zhong's sister in order to find where Yan Bing Yun is hidden. After some scheming, the group is successfully able to rescue him.

It's that time of year again! We introduce 15 of the 30 sisters for this year's singing competition Sisters Who Make Waves but now renamed as Sister Stage 2025.

Fan Xian is brought forth to meet the Qi Kingdom Emperor who is more than meets the eye. The Emperor proposes that Fan XIan works with him to achieve their own separate goals

In light of all the recent arrests and scandals, Karen and Cathy take a step back to discuss the public images and personas that Chinese celebrities carefully curate and the different levels of how those images crack or destroyed. Some celebrities simply have a smear on their image, others are soft blacklisted or no longer marketable, or to the most extreme, blacklisted or even imprisoned. Listen to our latest podcast episode as we discuss the different public personas and how many have come crashing down.

Fan Xian and company meet Shen Zhong, the head of the imperial guard of the Qi kingdom. He is a new formidable foe as he is quite ruthless to his own men and intelligent enough to guess all of Fan Xian's orders in the Qi kingdom.

Arrests and scandal have dominated the Chinese trending topics for the past week. First, Wang Da Lu, who was already arrested for evading Taiwan's military service, is now further implicated in the assault of a driver. Then, Taiwanese actor Li Wei has been implicated in the murder of a woman and is now in trial. But the biggest scandal that has been exploding in China is the allegations that Korean superstar actor Kim Soo-Hyun had a 6 year long relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-Ron when she was only 15 and he was 27. Kim Soo-Hyun rose to fame in China with his 2013 smash hit My Love from the Star and has since been a beloved star. Listen to our latest podcast episode as we talk about these new arrests and latest scandals.

Fan Xian and company make their way north towards the Northern Qi kingdom but are met with not 1, not 2 but 4 different parties attacking him. He has to think on his feet in order to ensure he stays alive. In the mix are old acquaintances that want him dead while he meets Shang Shan Hu and Hai Tang Duo Duo of the Qi kingdom

Karen and Cathy discuss the latest dramas that have aired in Feb and early March!  The First Frost 难哄 starring Bai Jing Ting and Zhang Ruo Nan was one of the most highly anticipated romance dramas. Filter 滤镜 starring Tan Jian Ci and Li Lan Di has been a surprise critical darling. Zhang Ling He rounds out the trio of romance dramas with The Best Thing 爱你 with co-star Xu Ruo Han. Jin Tian pairs up with Zhang Wan Yi for another historical romance revenge drama in Si Jin 似锦. Bai Lu scores a win with a CCTV network airing drama in Northward 北上. Listen to our latest episode on these dramas and more!

In episode 33, Fan Xian is tasked with Operation Hong Xiu Zhao by the Emperor as his mission to the Qi Kingdom. Fan Xian says his goodbyes and begins his journey north with the formidable prisoner, Xiao En. Fan Jian gifts Fan Xian his own personal guard led by the hilarious Gao Da who takes big issue with the thieving Wang Qi Nian. Fan Xian must keep his guard up as the envoy makes its way north to the Qi Kingdom.

It's been a busy week in the Chinese entertainment world. Chen Xiao and Chen Yan Xi officially announced their divorce after 8 years of marriage. This is after several years of speculation of trouble in paradise, most notably Chen Xiao's absence from Chen Yan Xi's father's funeral back in December. Other celebrities have also been arrested including Wang Da Lu for escaping military service, Li Ming De for trashing a car, and an actress from Empresses in the Palace causing a stir. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the gossip and tea from this week!

Fan Xian is essentially forced to lead the diplomatic envoy to the Qi Kingdom and exchange Xiao En for Yan Bing Yun. Even though he didn't want to go, the Emperor threatens his marriage to Wan'Er to get him to comply.

The top trending topic over the past 2 weeks has been the shocking death of Da S or Barbie Hsu. The Taiwanese actress shot to fame in the early 2000s in the Romance Idol drama Meteor Garden and has stayed in the public eye ever since. She died while on vacation in Japan in early February, shocking everyone. The online speculation and vitriol towards different parties has been rampant. We discuss what happened and the recent aftermath.

In other news, today marks the end of the Lunar New Year holidays and there's a clear winner in the box office battle. Ne Zha 2 has been breaking all sorts of records, becoming the biggest movie in China and the biggest $1B grosser in a single market. Listen to our latest podcast episode as we talk about Da S's death and the latest box office returns!

The Princess Royal is ultimately kicked out of the capital for overstepping her boundaries. We say goodbye (for now) to this fan favorite - an unapologetically ruthless and ambitious woman.