LayarHijau – Fans of Republic of China–era dramas are preparing to welcome one of the most anticipated titles of the year. The drama adaptation of Fei Wo Si Cun’s classic novel, Overdo (这一秒过火), has officially been announced for a simultaneous release on Tencent Video and iQIYI. Although an exact premiere date has not yet been revealed, the drama is expected to air later this year and has already drawn massive attention since its announcement.
News of Overdo’s release quickly ignited buzz across Chinese social media platforms. Several related topics, particularly those highlighting the pairing of Zhang Linghe and Wang Churan in Republic-era aesthetics, rapidly climbed trending charts, with reported reading counts reaching hundreds of millions within a short time. Many viewers have already labeled the series as a potential standout Republic of China drama even before its official broadcast.
Starring Zhang Linghe and Wang Churan in leading roles, Overdo is supported by a strong cast including Lan Xi, Hu Xing’er, Sha Baoliang, and Wu Mochou. Spanning 36 episodes, the drama is set against the turbulent backdrop of Shanghai and weaves together a story of painful romance, family conflict, and fate amid a changing era.
Zhang Linghe portrays Murong Qingyi, the youngest son of a powerful warlord family whose life is marked by trauma stemming from a mistaken identity in childhood. Raised in violence and betrayal, he grows into a cold and calculating man, yet one who carries deep emotional scars. The character is depicted as ruthless within the world of power and intrigue, but deeply vulnerable when confronted with the love that once gave his life meaning.
Wang Churan, meanwhile, takes on a demanding dual-role performance, portraying two sharply contrasting identities. She first appears as Ren Susu, the gentle yet principled daughter of a medicine merchant who inadvertently saves Murong Qingyi during his escape. Years later, she returns as Fang Mulan, the daughter of a wealthy overseas merchant, exuding a cool, sharp, and mysterious aura. This transformation lies at the heart of the drama’s emotional conflict, as past love collides with revenge, sacrifice, and inescapable family ties.
The relationship between Murong Qingyi and Ren Susu evolves from gratitude into a hidden romance, eventually turning into a forbidden bond filled with regret and pain. Misunderstandings, betrayals, and extreme choices force them apart, only for fate to bring them together again under even crueler circumstances. The intense emotional tension and push-and-pull dynamic form the core appeal of the story, reflecting the signature tragic romance style associated with Fei Wo Si Cun’s works.
Supporting characters further enrich the narrative. Hu Xing’er delivers a commanding performance as the calculating matriarch of the Murong family, while Lan Xi brings elegance and warmth to her role amid the escalating conflicts. Sha Baoliang appears as a key figure within the power and political intrigue storyline, and Wu Mochou adds a fresh dynamic through her portrayal of a younger member of the Murong family.
Overdo is directed by Yi Jun, known for his emotionally driven works such as Lost Track of Time (覆流年) and Bloody Romance (媚者无疆). Yi Jun is recognized for his ability to craft intense emotional narratives, strong internal conflicts, and a dark, immersive visual atmosphere—qualities that align closely with the tragic and somber tone of Overdo. The production also emphasizes period authenticity through detailed set design, props, and costumes that highlight the elegance and complexity of the Republic of China era.
Beyond its tragic love story, Overdo incorporates themes of family responsibility and moral struggle within a time of social instability. The characters’ personal emotions repeatedly clash with power structures, social status, and the realities of their era, allowing the story to transcend simple romance and become a reflection of human choices within historical turmoil.
With its emotionally charged storyline, layered conflicts, strong cast, and carefully crafted production, Overdo stands out as one of the most anticipated Republic of China dramas of the year. Audiences now await the official broadcast schedule as they prepare to witness this tale of love, loss, and sacrifice when Overdo premieres on Tencent Video and iQIYI later this year.
