PODCAST · tv
Chasing Dramas
by Karen and Cathy
Karen and Cathy explain cultural and historical references episode by episode in popular Chinese historical dramas as well as Chinese pop culture news. The podcast is in English with proper nouns and phrases spoken in Mandarin Chinese. Currently, they are discussing Season 1 of Joy of Life. Completed dramas/movies include: The Story of Yanxi Palace, The Longest Day in Chang'An, The Story of Ming Lan, Empresses in the Palace, Royal Nirvana, Palace (2013 film), and Mulan (2020 Disney movie) among others.
Episodes
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Oct 2026 C-Drama Update: Against the Current, Spring of the Blade, A Prophet, and more!
Against the Current ft Liu Xue Yi and Tan Song Yun was the major juggernaut drama in September/October, posting massive numbers both on Tencent's popularity index and overall daily viewership numbers. Meanwhile all other dramas, like Spring of the Blade ft Xu Kai and Zhou Ye, A Prophet ft Li Xian...
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In the Know - The NSFW Headlines Dylan Wang Wishes Would Go Away
Karen and Cathy provide an update on one of the most bizarre, hilarious, but also rather unfortunate stories from September 2026 featuring Dylan Wang (Wang He Di 王鹤棣).An anonymous, explicit rumor was falsely linked to Dylan Wang, prompting his team to deny the allegations and announce legal…
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The Road to Splendor (花开锦绣) History Deep Dive - Chastity Archways, Marriage, Salt and More!
In Cathy's first solo Chasing Dramas video, she dives into the history and cultural references behind The Road to Splendor (花开锦绣)! From the Ming Dynasty salt trade and the rise of the Shanxi merchants to chastity archways, wedding traditions, and the "East bed" signals a son-in-law.
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Sep 2026 C-Drama Update: The Early Spring, The Road to Splendor, Genius Girlfriend and more!
Karen covers Chinese dramas that aired in August/September 2026.Modern day romance The Early Spring ft Jing Bo Ran and Sun Qian is a surprise hit right now, with over 30% market share.I personally quite liked The Road to Splendor for its history, costumes and cinematography.Other dramas that…
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In the Know - Jing Tian vs Justin Sun: The 6,000 Word Essay SHOCKING China
On August 27, crypto billionaire Justin Sun (Sun Yu Chen) published a 6,000-word essay titled "My Girlfriend Jing Tian" and Chinese social media blew up. Karen introduces C-drama star Jing Tian and crypto billionaire Justin Sun and goes into the details of the essay he wrote, the 30million RMB…
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Aug 2026 C-Drama Update - Mystic Nine, Overdo, Royal Betrothal and more!
William Chan's Mystic Nine becomes a surprise hit for the summer (finally a "hit!) while Zhang Ling He's Overdo struggles to match the success of Pursuit of Jade. Other dramas like Royal Betrothal, Blossoms of Power, Key to the Phoenix Heart were all fine...but nothing exceptional
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In the Know - China's Most-Watched Dramas of 2026 So Far (Mid-Year Rankings)
Karen lists the most viewed dramas in China through the first half of 2026. Unsurprisingly, Pursuit of Jade was THE biggest drama, dominating the metrics across almost all platforms. Other top dramas include The Lead, Born With Luck, The Punishment and others.
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In the Know - Concerts: The New Trend
In the past few months, Chinese celebrities have flocked to giving concerts, performing at music festivals, and going on tour. That has worked well for some celebrities but not so much for others. Xie Na, a famous host, encountered significant backlash with the announcement of her tour in June....
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In the Know - Lu Han's Continued Drama
On July 6, influencer Si Xiao Di posted more explosive content implicating having an affair with Lu Han. After being silent for 6 months since her January posts, she also implicates other celebrities. All eyes are on Lu Han's camp and whether or not they will make a statement. Listen to our…
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July 2026 Chinese Drama Update: Archives: The Nan Yang Mystery, Love Has Fireworks, The Eternal Fragrance and more!
Dramas airing in June/early July 2026 include detective thrillers, some modern day romances and a few other costume dramas. Though some have outperformed expectations, there has yet to be an "explosive hit" this summer.
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In the Know - New Regulations for Short Dramas
We first give an update on Bai Lu's woes. Then discuss the changes in regulations on the budding new short drama and micro drama industry. Hong Guo, a new micro drama app, was rumored to have also set new guidelines on content. Listen to our latest podcast episode for more details!
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In the Know - Keep Running's Reckoning and Bai Lu's Difficult Month
Keep Running finds itself in hot water after viewers discover that cities might be paying the show millions of dollars to film at their respective cities. One of the main cast, Bai Lu, continues to find herself in hot water in the aftermath of the Keep Running controversy from May. With her new...
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June 2026 Chinese Drama Update - The Lead, Zhan Zhao Adventures, The Heir, Ashes to Crown and The First Jasmine!
Our first Video podcast! May/June 2026 Chinese dramas include: Zhang Jia Yi and Liu Hao Cun in The Lead 主角 which was THE hit in May. Yang Yang, Fang Yi Lun and Zhang Ruo Nan in Zhan Zhao Adventures 雨霖铃 Yang Zi and Han Dong Jun in The Heir 家业 Chen Du Ling and Zhou Yi Ran in Ashes to Crown 翘楚 and...
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In the Know - Swirling Negativity
There's been a lot of negative commentary in C-ent over the last few weeks with 3 actors/actresses at the heart of the discussion. They are - Lu Yu Xiao, Bai Lu and Wang He Di. Tune in to hear what prompted the negativity in the Chinese discourse.
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In the Know - AI in the Chinese Entertainment Industry
In March, a Chinese Media company released a video announcing that they signed two AI generated actors to their platform. In April, iQiYi, a major Chinese media streaming company, announced that actors and actresses have signed their AI agreement that generated a lot of buzz and backlash in China.
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In the Know - Ride the Wind 2026 Shenanigans
Ride the Wind 2026 has already garnered huge viewership and sparked major online discourse after just two performances. The live format adds an element of surprise, and three contestants have emerged as unexpected fan favorites — not because they are the strongest singers or dancers, but because...
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May 2026 Drama Updates - The Epoch of Miyu, Born with Luck, A Perfect Match, a Splendid Match and More!
The Epoch of Miyu was a surprise hit in April/May, where social media was abuzz about this modern day drama that featured a main female lead who was cheated on by her husband. Costume dramas currently airing right now include A Perfect Match starring Ren Jia Lun and Wang He Run and A Splendid…
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Important Chasing Dramas Announcement!
Karen and Cathy have exciting news on where they are bringing Chasing Dramas next!
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In the Know - Ride the Wind 2026 pt 2
Another Year, another Ride the Wind competition. Tune in as we introduce the rest of the 33 ladies participating in Hunan/Mango TV's singing and dancing competition for 2026! Some fan favorites include the likes of Empresses in the Palace alum Tang Yi Xin and 90s stars such as Dai Si, Sun Yi, and...
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In the Know - Ride the Wind 2026 pt 1
Another Year, another Ride the Wind competition. Tune in as we introduce the first half of the ladies participating in Hunan/Mango TV's singing and dancing competition for 2026!
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Joy of Life S2 - Ep 36: Recognizing Humanity
In the last episode of the season, Fan Xian discovers the location of where the Ming family hid the rest of the 3 Great Warehouses. He also discovers a plot on his life. Grandmaster Ye Liu Yun has been summoned by the Princess Royal to take his life. Fan Xian must choose between saving his life…
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Joy of Life S2 - Ep 35: The Depravity of the Ming Family
Fan Xian heads to the Ming family for dinner but is met with a horrific sight and learns how little the Ming family thinks of human lives
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April 2026 - Chinese Drama Update - Love Beyond the Grave, Veil of Shadows and more!
In March and April 2026, Dilraba Dilmurat stars in a Love Beyond the Grave alongside Chen Fei Yu as the 400 year old ruler of the spirit real. Ju Jing Yi faced a fierce battle with her agency right before her drama Veil of Shadows starring alongside Chen Du Ling, Zeng Shun Xi, and Tian Jia Rui...
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Joy of Life S2 - Ep 34 - Making an Entrance
Fan Xian sees the corruption in JiangNan and the power the Ming family wields in the region and decides to make a powerful statement when he docks in Su Zhou
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In the Know - Hilarious Popularity Resurgences
In the last two weeks, 54 year old Qu Ying suddenly became popular again after her guest appearance on Papi Jiang's show. Her relaxed demeanor and hilarious stories took generated quite a stir on social media. Meanwhile, The Pursuit of Jade has been suffering a lot backlash on the portrayal of...
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Joy of Life S2 ep 33 - Journey to Jiang Nan
After the Emperor proactively reveals that he is Fan Xian's father, it is time for Fan Xian to head down to Jiang Nan where the Ming family will make it difficult for him to take back control of his mother's 3 Great Workshops
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In the Know - Addressing the Billing Problem
On Mar 13, the Chinese Department of the National Radio and Television Administration held a press conference discussing the "issues" that it will tackle. The most pressing is the issue of top billing and who gets top billing for Chinese dramas. Listen to the latest to the solution China has...
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Joy of Life S2 - ep 32: Marital Disputes
Wan'er confronts Fan Xian about his involvement in her brother's death while the Empress also seeks an audience with the Emperor that turns sour. Beyond that though, more mysteries of the Sacred Temple where Fan Xian's mother and Wu Zhu came from begin to surface.
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In the Know - More Social Media Backlash
In the past few weeks, there has been 3 main events that have garnered significant social media backlash including the filming announcement of a very popular book Jiang Men Du Hou with stars Wang He Di and Meng Zi Yi, Dilraba and a series of unfortunate events surrounding Paris Fashion Week, and...
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Mar 2026 - Chinese Drama Update - How Dare You, Pursuit of Jade, Love Story in the 1970s and more!
Wang Chu Ran and Cheng Lei brought forth laughs in the costume romance drama How Dare You while Zhang Ling He and Tian Xi Wei have their own costume romance drama, Pursuit of Jade, coming up soon. Love Story in the 1970s though was the winner in late February, primarily due to the second male and...
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Joy of Life S2 - Ep 31 - Fan Xian's Parentage
As Fan Xian is recovering from his injuries, rumors begin flying around the capital about Fan Xian's parentage. The Princess Royal and the Empress have visceral reactions to this news and decide to take action. Meanwhile, the 2nd Prince decides to tell Wan Er a secret that leaves her with…
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In the Know - Fan Fueled Script Drama
Actor Yang Yang just started filming a new drama after a long hiatus. However, his fans are furious over a supposed leaked script of the drama. Tune in find out what happened!
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Joy of Life S2 - Ep 30 - Medical Miracle
Fan Xian gives chase to the assassin but is surprisingly overpowered by his opponent. Gravely injured, Fan Xian seeks the aid from his sister to perform surgery on him. After the operation, Fan Xian learns of the shocking secret as to just who the assassin was. Listen to our latest podcast on...
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In the Know - 2026 Spring Festival Gala Recap - Year of the Horse or Robot?
The annual Spring Festival Gala occurred on Monday to bring in the Year of the Horse. But Robots actually dominated the stage in multiple performances which are both awe inspiring and terrifying. We go through the 4 regional performances and some other fun tidbits of the show. Overall though, we...
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In the Know - 2025 Weibo Night Chaos
Fans erupted into chaos during the 2025 Weibo Night because of a mix up/change in seating arrangement that caused Xiao Zhan and Yang Mi (Weibo King and Queen) to not be able to sit for the event. Fans were outraged and even shouted during the evening. Meanwhile, the overly waxed/slippery floors...
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Joy of Life S2 - Ep 29 - The Assassination at the Hanging Temple
In episode 29, everyone at court heads to the Hanging Temple for the Chrysanthemum viewing event. Fan Xian is somehow tasked with protecting the Emperor. Things go awry at the last minute and Fan Xian must decide who to save. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the history and significance of...
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Feb 2026 - C-drama update: Swords into Plowshares, Love between Lines, Unveil: Jadewind and more!
Jan/Feb 2026 currently airing Chinese dramas include modern romance Love Between Lines with Chen Xing Xu and heavy historical drama Swords into Plowshares with Bai Yu. Bai Lu and Wang Xing Yue are currently starring in Unveil: Jadewind as a Tang dynasty detective drama. There are several other...
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Joy of Life S2 - Ep 28 - Bank Creation and the End of the Honeymoon
News travels fast to the Capital about these new bonds that Fan Xian is trying to sell. The Emperor makes no comment but instead orders the Chrysanthemum viewing festival be moved up to whenever Fan Xian is available. This sends a huge signal to others in the Capital and they decide whether or…
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In the Know - Chinese Pop Culture News - (Il)legal Activity?
There were a few stories that dominated the headlines these week. Two female celebrities were exposed to have engaged in activities with questionable legality. Zhang Yu Qi is accused of having one of her children born via surrogacy which is illegal in China. Jin Chen might have been involved in a...
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Joy of Life S2 - Ep 27 - Investor Pitch
Fan Xian takes Wan'Er to Cang Mountain for a honeymoon but it turns into an investor pitch as he tries to sell Qing kingdom bonds in order to plug the 20mm taels of silver debt from the Imperial Treasury.
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In the Know - Chinese Pop Culture News - Fan Engagement via Weibo
The annual voting period for the upcoming Weibo night is underway. We explain how exactly do fans stay engaged and how that reflects fandom popularity
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Joy of Life s2 - Ep 26pt 2: The Hall of Joy
After the wedding, Fan Xian and Wang Qi Nian heads to the Hall of Joy, the business created by his mother Ye Qing Mei.
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In the Know - Chinese Pop Culture News - More Relationship Reveals
Well known Chinese 35yo actor Tan Jian Ci was exposed to have dated a 20y/o actress quite recently. Though he now says he's single, this is his second relationship reveal in a month. 44 yo Singaporean singer JJ Lin (Lin Jun Jie) publicly announced that he is dating 23y/o Qi Qi on social media in...
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Joy of Life S2 - Ep 24pt 2+25+26 pt 1: Fan Xian and Lin Wan Er's Wedding
At long last, the Emperor has agreed for Fan Xian to be married! The two only have 3 days to prepare for the event. Lin Wan Er's mother decides to return to the capital to see her daughter once more but also give her future son-in-law a "present". Listen to our latest episode on our thoughts on…
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Jan 2026 - Chinese Drama Update: The Unclouded Soul, Glory, Shine on Me, The Punishment and more!
Jan 2026 airing Chinese dramas include: Shine on Me 骄阳似我 ft Song Wei Long and Zhao Jin Mai , The Punishment 罚罪2 ft Huang Jing Yu and Wang Chuan Jun, The Unclouded Soul 逍遥 ft Tan Song Yun and Hou Ming Hao, Glory 玉茗茶骨 ft Hou Ming Hao and Gu Li Na Zha and many others!
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In The Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: 2026 New Year Bombshells
3 days into 2026, the Chinese entertainment industry was abuzz with the latest bombshells from an influencer "iamroosie". She claims that she has had dalliances with many popular Chinese actors and idols including Lu Han, Lin Geng Xin, Tan Jian Ci, and others. Listen to our latest podcast episode...
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In The Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: 2025 C-ent Male Winners, Losers and Everything in Between
In our last podcast episode for 2025, Karen and Cathy go over their subjective list of the Chinese actors that were the winners, losers and everything in between in 2025.
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In The Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: 2025 C-ent Women's Winners, Losers and Everything in Between
Karen and Cathy go over their subjective list of the Chinese actresses that were the winners, losers and everything in between in 2025.
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Joy of Life S2 - Ep 23+24 pt 1: The Road to Retirement
In episodes 23 and part 1 of episode 24 of S2 of Joy of Life, the Chancellor resigns from his post and leaves the capital towards retirement. However, this journey is not a simple as it seems. Fan Xian must make moves to protect his father-in-law's life but it seems like everyone has been played…
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In the Know - 2025 CDrama Recap
Zhao Lu Si's Love's Ambition was 2025's top Cdrama both in terms of popularity on Tencent and overall views per episode. We recap what were the other top Chinese dramas this year though we note that the quality and popularity of these dramas lagged prior years.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Karen and Cathy explain cultural and historical references episode by episode in popular Chinese historical dramas as well as Chinese pop culture news. The podcast is in English with proper nouns and phrases spoken in Mandarin Chinese. Currently, they are discussing Season 1 of Joy of Life. Completed dramas/movies include: The Story of Yanxi Palace, The Longest Day in Chang'An, The Story of Ming Lan, Empresses in the Palace, Royal Nirvana, Palace (2013 film), and Mulan (2020 Disney movie) among others.
HOSTED BY
Karen and Cathy
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Chasing Dramas have?
Chasing Dramas currently has 507 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Chasing Dramas about?
Karen and Cathy explain cultural and historical references episode by episode in popular Chinese historical dramas as well as Chinese pop culture news. The podcast is in English with proper nouns and phrases spoken in Mandarin Chinese. Currently, they are discussing Season 1 of Joy of Life....
How often does Chasing Dramas release new episodes?
Chasing Dramas releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 507 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to Chasing Dramas?
You can listen to Chasing Dramas on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Chasing Dramas?
Chasing Dramas is created and hosted by Karen and Cathy.
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