The historical drama 太平年, starring Bai Yu, Zhou Yutong, Zhu Yawen, Yu Haoming, Dong Yong, and Ni Dahong, is set to premiere on January 23, 2026. Against the backdrop of the turbulent transition from the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period to the early Northern Song dynasty, the series explores political choices and human destinies shaped by an era of division and unification.
The story begins in 941 AD with the death of Qian Yuanguan, King of Wuyue, leaving a young successor to inherit a kingdom beset by internal strife and external threats. Five years later, Prince Qian Hongchu volunteers to travel north to Bianliang as part of a diplomatic mission, only to encounter a far harsher reality. At the time, Khitan forces are pressing against the city, Emperor Shi Chonggui of Later Jin has submitted to the Khitan, and Chancellor Feng Dao struggles to maintain balance amid political upheaval. Witnessing the collapse of order and human bonds in the north, Qian Hongchu forges deep friendships with Guo Rong and Zhao Kuangyin during times of crisis.
Upon returning to Wuyue, Qian Hongchu undergoes a profound transformation, shedding his former carefree demeanor to assert himself in court. He confronts corrupt officials, restrains powerful clans, and eventually assumes the responsibility of ruling during political turmoil. In the north, Zhao Kuangyin carries forward Guo Rong’s unfinished ambitions, founding the Northern Song dynasty and launching campaigns to the south. Ultimately, guided by the greater trend of unification and the welfare of the people, Zhao Kuangyin and Qian Hongchu choose peace over warfare. In the third year of Taiping Xingguo (978 AD), Wuyue’s peaceful submission to Song marks a rare historical achievement of unification without bloodshed.
Regarding its release schedule, 太平年 will air on CCTV-1 starting January 23 at 9:00 PM, with two episodes broadcast nightly and a finale expected on February 16, 2026. On streaming platforms, subscribers will receive four episodes upon premiere, followed by two new episodes each evening, with the online finale anticipated on February 15, 2026. Details for non-subscribers have yet to be announced.
