The modern romance drama (现偶) genre in 2025 appears to be caught in a serious slump. Despite a steady stream of new releases, true breakout hits have been rare. The latest disappointment is 《樱桃琥珀》 (Cherry Amber), produced by Daylight Entertainment and starring Zhang Linghe and Zhao Jinmai. Once highly anticipated, the drama quickly drew harsh criticism for its outdated styling and fragmented pacing, with many viewers saying they “couldn’t even make it through three episodes.”
1. A Flooded Market, Few Hits
2025 has seen a flood of modern idol dramas, including 《难哄》 (Hard to Coax), 《爱你》 (Love You), 《滤镜》 (Filter), 《漫城》 (Slow City), 《树下有片红房子》 (There’s a Red House Under the Tree), 《值得爱》 (Worthy of Love), 《吃饭跑步和恋爱》 (Eat, Run, and Love), and 《陷入我们的热恋》 (Falling Into Our Hot Love). However, only 《难哄》 managed to gain initial traction—only to see its reputation plummet later due to poor storytelling.
The genre faces dual challenges: repetitive content and stale aesthetics. Audience fatigue is growing.
2. Can Two Upcoming Dramas Turn the Tide?
Despite the slump, two upcoming dramas are drawing cautious optimism: 《爱情有烟火》 (Love in the Air) starring Tan Jianci and 《许我耀眼》 (Let Me Shine Bright) starring Zhao Lusi and William Chan.
●《爱情有烟火》: A Refreshing Take on the “CEO Romance”
Starring Tan Jianci, Li Landi, Wang Churan, and others, Love in the Air promises a “reverse CEO trope” told through a lighthearted lens. Set in a shared apartment of investment elites, Tan Jianci plays Li Yifei, a sharp-tongued yet introverted financier with a brooding vibe—complete with sleek suits and gold-rimmed glasses. Meanwhile, Wang Churan plays Qian Fei, a down-on-her-luck city girl who claws her way to success in the investment world. It’s a transformation role for the actress, marking a break from her previous sweet-girl image.
● 《许我耀眼》: Glamorous Marriage Meets Female Entrepreneurship
Zhao Lusi and William Chan headline Let Me Shine Bright, a drama that combines fake marriages, elite intrigue, and female-led revenge arcs. Zhao plays Xu Yan, a small-town girl who fakes her identity to marry into a wealthy family, setting off a battle of wits with the calculating Shen Haoming (played by William Chan). The story features 87 unique office outfits to visually underline the power struggle between two dominant personalities. As secrets unravel, Zhao Lusi’s character tears off her mask and begins her own entrepreneurial journey, while the once-cold Shen Haoming finds himself in hot pursuit.
3. Breaking the “现偶 Curse” Depends on Quality
While the anticipation is there, the true test will be how Love in the Air and Let Me Shine Bright are received by audiences. Do the stories feel fresh? Are the characters emotionally compelling? Can the execution deliver on the promise?
