A Time Loop Thriller That Champions Empathy and Courage.
"Reset" is a tightly paced Chinese sci-fi thriller that hooks viewers from its very first episode. The story follows two strangers, Li Shiqing and Xiao Heyun, who find themselves caught in a time loop after boarding a city bus that explodes. Every time they die, they wake up moments before the explosion, forced to relive the same terrifying cycle. As the pair gradually uncover clues and piece together the mystery, the show explores deeper social issues, such as trauma, mental health, and the hidden struggles of ordinary people. With each loop, the stakes grow higher, creating a suspenseful, emotionally charged ride.What sets "Reset" apart is its balance between high-concept science fiction and grounded human drama. The lead actors, Zhao Jinmai and Bai Jingting, deliver strong, nuanced performances, making their characters' growth feel genuine as they learn to trust each other and take responsibility for those around them. The series avoids the trap of repetitiveness by offering new perspectives and twists in nearly every episode. With just 15 episodes, it's a concise, well-written drama that blends mystery, emotion, and social commentary into one of the most compelling Chinese dramas in recent years.
It ultimately shows the importance of empathy, accountability, and the value of every human life. The series suggests that real change often comes from understanding others' pain and choosing to act with compassion-even when the situation feels hopeless. It also explores how small actions, when repeated with intention, can disrupt cycles of violence and indifference. In a world where people are often too busy to look deeper, "Reset" reminds us that noticing others, listening, and caring can truly reset the course of events.
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Avoid spoilers and enjoy the show.
This series keeps you on your toes the whole time, well-paced engaging story, well fleshed out characters played by very good actors (great chemistry between the leads) and narrative that is well planned out as well.If you watch it the second time you can also judge how well certain parts play out when you know the ending. It must be said tho that avoiding spoilers is necessary to enjoy this show the most during the first watch, it keeps you guessing and fully engaged until the end.
Female lead is the one that shines the most for me here.
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A Clever, Addictive Time-Loop Thriller
Reset is a gripping Chinese drama that takes the time-loop concept and turns it into a suspenseful, emotional ride. Each repeat of events on the bus feels more urgent, as tiny changes ripple into new possibilities and dangers. The story is fast-paced yet thoughtful, exploring not only survival but also responsibility, morality, and human connection.What makes Reset shine is the balance between clever plotting and emotional resonance. The leads deliver convincing performances, making their characters’ desperation and determination believable as they unravel the mystery piece by piece. The pacing keeps you hooked, with every loop revealing just enough to keep the suspense alive.
If you love thrillers with smart twists and emotional depth, Reset is a must-watch that keeps you guessing until the very end.
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A good time loop story, but person
For someone not used to time loop stories, this would probably be a really fun and interesting plot to follow. But I've read some top notch time loop fanfics so this was good but I cant rate it 9/10. The mystery was good, and I liked how in each loop they learned more about the mystery but also more about each other. I liked how the main characters were written and I feel the actors did a good job portraying their inner turmoils. This is definitely a healthy main's relationship as there is no unnecessary cheap drama between the two leads. They come to rely on one another first through a need for survival and then because they only have each other to understand. Obviously they should fall in love with all that forced proximity, and so obviously they do, but the story doesn't really focus on gooey moments between them. It's more like "you and me against the world" and they are both on the same page about it.I personally find it a bit boring to rewatch anything with a mystery plot, and since this is a time loop I feel that I've seen enough repeats in the actual show to not want to rewatch it again.
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Groundhog Day meets CSI: Bus Edition—but with more emotional baggage
A Time-Loop Thriller That’s More Than Just a Rewind Button✨ THE GOOD:
Bai Jingting & Zhao Jinmai: Their chemistry is electric—think Sherlock and Watson, but with more running and less tea.
Tight writing: 15 episodes, zero filler. Every loop adds layers, not just déjà vu.
Cinematography: Some shots look like they belong in a film festival, not a bus crash.
Emotional depth: It’s not just about stopping the bus; it’s about saving lives, relationships, and your sanity.
🌀 THE "WAIT, WHAT JUST HAPPENED?" MOMENTS:
Time loops: They’re not just a plot device; they’re a puzzle box that keeps you guessing.
Character growth: Watch as the leads evolve from strangers to partners in crime-solving.
Villain reveal: When it hits, it hits hard—like a plot twist and a slap in the face.
🎯 VERDICT:
"Like playing a video game where every death teaches you something new—except the stakes are real and the respawn button is broken."
Watch if: You love mind-bending thrillers with heart.
Skip if: You need a straightforward plot or hate cliffhangers.
Best paired with: 🍿 A comfy chair, a strong coffee, and a willingness to question reality.
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Watch it now
I really rarely write in here, but if you are looking for some action drama with a bit of romance and a mystery, that's Reset. Acting, plot and its twist- all on point. No filling episodes, no unnesesery scenes. Really keeps you on the edge of your seat.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I initially watched about 3 episodes of this drama a few months ago, however it kind of terrified me a bit and I became very anxious so I decided to stop watching. However I really wanted to watch it so I started it from the beginning and I wasn't as scared this time. I really liked this drama, (even though I will probably be scared to go on a bus now), I really loved the main characters and the process of their relationship, however I do think there should have been more romance considering they had loads of chemistry I felt. I also really liked Lu Di but I wish that he was just a little bit more involved. I do think that they could have made at least one more episode to finish it up, like how they re-visited the case of before and such, and built a friendship with Lu Di, but over all I do think this was a great drama. Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
time loop- murder mystery done right ---- wow it was so thrilling
Reset Review- an invigorating time-loop series worth your timeI gave this show a 10/10. Its rewatch value is off the charts, personally, as I’ve already watched the show like 4 times. The plot was executed well from beginning to end, the actors/ actresses do a wonderful job portraying their characters, even the length of the show is perfect, a good 15 episodes that are emotional, heartbreaking at times, filled with hope, fear, thrilling, and love. It was thrilling from beginning to end, and the 2 main characters' arcs, and how they grow to understand each other more and work together better as the show continues is just wonderful to see! All in all, I recommend this show to anyone who loves time travel/ loop series/ movies, or a good murder mystery.
How did I feel about the plot?
This show honestly had me on my toes for a while. At one point, I already knew what and who caused the explosion, however, how the show plays out, and how every little detail matters in this show is really well done. I went into this show not expecting much since I’ve seen very little time loop shows/ movies done well, I was pleasantly surprised with how the author wrote this show/ brought together all these little details to help us understand how the story is coming together. From beginning to end I enjoyed this show thoroughly, because of how well put together it was. Time loop plus murder mystery, it's a concept we see a lot in Hollywood media, however, my first time in a Chinese production and it was executed so nicely. I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing the backstories of the other characters on the bus. By the end of the show, it makes you feel more connected with all the characters and you genuinely hope for no one to die.
Beware of (Some) Spoilers Moving Forward!!!!!!
The actors portrayals of the character
I could go on and on about how I feel about the acting in this show. My god. The actors, let's give a round of applause to them. *vigorous clapping* LOL. They. just wow. The actors in this show were phenomenal. Let’s start with Bai Jing Ting and Zhao Jin Mai, I have almost no words. These two are wonderful actors, they evoked all the feelings that most people would feel in a situation like this, through their acting. Considering this is a time loop show, a lot of the scenes are done in the same areas (aka on the bus) for the majority of the show. They always show these two actors waking up in the new loop, and every single time, their reactions are different. Sometimes they are significantly different, yet sometimes there are very subtle differences, and that shows how well they understand their characters. Let me just say, the actress who plays Tao Ying Hong, Liu Dan, she’s a gem. Her portrayal of this character was insane (literally), and she does a wonderful job portraying the sorrow and vengeance that her character feels throughout the plot. I, also, want to applaud all the other actors who play the characters on the bus. I felt genuinely connected to all of these characters, one because of the plot but also because of how the actors/ actresses portrayed them. I fell in love with all of them and their stories.
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So gripping I didn't know, when the next episode started
It was a great drama with very good script. Every episode was another plot twist.I watched it in 2 days. I find it as masterpiece. I event didn't know, when the next episode started. It engrossed till the end and ending was very touched. Few tears fall down on my face ;) The main characters were really good -fitting actors.
Highly recommend!
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creative and fun
i watched this show in about two or three days which is VERY quick AND rare for me. the storyline was extremely interesting that it kept me on my toes the whole way through. the acting was great.this being a prettly short lenght series also added to the fact that it was really enjoyable. it is not redundant at all, which is sometimes a problem with the the tv shows that have a way too many episodes.
but this just the right amount of every good thing a show could offer. right amount of mystery, action, comedy and romance.
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time is endless
The way the plot revealed itself was spectacular, and I loved it. Acting is perf because I love Bai Jingting and Zhao Jinmai. I find it funny how only a day had passed in their world while they had to deal with the mystery. I also loved the ending, but I wish we got to see more side character interactions. Still peak though because it made me feel scared for the main characters and empathize with the victim. Will def watch again when I miss the actors. <3Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Annoying at times but redeems itself
I chose Reset to be the last of 2022 and first of 2023 - so rang in the New Year with Bai Jing Ting. I saw it was highly rated and was a short watch. I am giving it a 7.5 - a decent, interesting and original drama but with a few complaints.This first arc of the show cultivates anti-police sentiment. It was frustrating to see the powerless protagonists go through the same cycles of questioning. I was not sure how much more I wanted to see them being badgered or accused of lying or how many manhunts I'd have to watch or how many sneers I'd have to see from the detective.
When the culprit for the explosions is finally revealed, I thought to myself, "Please don't tell me they are going to try to redeem or cast this person in a positive light."
But once the culprit's backstory was ultimately played out, I cried. Heartbreaking. I didn't expect their story to affect me so much, but it explained the descent into madness and I felt for them. The performance is what salvaged the drama for me to rate Reset at 7.5 instead of lower because when I was watching the first half, I was already writing a scathing review in my head.
I will say that I felt the romance addition was completely unnecessary. I was rolling my eyes. The story would've been fine being a pure thriller mystery.
Also... there ends up being no clear explanation for any of the time jumping or looping or why Bai Jing Ting's character's health suffers when the girl's doesn't. Things just happen and you accept it.
I think this can be good entertainment if you can survive what annoyed me. Shout out to Cat Boy - he was a highlight as well.
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