A Date with the Future

Wasted Potential for this One

For the sake of William Chan, who I love, and the start of this drama, which was excellent, I gave it all I have, but I'm dropping this one. I may pick it up again in the future, but I can't seem to force my way through.

"A Date with the Future", despite its many strengths, falls prey to the C-Drama pitfall of poor pacing. I have never been so disinterested in subplots in my life. Specifically, the third couple's scenes always left me skipping, and the male lead in that pairing is bland both as a character and an actor, plus he's incredibly selfish. Not sure why we were meant to root for him.

The firefighting aspect was excellent, both the plot and the cast of firemen and the super lovable dogs, but 25 episodes in, and I just can't seem to finish. The leads have great chemistry and a great relationship, but even their relationship seems to have hit a plateau. Their characterizations were well done, but the slowness of writing did them a disservice in my opinion.

In general, this type of a show needed some type of driving force, something exciting and gripping, and it just didn't deliver. It's a big bummer, and probably a very unpopular opinion, but there it is.

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Depends of if you can make it past the start or not!

This is one of those drama's which definitely gets better as it goes along, but first you have to get past one huge hurdle..........the start!

Ohh boy those first few episodes are tortuous and I can see why people have mixed opinions on this! The FL is saved by the ML 10 years before the series begins and meets up with him again in the first episode. She has spent 10 yrs making herself into someone worthy of him and is determined she loves him and belongs at his side. She does all sorts to get his attention, including putting herself in danger. Lets get one thing straight right away, if the ML acted the way the FL is acting........it would be straight up stalking behaviour, but somehow because its the female people think it's cute. Also in those first few episodes the FL is not in love with the ML, as she doesn't know him, not even his name. She is obsessed with the man who saved her and needs a therapist, not a relationship!

However if you can get over those first few episodes then it does even out a lot. The relationship does become a lot more healthy and based on knowledge and respect rather insane obsession. Although the two careers are not depicted mega realistically they are done quite well, and certainly well enough for the show. The other members of the cast are all good in their respective roles, and the characters enjoyable. The animals used in the show are amazingly well trained and work well with the cast. The music is ok but doesn't jump out at you.

All in all it's a good drama that makes you feel good. IF you can get past the severely messy start.

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A drama I adored… and also side-eyed

A Date with the Future really surprised me with how much it made me feel. I didn’t just like it — I genuinely loved so many parts of it. It was sweet, heartfelt, and emotionally immersive in a way I honestly didn’t expect. I smiled, I teared up, and yes, I occasionally talked to my screen like an uninvited extra. At the same time, it’s one of those dramas where the more you think about certain story choices, the more complicated your feelings become, which doesn’t erase the emotional impact, but definitely adds another layer to it.

One of the highlights for me was Jin Shi Chuan. Finally, a C-drama male lead who doesn’t fall hopelessly in love after one glance across a crowded street. He’s emotionally guarded, deliberate and actually reflective about his feelings. It made perfect sense that he’d take time to figure out whether Xu Lai’s feelings were born out of love or trauma imprinting from the past. And when he finally decided to love her, he did it like an adult — with honesty, intention, and zero mixed signals. A man who processes emotions like an adult? Practically sci-fi.

BUT… Even with how much I admired his steadiness, one thing about his arc made me deeply uncomfortable: the whole subplot where he conceals his potential disability out of fear of ‘burdening’ Xu Lai ; when he says he wants surgery so he’ll be ‘worthy to stand by her side,’ made me stop in my tracks. I just froze. Worthy? As if losing a leg somehow makes you unfit for love or partnership? The implication is shockingly ableist, and it undercuts the otherwise mature emotional groundwork the show tries to build. Love isn’t conditional on physical “perfection,” and it bothered me that the drama treated this idea like a noble self-sacrifice instead of a harmful mindset.

There’s also a more complicated layer to the romance, the romanticization of trauma and obsessive attachment. Xu Lai’s decade-long fixation, formed when she was fifteen, traumatized, and rescued, can be read less as destiny and more as transference, repackaged as romance. The show frames her determination as romantic persistence, but some of her actions drift into territory that in real life would absolutely prompt a gentle intervention from a friend, if not an actual restraining order. It’s not malicious, just framed a little too sweetly for what it actually is. The drama never really examines that grey area, and once you see it, it lingers. Had the show simply let them bump into each other by chance after a decade, the “destiny” message would have landed far more naturally, and the stalking unease could’ve been avoided.

Some side characters mirror that same pattern — obsession framed as cute or loyal — which, honestly, added to the unease. It doesn’t ruin the drama, but it does complicate how the romance lands. In particular, Huo Yan Zong… Sigh 😩. His obsession with Xu Lai was the most uncomfortable to watch, and when he ultimately “fell” for Shi Shi, it didn’t feel like growth; it felt like emotional whiplash. After spending over a decade chasing a woman who never loved him back, it’s hard to believe he suddenly understood love. It came across like a rebound dressed as redemption, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that poor Shi Shi was more consolation prize than true partner.

The firefighting world was a standout. The show didn’t just name-drop the profession, it lived in it. You feel the brotherhood, the fear, the exhaustion, the quiet bravery. It portrayed duty and sacrifice with such respect that I found myself holding my breath during rescue scenes. It’s dramatic, yes, but it earns that drama.

Xu Lai, on the other hand, cracked me up sometimes. Don’t get me wrong, I loved her — she’s resilient, determined, and she knows her worth. But girl… Why was every single one of her reporter features about firefighters? By the third time she pitched another firefighter story, I started wondering why her editor hadn’t gently suggested, “Maybe… one story about something that isn’t on fire? Literally anything else?”

The writing also had its repetitive moments: injuries → hospital → sabotage → repeat. And yes, the final earthquake was dramatic, but also a bit eyebrow-raising in its convenience. Still, despite these issues, I found the leads’ chemistry quietly compelling. Not explosive, but gentle, patient, and full of unspoken warmth. The small smiles and soft glances did more for me than any dramatic kiss (though, to be fair, some kisses could’ve used a little more… lip movement).

The supporting cast brought humor and heart that made the world feel lived-in and comforting. Every time they appeared, something about the drama felt warmer.

In the end, A Date with the Future is a show I genuinely enjoyed — even if some of its foundational ideas feel less romantic the more you think about them. It’s heartfelt, imperfect, sweet, occasionally absurd, sometimes troubling, but always sincere. And maybe that sincerity is why it stuck with me, both for the parts I loved and the parts I question.

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A great story about self-growth and comradery

"A Date with the Future" is not usual romance drama. Many themes are packed into this one: self-growth, comradery, patriotism, humanity, and universal love. At first, I am interested to watch this drama because I am curious about the romance between ML and FL (it seems so cheesy). Later, what hooked me the most is the team dynamic in firefighter unit in which ML is the captain.

Among various aspects of drama, what I love the most is the character development of both main and supporting actors, especially regarding how they overcome their own respective trauma and grow themselves from that. They don't turned out to be toxic and selfish after experiencing tragedies in their life. They become more mature and wise persons. That is why relationships in this drama are healthy and enjoyable to see.

Other thing is, I love how realistic they try to tell the story about firefighter unit is. At first, I think the unit would be just the background for the romance to happen between ML and FL. I don't expect that they put the unit to be under the spot light. The fire brigade can have its own story. We follow its development from unnoticed unit in the city till they gain respect from citizens, how they build discipline, comradery and cohesiveness, how they take care each other and build strong brotherhood, how they do they daily duties from the most trivial to the most deadly, and how they overcome injury, trauma, and loses. It is humanely realistic and provide us some insights about the work of SAR. It grows more respect in my heart.

I also love the character of Capt. Jin (ML). His personal story is well rounded and how his fate is intertwined with Xu Lai (FL) is written so beautifully. I know, at the beginning it is so impossible and makes non sense, but after knowing the past, each person motivation, and the exchange of kindness, we understand that their repeated encounters are actually bound to happen. They deserve to meet and love to one each other.

However, there are things that I hope they could improve it. I don't like a typical love triangle which involves a rich young CEO. The story would be more nuanced if the SML (Huo) is just ordinary successful and struggling young entrepreneur. It would add more positive trait to his character and add more value to his relationship with Xu Lai who is a strong and hard working girl. Also, the villains in this drama is so one dimensional and easy to beat. That is why, for me, it is more interesting to watch how the fire brigade fights the fire, accidents, and disasters.

Overall, it is a good drama!

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A surprisingly enjoyable drama

I have watched ADWTF on a whim after dropping one other Cdrama. Tbh, it was a really slow start - had to fast forward some scenes but once it warmed up, I can't stop watching.

The story line was not something new, but it stood out because of how intense and realistic the rescue scenes were compared to the other dramas with the similar plot. My heart was literally pounding the whole time in ep. 32 and 33 during that major fire and rescue operations!

You want great chemistry? You got it here.
You want some comedy and action? You can also find it here.
How about lovable side characters? There are plenty here.
Intense, heartbreaking and emotional scenes? It's there (but on the later eps)

For those who are wanting a steamy romance, sadly, this one is not it. Though this drama did not lack the romantic element, that one can still enjoy, the kissing scenes were kind of a disappointment to me hahaha It's either a peck or just merely touching of lips for a few seconds. (I guess I was just spoiled coz in Hidden Love and FITYS, they were generous in this department, lol)

Overall, I did not regret watching it and will still add this drama to my rewatch list. There may be loopholes you'll notice here and there but who cares? Go watch it for the romance and action, like I did.

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This is a masterpiece!! It deserves a higher note ❤️❤️

I almost stopped watching this drama because of the comments and reviews, but I'm glad I didn't listen and decided to make my own conclusions, so there goes a little my opinion, I hope it helps you to decide if you watch it or not.

I don't know why so many people don't like it, its a masterpice, the main couple have an amazing chemistry, they are sooo cute together, like omg, I was all the time smiling like a children, my cheeks was hurting because of the amount of the time this drama made me smile. The FL have personality and don't just deppends of the ML all of the time, she goes after her personal and professional goals too , It's a well-balanced drama between drama, action scenes, and comedy to make it lighter too, also the act of the male lead and female lead are just so good, trust me.

The secondary couple has been wonderful together so far, they are really cute and I loved their development together. Willian Chan's smile is another BIG reason for you to watch it, it's simply perfect too, what a beautiful actor uff I'm in love.

The OSTS of this drama?? PERFECT, one of the most beautiful I've heard in Cdramas.

I just loved this, the chemistry, the action scenes, the emotional ones too, I saw some reviews and comments talking bad about the drama because of the kisses, yes, it's not that hot kisses that we normally see in another dramas, but it's also cute, it's not a reason to give the drama a lower rating.

10/10 for me, so far one of the best dramas in this firefighter genre that I watched.

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Adorable love story, one of my favorite modern dramas

I'd rank this as my #2 favorites of modern dramas (just behind To Love starring Lin Gen Xing). Great storyline, great acting, pretty good OST. Overall I gave it a 9. Took off a point for the last 2 episodes dragging out beyond the climax of the story.

*** Spoilers below ****

Acting/Cast:
- William Chan (ML) - he's one of my favorite male leads right now, I've been binge watching a lot of his shows. He's not the best actor w/ a ton of range, but he just lights up the screen with his charisma and adorable smile. He plays the action hero role very well. In this role as a fierce firefighter he shined in every way. He was able to convey the tormented, tough, cold & aloof on the outside, but caring/loyal on the inside persona so well. As much as I adore William Chan, he usually does not have much chemistry w/ his female leads (other than Sandra Ma in Age of Legends). However in this series it's the most chemistry I've seen him with a female lead. They had great chemistry.
- Xu Lai (FL) - this is the first time I've seen this actress, she did a great job. She was believable conveying the sweet bubbly innocence w/out being annoyingly over the top, but also tough w/ grit and rational determination. When she cried you can feel her sadness.
- Dr. Zang Qui (Support Female) - first time seeing this actress. She's beautiful and did a great job being the tough logical sounding board for people. But the flashbacks of her youth she was so sweet and bubbly, and the scene where she broke down crying begging Jin Sichuan to let her see her dying husband...that scene was just heartbreaking.

PROS:
- Storyline - I loved it, it was very reminiscent of Backdraft from the 1990s, one of my all time favorite movies with Kurt Russell, Billy Baldwin, etc. The emergency calls/situations were very plausible, unlike a lot of Cdramas.
- The character development was done well showing how people experience and recover from traumatic life experiences
- The death of Liu Xu and his secret recording being played to his brigade team after dies, oh man that was a tearjerker! Get your tissues for that.
- The scene of Jin Sichuan in the coma...trying to follow the dead Liu Xu into the light...but getting pulled back by Xu Lai. That was powerful. I was on the edge of my seat holding my breath.

CONS:
- Hospital scenes - as battered up as Jin Sichuan gets, rightfully so as a firefighter, most of the hospital scenes he still looks perfect, other than 1 time when he saved Xu Lai from the kidnapper he was bruised and battered. But even when he was supposedly in a coma for awhile (maybe months, as they did not really specify how long) - he had not 1 scratch on him, hair perfectly done, clean shaven, etc. Very unrealistic, but this is pretty typical of most cdramas anyway.
- Xu Lai in the beginning came across as some crazed stalker at first w/ zero boundaries and thick skin.
- The annoying coworker of Xu Lai - dumb as bricks and the trouble she tries to inflict on Xu Lai is lame. But she was barely held accountable by the news station even when caught several times - except for the last straw when she almost killed her.
- Rescue dogs were cute and the scene when Windhound died saving Jin Sichuan - gut-wrenching. But the dogs and dog training got too much screen time.
- The dubbing wasn't always the best. Some voices just did not fit w/ the character/actor.
- The 3rd support couple - Lao Huo and Shi Shi the actress. The entire series he was irrationally obsessed and possessive of Xu Lai, while Shi Shi followed him around like a pathetic puppy. Then suddenly at the end of the series he magically realizes...Oh, wait, ok, I love you now Shi Shi (because he can't have Xu Lai). It felt like an unnatural progression, as if the writers wanted to force some sort of resolution for Lao Huo out of pity.

I've never re-watched any modern dramas (except 1 other one) - but I'd probably re-watch this one.

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Emotional Waves?

I don't know about you but episode 33 of “A Date with the future” left me emotionally devastated. I don't think any C-drama has ever managed to bring me to tears like this one. The story is a beautiful up and down that often makes you laugh and smile. But especially in the last episodes it gets incredibly emotional. I love it. I think the term emotional wave describes it quite well.
The drama shows you incredibly well how dangerous the life of a firefighter is. And I can't express how much respect I have for these men and women who put their own lives on the line every day for our lives and our safety.

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Nice drama with a beautiful ending

I really like this drama, it made me emotional and smile a lot. The leads have good chemistry and I love their relationship. The kissing scenes weren’t really good but you could still feel their amazing chemistry. They were together for many episodes, I love that in dramas.

I also really loved the second couple and we got to see a lot of them. They were really cute too.

The only things that I hated is the annoying second lead who have an unrequited love for FL. It took him more than 30 eps to finally move on. I would have loved for that to happening sooner so we could have seen more of his relationship with 3FL. I was invested in this 3rd couple too, we can consider their ending happy. They are not officially a couple, but they reunited at the end, I was happy about that.
I also hated the unnecessary and stupid breakup, but it didn’t last long.

Overall I love all the couples and the story. The romance was amazing for me. The rescue scenes were good and I liked the training plot with the dogs. I didn’t find it boring and I enjoyed the drama from beggining to end.

Also a very positive point for me was the ending. I love it so much, one of my favorite cdrama ending ever. I love a long ending, a happy ending of a few min or sec is annoying as fuck. It was beautiful, we saw their happy moment, proposal, wedding and a bit after (fast forward 1 years later). Also, we got to see ending for all 3 couples. The last scene was beautiful too. A real 10/10 ending for me❤️❤️

I would recommend this drama

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Don't listen to the bad reviews and give it a try

I loved it. Even tho still I agree with the comments criticizing this drama, in my opinion it is still well done. A well done firefighting show with a well done romance (even tho I agree the kisses might irritate people after a while) but don't watch a show for the kisses, watch it for the romance, for the story altogether, for what it teaches you and the values shown. I loved the main couple and also the side couples, they were all so cute and perfect together in my opinion.
Give it a try, I loved it, you might love it too. For me 10 stars are not enough, I wished I could give it more but 10 will have to do.

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