This review may contain spoilers
Favorite drama so far for 2026
This drama was one I had been waiting for a long time. I was excited to see both main leads acting together, and even more excited that it was directed by a director I love. His most popular recent work that everyone knows is Blossom, but it was Familiar Stranger that first got me hooked on his work. I hope he continues to make amazing dramas like this—I really love the visual storytelling and the way everything is directed.
Another behind-the-scenes talent I would like to mention is the screenwriter. I just found out that she wrote many series I highly recommend and love, The Rise of the Phoenixes being one of them! She also has other notable titles like Love Like the Galaxy and Guardian of Beauty and Corner Diary.
Probably the one thing that hooked me from the beginning and kept me watching was Chang Yu’s character. She was brave, loyal, and a strong, fearless, and loving character. Zhang Linghe’s character was a bonus—I loved how ruthless he was and how he didn’t care about the emperor, especially when he declined the princess’s marriage proposal and even cut off the messenger’s ear.
I plan to read the book, as I’ve been told the series follows it quite closely and includes more details that viewers might enjoy.
Another thing I loved about this series is the side characters. I have to admit, before watching, the second couple showed up a lot on my feed, and I can see why. They are toxic, but I can’t help but love and pity Qi Min’s character. Yu Qianqian was another actress I grew to love, and I was excited to see her here as a second lead.
Other cast members I look forward to include Lin Muran and Li Qing. I couldn’t help but cheer and giggle every time they appeared on screen.
My only downside to this drama was the confusing mystery of what actually happened in the past. I’m still a bit fuzzy on the details, so I plan to go back and rewatch, as a lot happened and there were many details and characters I didn’t fully catch the first time.
Pursuit of Jade is a drama I highly recommend for 2026. So far, it’s my favorite and currently in first place. I’m giving it a 9/10, with one point deducted for the confusing mystery in the past.
Another behind-the-scenes talent I would like to mention is the screenwriter. I just found out that she wrote many series I highly recommend and love, The Rise of the Phoenixes being one of them! She also has other notable titles like Love Like the Galaxy and Guardian of Beauty and Corner Diary.
Probably the one thing that hooked me from the beginning and kept me watching was Chang Yu’s character. She was brave, loyal, and a strong, fearless, and loving character. Zhang Linghe’s character was a bonus—I loved how ruthless he was and how he didn’t care about the emperor, especially when he declined the princess’s marriage proposal and even cut off the messenger’s ear.
I plan to read the book, as I’ve been told the series follows it quite closely and includes more details that viewers might enjoy.
Another thing I loved about this series is the side characters. I have to admit, before watching, the second couple showed up a lot on my feed, and I can see why. They are toxic, but I can’t help but love and pity Qi Min’s character. Yu Qianqian was another actress I grew to love, and I was excited to see her here as a second lead.
Other cast members I look forward to include Lin Muran and Li Qing. I couldn’t help but cheer and giggle every time they appeared on screen.
My only downside to this drama was the confusing mystery of what actually happened in the past. I’m still a bit fuzzy on the details, so I plan to go back and rewatch, as a lot happened and there were many details and characters I didn’t fully catch the first time.
Pursuit of Jade is a drama I highly recommend for 2026. So far, it’s my favorite and currently in first place. I’m giving it a 9/10, with one point deducted for the confusing mystery in the past.
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