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This review may contain spoilers
A Beautifully Realistic Tale of Youth, Love, and Self-Discovery
What I Liked
1. The Realistic Portrayal of Youth & Growth
The drama beautifully captures the struggles of growing up—friendships, dreams, family pressures, and self-discovery. It never felt forced or overly dramatic but instead natural and deeply relatable. Watching the characters navigate high school, university, and their careers was genuinely fulfilling.
2. Huan'er’s Character Development
She started as a fun, naive, and playful girl but gradually grew into a more self-aware and mature woman. Her ability to encourage and uplift her friends, while also finding her own path, was one of my favourite aspects of the show.
3. The Friendship Between Huan’er, Xichi, and Song Cong
The bond between these three was heartwarming. Their "family housing" setup gave off a cosy, found-family vibe that I adored. They supported each other in times of crisis, fought like real friends, and ultimately shaped each other’s futures.
4. Xichi’s Emotional Depth
Initially, Xichi seemed like the goofy best friend, but as the story progressed, it became clear that he had layers. His struggles with his injury, his father’s death, and his fear of losing Huan’er made him one of the most complex characters in the series. His emotional intelligence, despite his playful exterior, made him one of the best-written characters.
5. Song Cong’s Growth and Friendship with Du Man
Song Cong went through so much—his mother’s accident, feeling overshadowed in university, and his failed relationship with Qi Qi. Seeing him let go of his obsession to be the best and finally finding a steady, mature friendship with Du Man was satisfying. Their chemistry was subtle but felt natural. I did wish they were endgame🥺.
6. The Themes of Family Pressure vs. Personal Dreams
Every character had to deal with some form of parental pressure, whether it was Song Cong’s strict academic path, Qi Qi’s mother controlling her future, or Xichi’s struggle with proving his passion for football. The show realistically portrayed the weight of expectations and the fight for independence.
7. Qi Qi’s Character Arc (Mostly)
While she was frustrating for much of the show, her final arc, where she realized her toxic patterns and decided to grow, was one of the most well-executed redemptions. Her breaking up with Song Cong and acknowledging her flaws was painful but necessary.
8. The Use of Soundtrack
The music choices throughout the show were perfect. Every emotional scene had the right background music.
9. The Ending & the Final Reflection Scene
I loved how the show wrapped up—giving us closure without tying everything up too perfectly. The reflection on their past selves and how far they'd come felt earned and emotional.
What I Didn’t Like
1. Qi Qi’s Manipulative Behaviour in the First Half
She was insufferable for most of the series. The way she treated Huan’er—getting mad at her for making new friends, her emotional manipulation, and her general possessiveness—was toxic. While her redemption arc was decent, it didn’t fully erase how frustrating she was for most of the show.
2. The Overcomplicated Romance Between Huan’er and Xichi
These two had obvious chemistry from the start, but the show dragged out their love story way too much. The unnecessary misunderstandings, jealous moments, and miscommunications felt repetitive. While I loved them as a couple, I wish their relationship had progressed more naturally without forced obstacles.
3. Song Cong’s Obsession with Being the Top Student
His downward spiral over not being the best in university was frustrating to watch. His character was so much more than just academics, yet he let it define him for too long. Thankfully, he eventually let go of that toxic mindset.
4. Du Wei’s Obsession with Xichi
She was one of the most annoying side characters. From forcing Xichi into her club to publicly confessing her feelings in a dramatic fashion, her whole arc was unnecessary and just a time-waster.
5. The Love Square in High School
At times, the whole who-likes-who drama felt too much like a soap opera. Qi Qi liked Song Cong, who liked Huan’er, who was clueless, while Xichi hid his feelings. The constant love triangle moments (and later, love square) dragged on too long.
6. Qi Qi’s Handling of Her Relationship with Song Cong
It was doomed from the start. She chased after him, then proceeded to make him uncomfortable with her wealth, failed to stand up for him when needed, and emotionally blackmailed him into staying with her. It felt like the show wanted us to feel bad for her at the end, but her actions made it hard to sympathise.
7. Gao Ang’s Unnecessary Villain Arc
Why was this guy so intent on making Huan’er’s life miserable? His arrogance and condescending attitude added stress that wasn’t even necessary. His eventual downfall felt deserved, but I wish the show had spent more time on something else.
8. The Overcomplication of Huan’er & Xichi’s College Relationship
They finally had the chance to be together, and yet they still had to go through unnecessary drama with Tian Chi and Du Wei. Some conflict was understandable, but the constant jealousy and miscommunication got exhausting.
9. Qi Qi’s Financial Gap with Song Cong
She genuinely seemed clueless about how her wealth made Song Cong feel, but her handling of it was terrible. Letting him pay for an expensive dinner when she knew he couldn’t afford it? Not realizing how out-of-place he felt in her world? Her lack of sensitivity ruined whatever potential they had as a couple.
Final Thoughts
Despite the flaws, Always Home was an emotional rollercoaster that I thoroughly enjoyed. It balanced humour, heartbreak, nostalgia, and personal growth beautifully. The relationships—both friendships and romances—felt real, and the themes of growing up, finding yourself, and making peace with your past were incredibly touching.
Would I rewatch it? Yes, but I’d skip some of the more frustrating moments (mainly Qi Qi’s early antics and Du Wei’s entire existence).
Would I recommend it? Absolutely! It’s a heartfelt coming-of-age drama with lovable characters, emotional depth, and a satisfying ending.
1. The Realistic Portrayal of Youth & Growth
The drama beautifully captures the struggles of growing up—friendships, dreams, family pressures, and self-discovery. It never felt forced or overly dramatic but instead natural and deeply relatable. Watching the characters navigate high school, university, and their careers was genuinely fulfilling.
2. Huan'er’s Character Development
She started as a fun, naive, and playful girl but gradually grew into a more self-aware and mature woman. Her ability to encourage and uplift her friends, while also finding her own path, was one of my favourite aspects of the show.
3. The Friendship Between Huan’er, Xichi, and Song Cong
The bond between these three was heartwarming. Their "family housing" setup gave off a cosy, found-family vibe that I adored. They supported each other in times of crisis, fought like real friends, and ultimately shaped each other’s futures.
4. Xichi’s Emotional Depth
Initially, Xichi seemed like the goofy best friend, but as the story progressed, it became clear that he had layers. His struggles with his injury, his father’s death, and his fear of losing Huan’er made him one of the most complex characters in the series. His emotional intelligence, despite his playful exterior, made him one of the best-written characters.
5. Song Cong’s Growth and Friendship with Du Man
Song Cong went through so much—his mother’s accident, feeling overshadowed in university, and his failed relationship with Qi Qi. Seeing him let go of his obsession to be the best and finally finding a steady, mature friendship with Du Man was satisfying. Their chemistry was subtle but felt natural. I did wish they were endgame🥺.
6. The Themes of Family Pressure vs. Personal Dreams
Every character had to deal with some form of parental pressure, whether it was Song Cong’s strict academic path, Qi Qi’s mother controlling her future, or Xichi’s struggle with proving his passion for football. The show realistically portrayed the weight of expectations and the fight for independence.
7. Qi Qi’s Character Arc (Mostly)
While she was frustrating for much of the show, her final arc, where she realized her toxic patterns and decided to grow, was one of the most well-executed redemptions. Her breaking up with Song Cong and acknowledging her flaws was painful but necessary.
8. The Use of Soundtrack
The music choices throughout the show were perfect. Every emotional scene had the right background music.
9. The Ending & the Final Reflection Scene
I loved how the show wrapped up—giving us closure without tying everything up too perfectly. The reflection on their past selves and how far they'd come felt earned and emotional.
What I Didn’t Like
1. Qi Qi’s Manipulative Behaviour in the First Half
She was insufferable for most of the series. The way she treated Huan’er—getting mad at her for making new friends, her emotional manipulation, and her general possessiveness—was toxic. While her redemption arc was decent, it didn’t fully erase how frustrating she was for most of the show.
2. The Overcomplicated Romance Between Huan’er and Xichi
These two had obvious chemistry from the start, but the show dragged out their love story way too much. The unnecessary misunderstandings, jealous moments, and miscommunications felt repetitive. While I loved them as a couple, I wish their relationship had progressed more naturally without forced obstacles.
3. Song Cong’s Obsession with Being the Top Student
His downward spiral over not being the best in university was frustrating to watch. His character was so much more than just academics, yet he let it define him for too long. Thankfully, he eventually let go of that toxic mindset.
4. Du Wei’s Obsession with Xichi
She was one of the most annoying side characters. From forcing Xichi into her club to publicly confessing her feelings in a dramatic fashion, her whole arc was unnecessary and just a time-waster.
5. The Love Square in High School
At times, the whole who-likes-who drama felt too much like a soap opera. Qi Qi liked Song Cong, who liked Huan’er, who was clueless, while Xichi hid his feelings. The constant love triangle moments (and later, love square) dragged on too long.
6. Qi Qi’s Handling of Her Relationship with Song Cong
It was doomed from the start. She chased after him, then proceeded to make him uncomfortable with her wealth, failed to stand up for him when needed, and emotionally blackmailed him into staying with her. It felt like the show wanted us to feel bad for her at the end, but her actions made it hard to sympathise.
7. Gao Ang’s Unnecessary Villain Arc
Why was this guy so intent on making Huan’er’s life miserable? His arrogance and condescending attitude added stress that wasn’t even necessary. His eventual downfall felt deserved, but I wish the show had spent more time on something else.
8. The Overcomplication of Huan’er & Xichi’s College Relationship
They finally had the chance to be together, and yet they still had to go through unnecessary drama with Tian Chi and Du Wei. Some conflict was understandable, but the constant jealousy and miscommunication got exhausting.
9. Qi Qi’s Financial Gap with Song Cong
She genuinely seemed clueless about how her wealth made Song Cong feel, but her handling of it was terrible. Letting him pay for an expensive dinner when she knew he couldn’t afford it? Not realizing how out-of-place he felt in her world? Her lack of sensitivity ruined whatever potential they had as a couple.
Final Thoughts
Despite the flaws, Always Home was an emotional rollercoaster that I thoroughly enjoyed. It balanced humour, heartbreak, nostalgia, and personal growth beautifully. The relationships—both friendships and romances—felt real, and the themes of growing up, finding yourself, and making peace with your past were incredibly touching.
Would I rewatch it? Yes, but I’d skip some of the more frustrating moments (mainly Qi Qi’s early antics and Du Wei’s entire existence).
Would I recommend it? Absolutely! It’s a heartfelt coming-of-age drama with lovable characters, emotional depth, and a satisfying ending.
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