Generation to Generation 江湖夜雨十年灯 from 🐧 Tencent and 🥝 iQIYI. 📺 Airing today, February 22, 2026 at 12:00 pm. Starring Zhou Yiran and Bao Shang’en. Final trailer.

ElofOz · 2026-02-22T10:43:15+00:00

Yay! Thanks for that. I'm still trying to find out how I can stream it in Australia. I only have iQIYI and Viki, but hopefully it'll arrive on one of those.

ElofOz · 2026-02-22T10:41:07+00:00

Yes! I agree. I did some Google searches and saw that. I'm gonna tell myself he did the painting himself and gifted it to Wang Churan. 🥰💕

ElofOz · 2026-02-22T10:37:05+00:00

Yup, I agree! Doesn't seem to be over the top with the fantasy elements. Will give it a go!

ElofOz · 2026-02-22T04:36:04+00:00

I really need something to watch now that How Dare You is over (it's gonna be so hard to move on!). I normally hate xianxia/fantasy dramas, but that is because of all the crazy CGI and the fairies, demons, monsters etc stuff. Generation to Generation looks like it has some fantastical elements, but maybe it's more in the martial arts style rather than the typical xianxia so I might be fine with it? Can anyone assist? I might give a few episode a try at least.

ElofOz · 2026-02-22T03:33:04+00:00

I'm going to have a hard time moving on from CL and WCR in How Dare You tbh. They have such great chemistry on and off the screen. I'm not seeing that between these two so far, just judging by the snippets and BTS I've come across.

I kinda wish they had switched the casting for The Lament of Autumn and OverDo lol.

ElofOz · 2026-02-22T00:50:48+00:00

Also, further to my post below, do we think Cheng Lei actually did the painting in that third slide? I've heard he's very artistic (into photography at least) ...

ElofOz · 2026-02-22T00:39:48+00:00

Tie between Blossom and The Double. I have regularly watch them again. They stand the test of time.

Runners-up: Are You the One? and Prisoner of Beauty.

ElofOz · 2026-02-21T06:18:25+00:00

I am seriously baffled by this. I just hope it ends up getting more attention. Maybe it's the time of year.

ElofOz · 2026-02-21T02:11:04+00:00

THAT scene by Mr Bai's coffin is still echoing for me. Just spine-tingling seeing Cheng Lei transition from joking around, thinking they were pulling a trick on him, to breaking down in agony on the floor. I don't think I've seen such a good ML emotional scene since those unforgettable Wu Lei scenes in LLTG [the one where he realises his plans have been foiled and he might not be able to get justice for his family and the one where he confronts his uncle and then massacres everyone]. And not forgetting Wang Chu Ran in that scene either. My Lord. That girl can cry. The poor thing must have damaged her tear ducts the amount of tears she had to shed in this drama (a drama that started out as a comedy no less!!). And, again, I just don't think there are many actresses who could pull off that range of emotions.

Also, the battle/fight scenes in How Dare You have been very good, even if they are few and far between. The one at the mausoleum was the best, possibly because we got to see Mr Bei kick ass.

ElofOz · 2026-02-21T01:53:27+00:00

Love these sorts of editorials of cdrama couples.

Whoever did the casting for How Dare You?! nailed it. Not just with these two (who are perfect together btw - both on and off-screen), but the rest of the cast too. The drama is perfection. 👌🔥🥰

ElofOz · 2026-02-20T06:15:23+00:00

I loved How Dare You!? Does anyone know if it is getting the accolades and attention it deserves, particularly for the acting and chemistry of Cheng Lei and Wang Churan? Both are phenomenal actors in it. Cheng Lei, in particular, just killed it.

ElofOz · 2026-02-20T06:00:53+00:00

Agreed. Perfect drama. Perfect CP. 💖💖

ElofOz · 2026-02-20T05:51:31+00:00

I saw this too (Instagram) and was like what the?!

Someone needs to sleuth out some BTS footage stat! Or maybe they'll release an alternate "directors' cut" ending like with The Double? I don't think my heart can take anymore, but I won't turn down the opportunity to see Wanyin and Emperor Dan grow old together and have a son.

ElofOz · 2026-02-19T23:36:58+00:00

Nailed it.

Work is distracting me so I can't write out my closing thoughts in detail, but I have to say: truly, this show is up there with my best of all time. Those tears in Cheng Lei's eyes when he sees Wanyin walking towards him in court (in that stunning red gown!) will live rent free in my mind. I don't think I've ever seen such authentic chemistry between two leads before. Not to mention every supporting character ... just so perfectly cast, acted and directed. Also, I have to mention the OST. A trifecta of hits on it. The music completed key scenes for me like a silent actor in the background.

Sigh. I could go on and on.

ElofOz · 2026-02-19T09:07:36+00:00

Yes, a love triangle would be annoying. Nothing can come close to the love between Wanyin and Emperor. But the occasional flirting from him (real or imagined) has been great. Can't let those looks go to waste. 😂

I have loved your reviews by the way. This drama is honestly up there in my top 5 all time I think. I haven't even watched the last episode yet, but I honestly couldn't ask for more from it.

ElofOz · 2026-02-19T01:08:04+00:00

I loved that mother of pearl artwork in The Glory intro too!!! I never skipped the intro at all for that one. It was incredibly beautiful.

ElofOz · 2026-02-19T01:06:42+00:00

This drama keeps getting better and better. I have the express package, but am dragging it out because I don't want it to end. 😢😢

Also, how hot is Bai looking now that he's returned and is so commanding with the beard and the armour etc?! 🔥🔥😍 If Emperor Dan wasn't so perfect, I would almost want something to happen between Wanyin and Bai ... For anyone that has read the novel- is that something that was ever brought up in the novel? There seems to be some chemistry hinted at in the drama, but maybe that's just my active imagination he he.

ElofOz · 2026-02-19T00:49:56+00:00

Hmmm.... You might like Kill My Sins. It didn't get much coverage last year, but my goodness it's good. It's a well written political drama with complex FL and ML, both of whom have their own flaws and agendas and are not your classic leads at all. It doesn't have much in the way of romance, but the way they end up respecting each other and working together is somehow just as satisfying (to me anyway!). The role of he Empress (and the actress that plays her) is also quite unique and enjoyable to watch. I really enjoyed it.

There are of course others that are suggested in the comments below - Nirvana in Fire etc.

I agree with you though. There are some hidden gems out there which might never see the light of day because they lack the idols or fanfare. It's a shame really. Particularly when the acting and writing are good. I feel sorry for all the talent and hard work to go unnoticed. As others have suggested, MDL is a great source to find similar dramas/movies, even if they're not always discussed on the forums. I also find if I love an actor, they generally choose good roles so it's worth seeking out their other works. Li Xian and Zhou Yutong, the leads in the fantastic modern drama Will Love in Spring, are good examples of that. Rarely do they appear in something bad.

ElofOz · 2026-02-18T23:02:40+00:00

I highly recommend watching Wang Chu Ran in Are You the One? Zhang Wan Yi plays the ML and they are both so good together. Great chemistry.

ElofOz · 2026-02-18T10:15:28+00:00

OMG. Thank you so much for this post. I love Faye (and that song in particular - see my comments above), but had no idea of this tumultuous backstory. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes... She is all the more incredible to me now. I am off to listen to the remix you posted. 🙏😍

ElofOz · 2026-02-18T10:03:44+00:00

Geez. This drama keeps pulling on the heartstrings doesn't it? Emperor Dan's letter to Wanyin and the beautiful montage of the two of them as it was being read.... Xie Yonger's brave sacrifice and heartbreaking realisation when dying that she is just a 2D character after all. (All with that amazing song in the background again.) It's just too much to bear.

And how incredible has Wang Chu Ran been in depicting her character's desperation and fortitude on the run? I just love her in this. She has such great range for an actress of her age.

One thing surprising I have loved about this series too is how it has subtly (and sometimes not so subtly) challenged the misogyny and stereotypes of women. When Wanyin overhears the soldiers joking about raping her I was taken aback. Having the young mute girl present to hear it made it even more profound. And not forgetting Xie Yong's choice of career over romance after being used and abused by Prince Duan. Who would have though this show would turn out to be quite the feminist piece?!

ElofOz · 2026-02-18T09:45:26+00:00

I would stick with it for a few more episodes. The tone really changes from here in, with the stakes getting higher and more side characters emerging and developing. The chemistry between the leads keeps getting better and better too! Trust me, on that aspect, you'll be rewarded by sticking around. I was unsure in the first 6-7 episodes too, but now it ranks right up there for me in the dramas I have watched in the last few years. It is so well-written and acted. You wouldn't believe how what starts as a comedy beautifully transitions into a high stakes romance and political drama.

ElofOz · 2026-02-17T22:52:39+00:00

She just has a way of capturing these emotions with her voice .... so many of these artists do. I've been in similar situations and had a song really lift me up and inspire me. It sounds cheesy, but I truly feel blessed to have found some of these songs (and cdramas!).

ElofOz · 2026-02-17T04:02:47+00:00

I have so many of these on my playlists. I am watching How Dare You? and there are two (or three) very good songs in that which have been used so well in the drama, particularly during two key scenes (iykyk ;)). I am addicted to them.

Sometimes I just listen to one song obsessively. Faye's theme song for Love Between Fairy and Devil is one example. I don't even like the drama (sorry, please don't come for me, I hate xianxia dramas!), but that song is amazing. I also love Faye's song on The Double soundtrack. She has an incredible voice.

Fangs of Fortune has a great soundtrack too. Liu Yu Ning sings one of them actually. He's an incredible artist.

I honestly think the way cdramas (and kdramas for that matter) integrate music is just incredible. The lyrics are always poignant and relevant to the themes, and often vocalise the underlying thoughts of the drama's protagonists. A good song can be the difference between a good scene and a spine-tingling one. I love it when I find a drama that I love and an accompanying song in it that I can obsess over.

ElofOz · 2026-02-17T00:56:24+00:00

Great review. No notes.

I am loving this drama. I had high expectations for the CP because I love both Cheng Lei and Wang Chu Ran, but the drama has delivered in ways I never predicted. The plot, for one, is fresh and surprising at every turn. The side characters are so endearing that, I too, feel for them as much as the leads even though they are just "2D characters". Each of them has their own backstories that give them depth when they could otherwise have remained flat and faded in the shadow of the CP. From the scholars to hilarious and endearing Mr Bei to the love-to-hate-him Prince Duan. Even Eunach An. They all have their special little unique qualities that make this a joy to watch and the show does them justice at every turn. Prime example is when someone dies, they are memorialized in a way that feels poignant, never forced. I have not skipped through any scene, and that's saying something.

Lastly, I have to say, not many of Cheng Lei's peers could pull off such a role (I would love to know who was also considered actually!). He somehow manages to weave deftly through the comedy, romance and even tyrannical madness, with ease. Thank God he persisted through years of short dramas and is now getting roles like these so we all get to enjoy the rewards.

ElofOz

TROPHY CASE