The Early Spring (2026) Reviews - MyDramaList
Reviewers praise the leads' chemistry and nuanced acting, but many say the final act (especially the Harbin arc) feels rushed and argue about whether Luke and Flora's dynamic is romantic or toxic
CompletedOn NetflixRomanceWorkplace
The Early Spring
早春晴朗
- English title
- The Early Spring (aka Bright Early Spring, Zao Chun Qing Lang)
- Chinese title
- 早春晴朗 · Zǎo Chūn Qíng Lǎng
- On Netflix?
- Yes — Global
- Episodes
- 24 episodes · 45 min each
- Status
- Completed
- Starring
- Jing Boran and Sun Qian
- Original network
- Youku
- Premiered
- Aug 26, 2026 – Sep 9, 2026
- Genre
- Romance, Workplace
- Based on
- 早春晴朗 by Gu Niang Bie Ku
Updated
What is The Early Spring about?
Shang Zhitao, an ordinary graduate, unexpectedly gets a job at one of Beijing's top advertising agencies, and on her first day her brilliant, cutting creative director Luan Nian tells her to quit. Over roughly a decade, their tense mentor–trainee relationship becomes a secret office romance, tested by career ambition, unequal power and misunderstandings.
Based on the novel: 《早春晴朗》 by Gu Niang Bie Ku (姑娘别哭).
The Early Spring cast
- Actor
Jing Boran as Luan Nian (Luke)
Gifted, sharp-tongued creative director at a top Beijing ad agency who seems cold but hides a soft side
@jingxiaoxianshengCharacter
- Actor
Sun Qian as Shang Zhitao (Flora)
Stubborn, hardworking graduate of an ordinary college who starts at the agency as a total rookie and works her way up
@sq_nikiCharacter
- Actor
Liu Xiaobei as Sun Yuanzhu
Flora's flatmate and close friend, and Sun Yu's older brother
Character
- Actor
Qi Tianqing as Sun Yu
Flora's lively best friend and her biggest cheerleader
Character
- Actor
Zhang Yezi as Lu Mi (Lumi)
Sharp, capable senior colleague who protects the people she cares about
Character
- Actor
Cristy Guo (Guo Xiaoting) as Zang Yao
Character
The Early Spring episodes
The Early Spring has 24 episodes, each about 45 min. It aired on Youku from Aug 26, 2026 to Sep 9, 2026, and all episodes are out.
Where to watch The Early Spring
- Watch The Early Spring on Netflix
Netflix
GlobalSubscription
All 24 episodes
Youku
Mainland ChinaFree + VIP
Original exclusive platform in China (Youku 生花剧场 block)
What fans are saying about The Early Spring
More The Early Spring guides
- The Early Spring Ending ExplainedHow it ends, what it means
- The Early Spring Cast & CharactersWho plays who
- The Early Spring Episodes & ScheduleEpisode count, length, release schedule
- The Early Spring Where to WatchNetflix & official streams by region
- The Early Spring OST & SongsEvery song from the soundtrack
