Picture Credit: Netflix
Netflix continues to expand its robust library of Asian dramas by acquiring the highly anticipated Chinese workplace romance series The Early Spring. Licensed from YOUKU, the series will be rolling out weekly on Netflix in the US and most international regions starting in late August 2026.
As Netflix’s catalog of C-dramas continues to grow alongside its massive K-drama output, fans of the genre have another exciting addition to look forward to. Directed by Chiang Chi Cheng and penned by screenwriter Gao Xiao Xian, The Early Spring (also known by its native title Zao Chun Qing Lang) is a 24-episode romantic drama adapted from the popular web novel of the same name by Gu Niang Bie Ku.
It’s been a massive year for Chinese-language licensed content on the streamer, with The Early Spring joining a rapidly expanding 2026 roster. Earlier this year, Netflix snagged the simulcast rights to the historical period romance Pursuit of Jade back in March, as well as the gritty Dylan Wang-led crime thriller Light to the Night. The streamer also acquired the global first-run rights to the fantasy-wuxia epic Veil of Shadows, starring Ju Jingyi and Joseph Zeng, and secured a highly successful daily summer release for the buzzy historical fantasy series Ashes to Crown.
Here is everything you need to know about The Early Spring before it hits Netflix:
What is the plot of The Early Spring?
Here is the official synopsis for the upcoming drama:
“Shang Zhi Tao, an ordinary graduate, unexpectedly lands a job at one of the world’s top advertising firms and steps into the workplace as a complete rookie. On her very first day, her sharp-tongued boss, Luan Nian, tells her to quit. Undeterred, she endures the pressure, grows through challenges, and eventually proves herself as a capable professional.
Along the way, she falls for Luan Nian—but after six years together, a series of misunderstandings forces her to leave without a word. When they meet again, she has returned to her hometown, running a restaurant and her own small event company, living life on her own terms.”
Who is in the cast of The Early Spring?
Two familiar faces lead the series. Jing Bo Ran will play the sharp-tongued advertising boss Luan Nian. He will be starring opposite Sun Qian, who plays the resilient and ambitious rookie-turned-entrepreneur Shang Zhi Tao.
Rounding out the supporting cast for the series are:
- Liu Xiao Bei as Sun Yuan Zhu
- Qi Tian Qing as Sun Yu
- Zhang Ye Zi as Lu Mi
- Ning Xin as Kitty
When will The Early Spring be on Netflix?
The Early Spring is officially slated to begin dropping on Netflix on Wednesday, August 26th, 2026.
The series consists of 24 episodes, with each episode having an approximate runtime of 45 minutes. While the drama will be airing daily in China on its original broadcast network YOUKU, Netflix has secured the rights to distribute the series shortly after for the US and most other international territories.
We’ll be sure to update you with a full episode release schedule as soon as Netflix confirms exactly how many episodes will drop per week!
Are you looking forward to checking out The Early Spring on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!