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Chasing Dramas

Chasing Dramas

By Karen and Cathy

Karen and Cathy explain cultural and historical references episode by episode in popular Chinese historical dramas as well as Chinese pop culture news. The podcast is in English with proper nouns and phrases spoken in Mandarin Chinese. Currently, they are discussing The Story of Yanxi Palace. Completed dramas/movies include: The Story of Ming Lan, Empresses in the Palace, Royal Nirvana, Palace (2013 film), and Mulan (2020 Disney movie) among others.
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Intro to the drama: Empresses in the Palace

Chasing DramasAug 14, 2019

00:00
19:14
The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 38: Brutal Memories

The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 38: Brutal Memories

We get flashbacks now of when Zhang Xiao Jing was a soldier defending the border. He and his fellow soldiers were faced with low morale, no food and no reinforcements. But ultimately, they decided to not retreat or give up.

Mar 26, 202421:09
Mid March 2024 Chinese Drama Update: The Legend of Shen Li, In Blossoms and more!

Mid March 2024 Chinese Drama Update: The Legend of Shen Li, In Blossoms and more!

A slew of new dramas just began airing in March so we wanted to do a mid-month update!

  • Burning Flames starring Ren Jia Lun and Xing Fei.
  • In Blossoms starring Ju Jing Yi and Liu Xue Yi.
  • Simple Days starring Tong Yao and Chen Xiao.
  • The Legend of Shen Li starring Zhao Li Ying and Lin Geng Xin
  • War of Faith starring Wang Yi Bo and Li Qin

With so many stars gracing our screens, listen to our thoughts on these dramas as we have been chasing them!


Mar 21, 202423:55
The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 37: People or the Emperor

The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 37: People or the Emperor

Zhang Xiao Jing is making his way up the lantern tower but is met with an tough decision. Who does he save? The civilians in the square? Or the Emperor.

Mar 19, 202422:57
The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 36: Into the Lantern

The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 36: Into the Lantern

Zhang Xiao Jing finally makes it into the grand lantern and is closer to see his adversary of the night. The Crown Prince and the Right Chancellor square off in front of the Emperor in the Flower Sepal Tower. Meanwhile, back at Jing An Si, Cheng Sen offers his services to investigate the case in order to not be a scapegoat for today's events.

Mar 12, 202420:34
March2024 Chinese Drama Update: White Cat Legend, Everyone Loves Me, Detective Chinatown 2, Pegasus and more!

March2024 Chinese Drama Update: White Cat Legend, Everyone Loves Me, Detective Chinatown 2, Pegasus and more!

A slew of new dramas began airing in February and March including Eternal Brotherhood, The Hunter, Always on the Move, Judge Dee’s Mystery, White Cat Legend, Pegasus, Detective Chinatown 2, and Everyone Loves Me. Karen and Cathy have begun chasing several of these dramas. Listen to our latest episode to see what we think about them!

Mar 08, 202425:33
Drama Review: 三体 Three Body

Drama Review: 三体 Three Body

Karen and Cathy discuss the the critically acclaimed sci-fi drama Three Body or 三体. As one of the first mainstream Science Fiction dramas that aired in China in 2023, it boasts a great source material, strong cast, and heavy investment. We discuss how the drama faired when it first aired and our thoughts about the drama itself. Listen and let us know your experience with Three Body.


This podcast is sponsored by JubaoTV

Feb 29, 202423:15
The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 35: No Beauty in Bloodshed

The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 35: No Beauty in Bloodshed

The Emperor holds court and asks about an embassy for the ambassador from Little Patola. Here, the Prince of Yong and the Right Chancellor start a verbal spat with the Crown Prince and Director He on the true nature of how the land was procured. We finally learn what happened that bloody day months ago that landed Zhang Xiao Jing on death row. Meanwhile, Tan Qi requests aid from Yan Yu Huan to save Zhang Xiao Jing while he travels to the palace to stop Long Bo.

Feb 26, 202425:57
In the Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: 2024 Spring Festival Fallout!

In the Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: 2024 Spring Festival Fallout!

The Spring Festival Gala had plenty of winners but there was one big loser caught everyone's attention. Bai Jing Ting's shenanigans during his performance with Wei Da Xun and Wei Chen drew ire from social media and he has since been flooded with negative press. Listen to our latest podcast episode to find out what he did! Elsewhere, the Chinese box office has been chugging along with one big breakout in Jia Ling's latest flick Yolo.

Feb 22, 202418:23
The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 34: Midnight Strikes

The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 34: Midnight Strikes

Zhang Xiao Jing learns that Long Bo's true target might be the giant lantern tower built for the Emperor for the Lantern Festival. Meanwhile, we finally get to meet the famed Yan Tai Zhen aka Consort Yang Yu Huan of history and the Emperor Tang Xuan Zong at Hua E Tower during the strike of midnight.

Feb 19, 202427:05
Drama Review - Blossoms Shanghai (繁花)

Drama Review - Blossoms Shanghai (繁花)

Karen and Cathy share our thoughts about the most recent cultural phenomenon of Blossoms Shanghai (繁花) starring Hu Ge (胡歌), Ma Yi Li (马伊利), Tang Yan (唐嫣), and Xin Zhi Lei (辛芷蕾). The drama was hit as viewers flocked to the screens to see the first TV drama helmed by famed director Wang Kar Wai. He presents a beautiful vision of Shanghai that admittedly took us some time to fully immerse ourselves in. Listen to our thoughts and go watch the show!

Feb 16, 202426:19
In the Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: 2024 Spring Festival Gala Recap!

In the Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: 2024 Spring Festival Gala Recap!

We celebrated this year's Lunar New Year eve by participating in a Chinese tradition of watching the Spring Festival Gala. This year's event celebrating the year of the dragon and a number of stunning performances as well as a magic show that quickly became a meme due to an unexpected result. Listen in to our recommendations and let us know which performances you liked from this year's spring festival gala or Chun Wan!

Feb 11, 202429:12
The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 33: Comedic Retrieval

The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 33: Comedic Retrieval

In ep 33, we finally get a breather for our heroes. Tan Qi and Li Bi finally part ways despite Li Bi ultimately saving her from certain death. Zhang Xiao Jing head off in search of clues from the mysterious bamboo fragment. This leads them back to Jing An Si where they have a hilarious encounter with an old frenemy. The two then go off to find a blacksmith who might solve their mystery and get them closer to the final riddle.

Feb 05, 202421:20
February 2024 Chinese Drama Update: Chinese Paladin 4 + Sword and Fairy, Love Endures, Admist a Snowstorm Of Love

February 2024 Chinese Drama Update: Chinese Paladin 4 + Sword and Fairy, Love Endures, Admist a Snowstorm Of Love

Transcript now on our website! Chinese Paladin 4 and 6 or The Legend of Sword and Fairy 4 and Sword and Fairy sees Ju Jing Yi and Chen Zhe Yuan vs Esther Yu Shu Xin and Xu Kai fight it out with the same IP. Meanwhile Yang Zi was not able to maintain her presence in TV ratings with her drama Love Endures. Wu Lei and Zhao Jin Mai's new drama Amidst a Snowstorm of Love is highly anticipated while Karen and Cathy are separately watching Fighting for Love and Frozen Surface

Feb 02, 202421:20
The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 31+32: True Value

The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 31+32: True Value

Li Bi manages to escape from the Right Chancellor's clutches and brings much needed news to the Crown Prince and General Guo. Meanwhile, Zhang Xiao Jing finds Xu Bin and heads off to rescue Tan Qi held hostage at the Right Chancellor's residence. Yao Ru Neng steps up in a big way to save Tan Qi who reiterates that she is more than just a slave. She has value and is capable of more.

Jan 30, 202426:14
In The Know - Snowy Spectacle

In The Know - Snowy Spectacle

It finally snowed in large swaths of Southern China. Many actors and actresses shared posts of the snowy spectacles down in Heng Dian with fans speculating which film crews will take advantage of the natural scenes! However, the biggest news with the snow actually comes from the pandas in Cheng Du! Listen to our latest podcast episode to find out more!

Jan 26, 202426:01
The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 29+30: Forced Statements

The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 29+30: Forced Statements

Director He finally makes an appearance and heads to the Right Chancellor's residence along with Li Bi and Tan Qi. There, we see just how powerful the Right Chancellor is as he manipulates He Fu into giving a false confession before committing suicide and then tries to force Li Bi into signing a statement implicating the Crown Prince by threatening Tan Qi's life. Elsewhere, Zhang Xiao Jing searches for more clues with the help of the famed singer, Xu He Zi.

Jan 23, 202436:16
In The Know - Yu Zheng The King of Drama

In The Know - Yu Zheng The King of Drama

Fresh in the new year, infamous producer and screenwriter Yu Zheng decides to spill some shocking tea about his latest drama Wu Fu Lin Men. This is just one in a slew of petty and passive aggressive posts that he dishes out about the entertainment industry. Listen to our latest podcast episode as we talk about Yu Zheng's history and influence in the Chinese entertainment industry and just what sparked his latest outburst.

Jan 18, 202426:25
The Longest Day In Chang'An - Ep 28: Loyalty Rewarded

The Longest Day In Chang'An - Ep 28: Loyalty Rewarded

In episode 28, Zhang Xiao Jing must return to the underground to find more clues about the hired mercenaries. Ge Lao faces a mutiny from his men but, with the help of Zhang Xiao Jing, dispatches the traitors. Zhang Xiao Jing is rewarded for this loyalty. Meanwhile, He Fu's actions have escalated to the battle between the Right Chancellor and the Crown Prince. The Right Chancellor tries to discover if Director He knew of He Fu's plans. General Guo tries the same.

Jan 15, 202424:08
January 2024 Chinese Drama Update: Blossoms Shanghai, The Last Immortal and more!

January 2024 Chinese Drama Update: Blossoms Shanghai, The Last Immortal and more!

Welcome to 2024! Karen and Cathy are back to discuss the latest slate of Chinese dramas to kick off the new year. The biggest drama airing is 繁花 Blossoms Shanghai, directed by celebrated director Wang Kar Wai and stars Hu Ge, Ma Yi Li, Tang Yan, and Xing Zhi Lei. Others dramas include Zhang Ruo Yun's The Hope, Zhao Lu Si's The Last Immortal, Liu Hao Cun's Derailment, and Victoria Song's Our Interpreter. Listen to our latest podcast episode to learn more about the dramas that are airing!

Jan 11, 202419:46
In The Know - 2023 Chinese Drama Superlatives Recap

In The Know - 2023 Chinese Drama Superlatives Recap

Rounding out 2023, Karen and Cathy share their favorite Chinese dramas this year via superlatives. They include drama with the best soundtrack, most uplifting dramas, most thought provoking dramas and more! Let us know your favorite Chinese dramas of the year!

Dec 28, 202318:57
In the Know - 2023 Chinese Actress Year End Recap

In the Know - 2023 Chinese Actress Year End Recap

Karen and Cathy discuss the ladies of the Chinese entertainment industry that were the biggest winners, most controversial, up and coming and more!

Dec 21, 202325:42
The Longest Day In Chang'An - Ep 26+27: Never Retreat

The Longest Day In Chang'An - Ep 26+27: Never Retreat

In episodes 26 + 27, Zhang Xiao Jing flees for his life as the new kill orders from Ji Wen take effect. He is aided by Isse and the Sleuth Hounds but can barely stay ahead.

He Fu has been blinded by Long Bo but still is given the opportunity to "assassinate" the Right Chancellor. He fails and is brought to see him instead.

Li Bi flees from his captivity and has a series of encounters in the underground of Chang'An, which hardens his resolve to fight for the people of Chang'An.

Yao Ru Neng finally steps up to beat the drums of Never Retreat at the watchtowers. Inspired by these drumbeats, Zhang Xiao Jing vows to stay and save Chang'An

Dec 18, 202328:57
In The Know - 2023 Chinese Actors Year End Recap

In The Know - 2023 Chinese Actors Year End Recap

Cathy and Karen share their thoughts on Chinese drama actors for 2023 including the biggest winners and losers as well the up and commers, the ones in more precarious positions and those that held steady.

Dec 15, 202322:18
The Longest Day In Chang'An - Ep 24+25: Someone Else in Charge

The Longest Day In Chang'An - Ep 24+25: Someone Else in Charge

In episodes 24 + 25, Zhang Xiao Jing meets the leader of the mercenaries and surprisingly meets an old friend. After the massacre, Li Bi tails Long Bo and his crew but is captured. He comes face to face with the mastermind for the events, He Fu. The destruction of Jing An Si means that the Right Chancellor must take over. He orders his subordinate Ji Wen to find the culprit within 2 hours. Ji Wen turns to the smarmy Yuan Zai for ideas who suggests naming Zhang Xiao Jing as the culprit.

Dec 11, 202325:54
December 2023 Chinese Drama Update - Journey to Love, The Story of Kunning Palace, The Queen of News among others!

December 2023 Chinese Drama Update - Journey to Love, The Story of Kunning Palace, The Queen of News among others!

Journey to Love features a return to historical dramas for Liu Shi Shi whose last historical costume drama was 6 years ago. Bai Lu and Zhang Ling He's The Story of Kunning Palace finally aired. Charmaine Sheh and Kenneth Ma return with a well received TVB drama The Queen of News. Tan Jian Ci, Zhou Ye lead a modern romance, Gu Li Na Zha and Xu Wei Zhoul starred in a sequel to Weaving a Tale of Love.

Dec 08, 202319:17
The Longest Day In Chang'An - Ep 23: Cui Qi's Last Stand

The Longest Day In Chang'An - Ep 23: Cui Qi's Last Stand

In episode 23, Li Bi still holds Yu Chang captive at Jing An Si. Long Bo and his men mount a surprise attack to rescue her. Jing An Si is unguarded and only Cui Qi remains as he decides to finally do the right thing for the city of Chang An. In the face of Long Bo's men brutally murdering the officials at Jing An Si, Cui Qi makes a last stand. He died a hero and is finally remembered as Cui Qi of Chang An

Dec 04, 202328:55
The Longest Day In Chang'An - Ep 22: Return to Jing An Si

The Longest Day In Chang'An - Ep 22: Return to Jing An Si

In episode 22, Zhang Xiao Jing and Tan Qi successfully capture Yu Chang and bring her to the custody of Li Bi at Jing An Si. Based on Yu Chang's words and Yao Ru Neng's memories of the day, Li Bi makes the decision to summon the officials back to Jing An Si to continue their search for "Long Bo", the closest lead they've had. Long Bo decides to mount a rescue. Meanwhile, the Right Chancellor is summoned to the palace by General Guo and they engage in some spectacular verbal sparring about the Emperor's intentions.

Nov 26, 202322:53
In the Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: Chinese Reality/Variety Show Landscape

In the Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: Chinese Reality/Variety Show Landscape

Karen shares some high level observations of the current landscape of Chinese variety and reality tv shows.

Nov 24, 202319:23
The Longest Day In Chang'An - Ep 21: Prince of Parkour

The Longest Day In Chang'An - Ep 21: Prince of Parkour

Yisi and Zhang XIao Jing chase after an assassin on the rooftops of Chang An where Yisi shows off his rather impressive parkouring skills. They didn't catch the assassin's at this point but managed to trick them later and captured one for questioning. In the meantime, Yu Chang arrives to remove any loose threads.

Nov 21, 202327:03
The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 20: Off to Church!

The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 20: Off to Church!

Li Bi finally makes a breakthrough with the dying Cao Po Yan. His final clue leads them to the Lotus Cross and their leader You Cha. Zhang Xiao Jing and Tan Qi head off undercover in search of a Persian monastery but instead find themselves at a Nestorian church or the Church of the East. Their quest hits a snag as an eager deacon gets in their way. Meanwhile, Wen Ran escapes and regroups with Long Bo. Yu Chang is furious that Long Bo didn't send her on a mission

Nov 14, 202327:20
In The Know - Divas Hit The Road 花儿与少年 Season 5

In The Know - Divas Hit The Road 花儿与少年 Season 5

Top Chinese celebrity/actress Dilireba joins season 5 of Divas Hit The Road or 花儿与少年 alongside Qin Lan, Qin Hai Lu, Xin Zhi Lei, Zhao Zhao Yi, Wang An Yu, and Hu Xian Xu. This variety show from Hunan television has this group of actors/actresses travel through various countries to perform different tasks. While previous seasons had varying levels of drama, this season is mostly funny. Karen and Cathy crack up with our thoughts on the first few episodes of the show!

Nov 10, 202328:28
The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 19: Dancing on Coals

The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 19: Dancing on Coals

The attempted prison break goes awry as Zhang Xiao Jing, Tan Qi, and Yao Ru Neng get captured by General Gan, the leader of the Right Cavalry. He cruelly orders Tan Qi to dance on hot coals or else Zhang Xiao Jing will be branded by hot iron. Tan Qi agrees and performs a beautiful dance despite Zhang Xiao Jing's protestations. The trio are saved by General Guo and reconvene with Li Bi to hear the news that more Crouching Fire is hidden in the city. Meanwhile, Wen Ran escapes prison with her own secret fragrance.

Nov 06, 202317:56
November 2023 Chinese Drama Updates - New dramas from Zhou Ye, Bai Lu, Dylan Wang He Di, Jing Tian, Tian Xi Wei

November 2023 Chinese Drama Updates - New dramas from Zhou Ye, Bai Lu, Dylan Wang He Di, Jing Tian, Tian Xi Wei

October dramas include A Scent of Time featuring Zhou Ye, Romance on the Farm with Tian Xi Wei and Zeng Shun Xi and Pearl River Family which is smashing tv viewership numbers but does not have much online buzz. Into November, Gong Jun has a new modern day romance and so does Bai Lu and Dylan Wang He Di. Xu Kai and Jing Tian have a historical romance, Wonderland of Love slated to air.

Nov 03, 202316:13
The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 18: Prison Break Attempt

The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 18: Prison Break Attempt

In episode 18, Tan Qi tries to rescue Zhang Xiao Jing with the help of a surprise accomplice, Yao Ru Neng. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned for this trio. Li Bi tries to solve the puzzle as to why Director He decided to close the case by visiting the aging man. After a conversation, Li Bi finds himself drugged and close to death. One man in the house is not who he seems. Listen to our latest episode on The Longest Day in Chang An!

Oct 30, 202323:47
In The Know - Chinese Pop Culture News - Insider Scoop!

In The Know - Chinese Pop Culture News - Insider Scoop!

We share the inside scoop of the Chinese entertainment industry from our cousins who work there! This includes why major cities aren't named anymore in Chinese dramas, to what to expect when visiting Heng Dian, to various restrictions on costumes and set design and more!

Oct 26, 202325:23
The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 17: Case Closed...

The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 17: Case Closed...

With Zhang Xiao Jing's apparent victory over the Wolf Squad members, the Emperor orders the case to be closed. No one is recognized for their efforts, which greatly angers Cui Qi. Zhang Xiao Jing is back in chains, first at Jing An Si, and then transferred to the Right Cavalry. Cui Qi abandons Li Bi for greater chances of glory elsewhere and takes Zhang Xiao Jing as his prize. The rest of the men at Jing An Si also take their leave but just as they do so, Xu Bin arrives to inform them that there are actually 300 barrels of petrol hiding in Chang An.

Oct 22, 202319:21
In The Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: Crazy Horse

In The Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: Crazy Horse

Lisa from Blackpink was embroiled in controversy for performing in a Parisian cabaret show called Crazy Horse. At least 2 Chinese female actresses, Angelababy and Zhang Jia Ni, were photographed to have attended. We discuss what the controversy is and the arguments from Chinese social media.

Oct 19, 202318:34
The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 16: The Fiery Chase

The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 16: The Fiery Chase

Zhang Xiao Jing finally catches up to the remaining Wolf Squad members and their carriages of Crouching Fire. Many in Jing An Si are doubtful that Zhang Xiao Jing will succeed but Li Bi puts his faith in him. Meanwhile, a traitor is revealed amongst their midst and Yuan Zai continues to woo Wang Yun Xiu.

Oct 16, 202319:46
The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 15: The Answer is Bamboo

The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 15: The Answer is Bamboo

With his reputation severely damaged, Xu Bin still decides to sneak out of Jing An Si. Li Bi pursues him to find out that Xu Bin is the inventor and owner of a Bamboo production making factory. Xu Bin wanted to find a way to help the empire and his grand idea was to produce more paper. Li Bi's suspicion of him recedes. In the meanwhile, the Right Chancellor also takes an interest in Xu Bin and finds that Xu Bin's funder was none other than He Fu, the adopted son of Director He. With this information, the Right Chancellor has what he needs to strike at the Crown Prince and his close ally, Director He

Oct 10, 202328:46
October 2023 Chinese Drama Updates - Parallel Worlds, Alliance, Faithful and Bright Eyes in the Dark

October 2023 Chinese Drama Updates - Parallel Worlds, Alliance, Faithful and Bright Eyes in the Dark

The October slate of dramas of interest include Parallel Worlds 西出玉门 featuring Ni Ni and Bai Yu in a modern day but supernatural show. Huang Jing Yu and Zhang Jing Yi bring us another romance around firefighters that is often compared to Fireworks of My Heart. Alliance 好事成双 has divorce, cheating, sisterhood and getting back at an awful ex with Zhang Xiao Fei, Huang Xiao Ming and Zhang Jia Ni. Faithful 九义人 with Wu Qian and Li Jia Hang is your historical mystery while Tiger and Crane 虎鹤妖师录 ft Jiang Long and Zhang Ling He offer a historical demon catching tale.

Oct 04, 202317:26
The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 14: The Crouching Fire

The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 14: The Crouching Fire

In the aftermath of the fire, Zhang Xiao Jing must race to save people, including the Wolf Squad member Cao Po Yan for clues. The blast was heard from all over Chang An and we come to learn that the bombs were called Crouching Fire. Li Bi interrogates Xu Bin about his relationship with Zhang Xiao Jing. Xu Bin finally admits that he chose Zhang Xiao Jing for this mission due to personal reasons.

Oct 02, 202319:46
In the know - Chinese Pop Culture News - The Battle for the Top Spot

In the know - Chinese Pop Culture News - The Battle for the Top Spot

For Chinese dramas and movies, having top billing or Yi Fan 一番 is a huge deal for actors or actresses. Well, at least the fans think so. Karen and Cathy discuss what Fan Wei 番位 or billing spots mean in the Chinese drama/movie world and what types of spats happen by fans who try to push for their star to get the top spot.

Sep 29, 202319:29
The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 13: The Black Ink

The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 13: The Black Ink

In episode 13, Cen Sen and Xu Bin finally discover the secret of Que Le Huo Duo - ink stones made from oil will be the catalyst to burn down all of Chang An. The lowly Yuan Zai meets with Feng Da Lun but quickly discovers that the woman the Blaze Gang captured is more than meets the eye. He seizes his opportunity to climb up the ranks. In the meanwhile, Li Bi turns his suspicions to Xu Bin.

Sep 26, 202321:50
In The Know - Chinese Pop Culture News - Drama with Livestreaming

In The Know - Chinese Pop Culture News - Drama with Livestreaming

Livestreaming is a particularly popular activity in China with many products being sold via livestreams on popular apps and social media platforms. Recently, one of the most famous livestreamers Li Jia Qi was embroiled in controversy with how he behaved during a particular session. Tune in to listen to what happened and learn more about the world of livestreaming in China!

Sep 22, 202318:53
The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 12: Grasping for Opportunities

The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 12: Grasping for Opportunities

In episode 12, Zhang Xiao Jing and Cui Qi resume their hunt for Wen Ran and the remaining Wolf Squad members. Long Bo has other plans for these Wolf Squad members. We are introduced to a very peculiar man, Yuan Zai, who is determined to grasp his opportunity to climb the ranks in Chang An. Li Bi in the meanwhile believes there's a mole within Jing An Si and publicly arrests Xu Bin in an attempt to find the mole. Things are looking grim for both Li Bi and Zhang Xiao Jing

Sep 18, 202327:27
In The Know - 2023 Summer Chinese Drama Recap - Winners and Losers

In The Know - 2023 Summer Chinese Drama Recap - Winners and Losers

With the summer over, Karen and Cathy share then completely and entirely "objective" thoughts on the winners and losers from this slate of summer dramas. Interestingly, there was no massive hit this summer akin to The Love Between Fairy and Devil last year. Outside of Wei Da Xun, there wasn't any other major breakout star. Yang Zi held her own and brought decent popularity with Lost You Forever Season One but didn't quite capture the same magic. On the flip side, there were quite a few losers, some more serious than others. Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

Sep 14, 202320:30
The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 11: Reading Between the Lines

The Longest Day in Chang'An - Ep 11: Reading Between the Lines

An esteemed general/eunuch Guo Li Shi arrives with a decree from the Emperor for Li Bi which on the surface is congratulatory but is actually filled with his displeasure. Zhang Xiao Jing enlists the help of a special Chinese dog to follow Wen Ran's scent while Wen Ran brings her captors to meet Long Bo. Tan Qi brings Zhang Xiao Jing's message to the Prince of Yong who somehow immediately follows Zhang Xiao Jing's orders.

Sep 12, 202329:16
September 2023 Chinese Drama Updates - Xiao Zhan, Esther Yu, Zhang Lin He, all lead a slate of new dramas

September 2023 Chinese Drama Updates - Xiao Zhan, Esther Yu, Zhang Lin He, all lead a slate of new dramas

Ending August and starting September, we have a new slate of dramas including The Legend of Zhuo Hua starring Feng Shao Feng and Jing Tian, Love you Seven Times starring Yang Chao Yue and Ding Yu Xi, Wrong Carriage Right Groom starring Tian Xi Wei and Ao Rui Peng, Sunshine By Me starring Xiao Zhan and Bai Bai He, and My Journey To You starring Esther Yu and Zhang Lin He. Listen to our latest podcast as Cathy discusses our thoughts on them!

Sep 08, 202320:02
The Longest Day in Chang An - Ep 10: "Complete" Victory

The Longest Day in Chang An - Ep 10: "Complete" Victory

General Cui Qi announces via the watchtowers that they had complete and total victory in eliminating all members of the wolf squad. Which is entirely untrue. Cao Po Yan and Ma Ge Er are both alive and have abducted Wen Ran to boot. Zhang Xiao Jing awakes and with Tan Qi's help, cleans up to start his second chase. Meanwhile, the news of victory is impactful both to the crown prince and the right chancellor.

Sep 05, 202325:58
In The Know - Chinese Pop Culture News - Call Me By Fire Season 3

In The Know - Chinese Pop Culture News - Call Me By Fire Season 3

A new season of Call Me By Fire is upon us! 32 Brothers compete to form a new boy band! In this In the Know episodes, Karen and Cathy are excited to discuss the brothers, their history in the Chinese speaking entertainment industry, and the ones we are most familiar with! We have Jimmy Lin, Nicholas Teo, Tiger Hu, Cai Guo Qing and so many more!

Sep 01, 202332:56