 |
Even after wrapping up, The First Frost is still making waves.
Starring Zhang Ruonan and Bai Jingting, the Chinese drama premiered on Youku and select Netflix regions on 18 February.
Singapore got it a little later, launching on 26 February 2025.
Flix Patrol’s latest stats show The First Frost has been dominating Netflix’s Top 10 in Southeast Asia.
Between 14 and 20 March, the drama ranked as high as third and as low as eighth in Indonesia.
Vietnam seems to love it the most, keeping it in second or third place.
Over in the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia, it hovers between seventh and tenth.
Singapore’s numbers mirror Indonesia’s.
For a Chinese drama to hold its ground against Korean series and anime in Asia’s competitive streaming scene is a big deal. And critics are backing it up.
Gulf News called it "a mature and emotional journey," praising Bai Jingting’s quiet yet intense portrayal of Sang Yan.
Zhang Ruonan’s Wen Yifan was also noted for her depth, masking emotions beneath a guarded exterior.
The drama’s dual-perspective storytelling adds layers, giving audiences insight into how emotions shape relationships.
 |
IndiaTimes loved its seamless non-linear narrative, blending high school flashbacks with the present-day shared-apartment setting.
The show’s aesthetics and slow pacing let viewers soak in stolen glances and unspoken words.
Evrim Ağacı described it as "an emotional deep dive," tackling heartbreak, longing, and healing.
India Today called it "an exceptional experience," with stellar acting, stunning cinematography, and a script that nails emotional complexity.
English Jagran highlighted the drama’s global appeal, praising its poetic visuals and character depth. GQ called it "a slow-burn romance" full of quiet yearning and destiny.
Meanwhile, India Forum applauded its portrayal of mental struggles from adolescence to adulthood, showing how past wounds shape self-esteem and independence.
Even Mashable was impressed, scoring it 4 out of 5. They believe The First Frost is a refreshing take on romance dramas, capturing emotional highs and lows with sensitivity.
Clearly, The First Frost isn’t just another love story—it’s a heartfelt, beautifully told journey that’s keeping Southeast Asia hooked.