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| Zhou Ye’s Full 2026 Drama Line-Up: All 7 New Series You Need to Know (Photo: Zhou Ye Studio/Weibo) |
Zhou Ye is heading into 2026 with the kind of momentum most actresses can only dream of. Born on 20 May 1998 and signed under Hesong Entertainment, she’s already known for her versatility — effortlessly shifting between action, historical epics, modern romance and even sci-fi. And now, as 2025 winds down, she’s preparing to deliver not one, not two, but 7 new Chinese dramas either completed, filming, or gearing up for release next year.
For an actress who graduated from the Beijing Film Academy and debuted in films like Beyond Belief, 2012, and Better Days, this wave of upcoming projects marks a new chapter: more mature roles, more complex characters, and a slate that proves she’s one of the industry’s most adaptable leading ladies.
Every Upcoming Zhou Ye Drama Set for 2026
So, if you’re ready to update your 2026 watchlist, here’s everything you can expect from Zhou Ye’s upcoming dramas — from heart-tugging historical romances to gritty fantasy and full-on apocalyptic action.
1. Dream of Golden Years (你好 1983)
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Platform: iQIYI | Episodes: 36 | Status: Completed, licence cleared, awaiting premiere (rumoured Q1–Q2 2026).
Cast: Zhou Ye, Zhai Xiaowen, Dong Xuan, Wong Guanyi, Zhao Da, Tu Ling, Jiang Yi, Zheng Wei, Lin Xiao, Fan Linfeng
Guests: Gui Yalei, Zhang Duo, Lan Xi, Jiang Zixin, Zhao Yuanyuan
Directors: Zhu Dongning & Huang Chun
Screenwriter: Huo Ying
Genre: Retro romance / rebirth drama
Adapted from Bao Zhuangcheng’s novel Rebirth in the 1980s: My Wife Is a Little Hot
What to expect:
Zhou Ye stars as Xia Xiaolan, a 36-year-old executive whose life crashes overnight — only for her to miraculously wake up in her 18-year-old body back in the countryside.
With her future knowledge and sharp wits, she starts rebuilding her life from scratch, chasing education, launching small businesses (from duck eggs to pancakes), and turning misfortune into strength.
Expect a warm, nostalgic tone, lots of personal growth, and a sweet slow-burn romance with Yangmei Bing. This drama leans heavily into themes of resilience and second chances — a perfect pick for viewers who love uplifting rural rebirth stories.
2. Yi Ou Chun (一瓯春)
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Genre: Historical Romance / Family
Cast: Zhou Ye, Xu Kai
Adapted from the novel by You Si Jie
Status: Wrapped up filming.
What to expect:
Set against a backdrop of political upheaval, the drama follows Xie Qing Yuan (Zhou Ye), who returns to her family estate determined to uncover the truth behind her mother’s death.
She crosses paths again with Shen Run (Xu Kai), who once gave her a small coin as a promise of survival in their difficult childhood days.
Expect an emotionally layered romance, investigations, slow-burn trust, and a reunion story fuelled by destiny. It’s one of the most anticipated historical pairings of 2026.
3. Red Dance Shoes (红舞鞋)
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Platform: Tencent Video | Episodes: 35 | Genre: Period Romance (1970s–1980s)
What to expect:
A drama set across two transformative decades, Red Dance Shoes promises an emotional, sweeping portrayal of a woman chasing her dreams in an era full of uncertainty and rapid change.
Zhou Ye leads with a performance said to lean heavily into passion, grit, and self-belief. This one is shaping up to be Tencent’s big sentimental crowd-pleaser for Q3–Q4 2026.
4. Cong Shan (从善) — Rumoured but Strong Buzz
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Genre: Thriller / Historical Fantasy
Cast: Zhou Ye
Adapted from Ding Li’s novel “Be Good / Cong Shan”
What to expect:
Zhou Ye is linked to the role of Su Zhu Yi — a former demon reborn through unexpected divine intervention. Initially set on revenge, she instead finds herself pulled into a life guided by kindness. This is a redemption arc with supernatural elements, moral grey zones, and eerie fantasy aesthetics.
If confirmed, it could be one of the most atmospheric projects of her career.
5. Today I Still Haven’t Turned Into a Doll (今天也没变成玩偶呢) — Rumoured Big-Budget Youku IP
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Genre: Post-apocalyptic / Infinite-flow / Action / Horror
Rumoured Cast: Chen Duling, Zhao Jinmai, Zhou Ye, Ju Jingyi
Filming: Expected early 2026 | Release: Rumoured late 2026
Adapted from Hua Hua Liao’s popular novel
What to expect:
This drama has already gone viral in rumour circles. Set in a collapsing world where reality constantly shifts, the story follows survivors thrown into ever-changing, game-like scenarios. If the rumoured cast becomes reality, this could become one of the biggest all-female ensemble dramas in years.
Expect high stakes, mind-bending survival elements, and plenty of room for Zhou Ye to showcase her action chops.
6. Jian Ge Wen Ling (剑阁闻铃)
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Genre: Xianxia / Rebirth
Cast: Zhou Ye, Li Yunrui
Adapted from Shi Jing's novel “The Sound of the Sword Pavilion's Bells”
What to expect:
Zhou Ye plays an empress reborn with a thirst for the truth and a fire for justice. Alongside Wang Shu and Jin Buhuan, she travels through iconic landscapes — from mystical gorges to ancient cities — all while uncovering political conspiracies that threaten multiple kingdoms.
This drama dives into destiny, reincarnation, shifting alliances and kingdom-saving quests. Expect lush visuals, mythology, and intense character chemistry.
7. Xing Zhi Wan (行止晚)
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Platform: Tencent Video | Episodes: 36
Cast: Zhou Ye, Wang Xingyue
Filming: Starts January 2026
Adapted from the novel by Zhi Er
What to expect:
This time-space romance thriller sees the leads meeting across different timelines — each attempt to change their nation’s fate becoming more brutal than the last.
From hostility to trust to deep emotion, the pair slowly realise they’re trapped in a cycle that only ends when the truth in his darkest memories is revealed.
Described as tragic, romantic, and layered with conspiracy, this one will likely be a major talking point once it airs.
Which Drama Should You Be Excited About?
If you love historical romance: Yi Ou Chun will be your comfort food.
If you prefer something heart-warming: Dream of Golden Years is your go-to.
If you like heavy emotions and era nostalgia: Red Dance Shoes.
If you want dark fantasy: Cong Shan (if confirmed).
If action and survival are your thing: Today I Still Haven’t Turned Into a Doll.
If you’re a xianxia addict: Jian Ge Wen Ling.
If you enjoy time-loop romance thrillers: Xing Zhi Wan.
Zhou Ye’s 2026 slate is shaping up to be her biggest year yet — and with more projects still under wraps, this list might expand even further.