 |
| Why Affinity Is One of the Most Unusual Chinese Romance Dramas of 2026 (Photo: Weibo) |
Chinese drama Affinity (炽热吸引) has quietly turned into one of the most talked-about titles of early 2026. Since its premiere in January, the series has been picking up momentum thanks to its unusual blend of romance, science, and a slightly futuristic atmosphere. It’s not your typical sweet love story, and that’s exactly why viewers can’t stop talking about it.
Set apart by its bold premise and emotionally layered storytelling, Affinity feels like a romance made for viewers who enjoy something deeper, moodier, and a little unsettling in the best possible way. The drama doesn’t rush to explain itself, instead inviting audiences to slowly sink into its world and piece together the meaning behind its characters’ connection.
Affinity premiered on 22 January 2026 and is released as a Youku original series. The drama airs daily from Monday to Sunday, making it an easy binge for viewers who prefer steady story progression without long breaks.
The series has a total of 40 episodes, each running for around 18 minutes. While the episodes are relatively short, the pacing is tight and emotionally dense, so nothing feels wasted.
New episodes are released at 09:00 am Malaysian Time (GMT+8), which has made it a popular morning watch for fans who like to start the day with something dramatic yet thought-provoking.
The story opens in the year 2051, when a space exploration robot discovers a mysterious artefact. Inside it lies a record of a planet called Star Y, a world strikingly similar to Earth, and a deeply unusual bond between two humans.
On Star Y lives Wu Nong Yu, a gentle young woman, and Xie Xin Xu, a brilliant man known for his cold logic and emotionally distant nature. Their relationship is far from ordinary. It is shaped not just by feelings, but by instinct, science, and hidden genetic truths.
 |
Five years after a tragic case binds their lives together, Wu Nong Yu has grown into a postgraduate student specialising in genetic engineering. Fate brings her back into contact with Xie Xin Xu, who remains sharp, rational, and guarded, carrying secrets beneath his calm exterior.
As old memories resurface, Wu Nong Yu begins to sense that their bond goes beyond coincidence. Something about their closeness feels predetermined, as if their connection was written long before they ever met.
Meanwhile, Xie Xin Xu continues to rely on logic and science to suppress emotions he refuses to name, even as he finds it impossible to fully let her go.
Their journey becomes a search for truth, not only about genetic mysteries, but about themselves. Along the way, the line between devotion, obsession, redemption, and love grows increasingly blurred.
Affinity quietly raises big questions about humanity, free will, and what it truly means to choose love in a world shaped by experiments and data.
Viewers going into Affinity should expect a romance that doesn’t follow familiar beats. This is not a light, comforting series. Instead, it leans into emotional tension, internal conflict, and philosophical ideas about identity and connection.
The sci-fi elements are subtle rather than flashy, used more as a thematic backbone than a spectacle. The drama focuses heavily on atmosphere, character psychology, and slow emotional pay-offs. If you enjoy romance that feels intense, complex, and slightly unsettling, Affinity knows exactly how to deliver.
Online reactions to Affinity have been mixed in an interesting way. Many viewers praise its originality, calling it refreshing and brave for stepping outside standard romance formulas.
Their kiss scene was so 😭😭#Affinity #炽热吸引 pic.twitter.com/TEbnLQzUWM
— biee🎐*:.⋆° (@scenerybie) January 24, 2026
Fang Jin’s performance as Wu Nong Yu has been especially well received, with fans highlighting her ability to portray softness and inner conflict without overdoing it.
At the same time, some netizens admit the story requires patience. The slower reveals and heavy themes may not suit everyone, especially viewers looking for straightforward romance.
Still, even critics agree that Affinity leaves a strong impression and sparks discussion, which is part of its growing appeal.
Its daily release format, compact episodes, and emotionally driven storytelling, Affinity has positioned itself as one of the more daring Chinese dramas of the year. It’s not trying to please everyone, but it’s clearly made for viewers who appreciate layered narratives and romance with depth.
If you’ve started watching Affinity, what do you think so far? Are you drawn to its darker tone, or do you find it challenging to follow?