Love Story in the 1970s (2026) Confirms Episode Reduction Before Premiere

Why Love Story in the 1970s Is One of the Most Anticipated Chinese Romance Dramas of 2026 (Photo: Tencent Video/Weibo)

The upcoming Chinese romance drama Love Story in the 1970s (实用主义者的爱情) is quietly shaping up to be one of 2026’s most talked-about titles, and fans are already marking their calendars. Set against the grounded realities of the 1970s, this Tencent Video production promises warmth, humour, and a deeply human love story that feels refreshingly sincere. With new updates dropping and behind-the-scenes clips fuelling buzz online, anticipation for this drama is only getting louder.

Love Story in the 1970s is tentatively scheduled to premiere in mid-February 2026. While the exact date hasn’t been locked in yet, insiders confirm the drama is lined up for early 2026 broadcast, making it one of Tencent’s key romance titles for the year. 

Notably, the episode count has been adjusted from 30 to 29 episodes, a change many viewers see as a positive sign for tighter pacing.

International fans will be able to watch Love Story in the 1970s on WeTV and Tencent Video, with English subtitles expected to be available shortly after release. As with most Tencent romance dramas, global access is likely smooth, especially across Southeast Asia and international regions where WeTV operates. 

Viewers are advised to check regional release timing, as episode drops may vary slightly by country.

Set in the 1970s, the drama follows Fei Ni, a hardworking young woman employed at a hat factory who dreams of changing her future through education. Determined and practical, she hopes to attend college to improve her family’s life. Her path crosses again with Fang Mu Yang, a former classmate who becomes known as a local hero after being injured while saving others.

As reality begins to press in, Fei Ni’s dreams repeatedly face setbacks. To help her family, particularly her brother’s housing situation, she proposes a fake marriage with Fang Mu Yang so they can qualify for separate housing. What starts as a practical arrangement slowly turns into something more meaningful. 

came across the teaser of #LoveStoryInThe1970s and now i can’t wait! fake marriage to love trope and they’re #chenfeiyu & #sunqian!

when?? 🫶🏻 pic.twitter.com/zaCZYn21h3

— mimi 💛 (@mimidramas) September 5, 2025

Sharing cramped living quarters and facing life’s challenges together, the pair grow from reluctant partners into a genuine couple, finding romance in everyday struggles and quiet moments.

The drama stars Arthur Chen Feiyu as Fang Mu Yang, a man admired for his bravery but grounded by circumstance, and Sun Qian as Fei Ni, a pragmatic yet hopeful woman navigating love and responsibility. 

Supporting roles are filled by Cristy Guo, Liu Min Tao, Wang Tian Chen, and Wu Yue, adding depth and emotional weight to the community around the lead couple.

Directed by Chen Chang, Love Story in the 1970s is adapted from the popular web novel Shi Yong Zhu Yi Zhe De Ai Qing by Meng Zhong De Yi. Fans of slice-of-life romances can expect an adaptation that stays close to the novel’s emotional core.

This isn’t a flashy romance built on dramatic twists alone. Viewers can expect gentle humour, lived-in dialogue, and strong chemistry between the leads. The drama leans into ordinary life moments, workplace dynamics, family pressure, and the slow build of trust between two people learning to rely on each other. Early behind-the-scenes footage circulating on social platforms shows natural interactions between the leads, hinting at a believable and comforting on-screen relationship.

In recent interviews and behind-the-scenes clips, both Arthur Chen Feiyu and Sun Qian shared their excitement about portraying characters rooted in realism. They’ve mentioned being drawn to the script’s warmth and the way the story explores love without exaggeration. 

The cast has also highlighted the strong atmosphere on set, describing it as relaxed, collaborative, and emotionally engaging.

Online reactions are mixed but lively. Many fans are excited about the 1970s setting, calling it a refreshing change from modern office romances. Others are particularly curious about the fake marriage trope, hoping it’s handled with maturity and emotional depth. 

Some netizens expressed concern about the reduced episode count, while others welcomed it, believing the story will feel more focused and less dragged out. Overall, Love Story in the 1970s is shaping up to be a comforting romance that blends realism with quiet emotional payoff. 

Are you excited about this drama, or still waiting to see more before adding it to your watchlist?