 |
| Why The Heir Starring Yang Zi and Han Dongjun Is One of 2026’s Most Anticipated C-Dramas (Photo: Weibo) |
Fresh buzz is building around The Heir (家业), an upcoming Chinese historical business drama that’s already being tipped as one of 2026’s must-watch titles. With filming officially wrapped and more behind-the-scenes clips quietly circulating online, the drama is steadily climbing fan watchlists. From its glossy visuals to its heavyweight cast, everything about The Heir screams “high expectations”, and netizens are clearly feeling it.
Starring Yang Zi and Han Dongjun, The Heir blends historical intrigue, commerce, and romance into one richly layered story. Set during the Ming Dynasty, the drama explores the competitive world of traditional ink trading in Huizhou, a setting rarely explored in mainstream costume dramas.
Rather than leaning purely on palace politics, this series dives into legacy, craftsmanship, ambition, and emotional resilience.
The story follows the downfall of the once-prestigious Li family, legendary producers of Huizhou ink whose empire collapses after a major trade scandal.
Amid the chaos, Li Zhen, the youngest daughter of the Li household, refuses to fade into the background. She steps into the male-dominated ink industry and gradually proves her talent, vision, and leadership.
Running parallel is Luo Wen Qian, the second son of the Luo family, who is determined to restore his family’s standing in the same competitive trade world. When their paths cross, rivalry slowly turns into cooperation, and eventually, something deeper.
What makes The Heir stand out is its balance. Yes, there’s romance, but it doesn’t overpower the narrative. There’s humour, but it’s subtle and character-driven.
And visually, the drama promises warm tones, detailed period sets, and a refined aesthetic that feels polished rather than flashy. Behind-the-scenes videos shared on social platforms have only fuelled excitement, with fans praising the natural chemistry between the two leads and the calm, confident energy they bring on set.
The drama is directed by Hui Kaidong and written by Gao Xuan and Ren Baoru, a combination that reassures fans who value solid storytelling over gimmicks.
With a total of 40 episodes, The Heir is expected to unfold at a steady pace, allowing both character growth and business conflicts to breathe properly instead of rushing key moments.
 |
| Obtained the distribution license |
So, when will The Heir be released? While the platform has yet to announce an official premiere date, industry chatter suggests a release window between late Q1 and Q2 of 2026, with some rumours pointing specifically to March 2026. The drama will air exclusively on iQIYI, making it accessible to both domestic and international audiences.
For international fans wondering how to watch The Heir, the process is fairly straightforward. Once the drama premieres on iQIYI, viewers outside China can access it via the platform’s global version.
English subtitles are expected to be available, especially given the drama’s scale and star power. Episodes will likely be released in batches, following iQIYI’s usual airing strategy for major costume dramas.
Fan reactions online have been lively and varied, but overwhelmingly positive. Many viewers have described the cast pairing as “a visual feast”, praising how well Yang Zi and Han Dongjun complement each other on screen. Others have joked that this is the exact casting combination they’ve been manifesting for years.
Some fans are already hoping the c-drama will get a spin-off variety show, while others are simply excited to see a historical series that focuses on business and craftsmanship rather than court politics.
Expectations for The Heir are understandably high. Fans are looking forward to mature performances, layered character development, meaningful romance, and a storyline that highlights innovation and resilience during changing times.
If done right, this drama could appeal not just to costume drama lovers, but also to viewers who enjoy strategy, entrepreneurship, and emotionally grounded storytelling.
Episode guides, reviews, and full recaps will be shared on Tonboriday.com once the drama begins airing. If you’re planning to watch The Heir, now’s the perfect time to add it to your 2026 watchlist. What are you most excited about, the cast, the story, or the historical business angle?