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| Xu Kai’s 2026 Drama Line-Up: Five Upcoming Series Fans Are Already Counting Down To (Photo: Weibo) |
Xu Kai is officially locking in 2026 as his busiest and most ambitious year yet. With five new dramas either in production or ready for broadcast, the actor is moving into a noticeably more mature phase of his career, both in character choices and genre range. After wrapping up 2025 with Moonlit Reunion, which held solid ratings and steady buzz, expectations are now sky-high for what’s coming next. From political historical romance to modern crime thrillers and fantasy wuxia, Xu Kai’s upcoming slate shows clear intent: no comfort zone, no repetition.
Born on 5 March 1995 in Shenzhen, Guangdong, Xu Kai began his career as a model before signing with Huanyu Film in 2016. His breakout success in Arsenal Military Academy earned him major industry recognition, including Best Actor at the 6th Hengdian Film and TV Festival of China and Singapore’s StarHub Night of Stars in 2019.
Xu Kai’s Upcoming 2026 Dramas
Fast forward to 2026, and he’s no longer just the charismatic leading man, but an actor actively reshaping his screen identity.
Yi Ou Chun (一瓯春 / English title TBA)
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Yi Ou Chun leans into political intrigue wrapped in historical romance, with Xu Kai starring alongside Zhou Ye and Xu Zhenxuan under director Pan An Zi.
Spanning 30 episodes, the drama is expected to land in late 2026 or possibly early 2027, and it’s already being watched closely due to its emotional depth and slower, more layered storytelling.
Xu Kai plays Shen Run, a man shaped by early loss and military hardship, whose rise to power brings him back into the life of Xie Qing Yuan.
Their relationship is built less on instant romance and more on shared survival, loyalty, and unresolved past wounds. Fans are expecting restrained performances rather than dramatic fireworks, with plenty of political tension and quiet emotional payoffs.
Netizens have praised the pairing with Zhou Ye as visually balanced and narratively promising, especially for viewers who enjoy character-driven historical dramas over palace chaos.
Fang Yuan Ba Bai Mi (方圆八百米 / English title TBA)
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| Tencent Video |
This Tencent Video original marks Xu Kai’s return to modern, gritty storytelling. Directed by Qiu Zhong Wei and set across 20 tight episodes, Fang Yuan Ba Bai Mi stars Ancy Deng Enxi, Ding Yong Dai, Hu Ke, and Qu Zhazhan, with a planned release window between Q3 and Q4 of 2026.
Rather than relying on action-heavy thrills, this crime adventure focuses on human choices, moral pressure, and emotional consequences.
Xu Kai’s role is expected to be morally complex, pulling him away from traditional hero framing. Online chatter suggests fans are especially curious about how he’ll handle a darker, more grounded tone, while industry watchers see this as a smart move to broaden his credibility in serious modern dramas.
Fire Investigator (火场追凶)
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| Youku |
One of the most talked-about projects in Xu Kai’s 2026 slate, Fire Investigator blends mystery, crime, and social commentary. Directed by Xing Jiangjun and produced as a Youku original, the 24-episode series stars Liu Yitie, Wang Zixuan, Liu Minghao, Xiho, and Du Chun alongside Xu Kai.
Set in Qingdu City, the story follows a string of unusual fire cases investigated by an unlikely duo. Xu Kai’s character Yu Tong stands out for his rare four-colour vision, a detail that has already sparked discussion online.
Viewers are expecting a performance that balances intelligence, emotional restraint, and unresolved inner conflict. Netizens have noted that this role feels like a turning point, placing Xu Kai in a position that demands psychological depth rather than surface charisma.
Zhao Ge (朝歌)
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| iQIYI |
With filming already completed, Zhao Ge is one of the most anticipated fantasy wuxia releases on iQIYI’s 2026 slate.
Directed by David Liu and running for 50 episodes, the drama brings together a high-profile cast including Zhang Zhehan, Wu Jinyan, Gillian Chung, Merxat Yalkun, and Bao Jianfeng.
Set during the final years of the Shang Dynasty, the story reframes a familiar historical backdrop through ambition, power struggles, and ideological conflict.
Xu Kai’s involvement has drawn attention due to the scale of the production and the ensemble cast. Fans are divided, some excited for the epic scope, others cautious about pacing and narrative focus. Still, early discussion suggests strong curiosity about how Xu Kai positions himself within such a dense and competitive line-up.
Tian Du Yi Wen Lu (天都异闻录 / English title TBA)
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| Mango TV |
Scheduled for a late 2026 release on Mango TV, Tian Du Yi Wen Lu offers a blend of historical mystery and investigative drama. Adapted from the web novel Tang An Wu Ming, the series stars Xu Kai alongside Miles Wei Zheming and Zhang Huiwen.
Xu Kai plays Shi Wu Ming, a gifted young prodigy drawn into a web of violent cases in Tiandu City. The drama promises layered storytelling, ethical dilemmas, and shifting alliances rather than straightforward case-of-the-week plots.
Fans of historical mysteries are already responding positively, especially those who enjoyed slower-burn narratives with intellectual tension. Many see this as a chance for Xu Kai to showcase quiet authority and analytical strength on screen.
With Moonlit Reunion rounding off his 2025 run, Xu Kai enters 2026 with momentum firmly on his side. Each upcoming project highlights a different facet of his acting range, suggesting a deliberate move away from predictable casting and towards long-term career growth.
So now it’s over to you. Which of Xu Kai’s 2026 dramas has you most curious? Are you here for the political romance, the crime thrillers, or the fantasy epic?