The Early Spring Plot Summary
Shang Zhitao has just arrived in Beijing, determined to build a life and a career in a city that doesn’t slow down for newcomers. She soon meets Luan Nian, a brilliant creative mind with a sharp, guarded edge that keeps most people at arm’s length.
What begins as a working connection becomes something far more complicated. Luan Nian is the gifted, somewhat arrogant figure at the top, while Zhitao is the eager newcomer still finding her footing, and the professional gap between them makes every step closer feel risky. Zhitao’s frankness and openness stand in sharp contrast to his reserve, and their dynamic is shaped by the pressures of ambition, office life and the fast pace of the big city.
The Early Spring (original title: 早春晴朗) is a Chinese drama about two very different people who meet at a turning point in their lives. At its heart it asks how love and personal growth can coexist, especially when a career matters just as much as the heart.
What Makes The Early Spring Notable
- Lead cast: Jing Boran stars as Luan Nian opposite Sun Qian as Shang Zhitao. Both appear in all 24 episodes.
- Supporting cast: Qi Tianqing (Sun Yu), Zhang Yezi (Lumi), Liu Xiaobei (Sun Yuanzhu), Peng Yang (Liang Xin), Zhao Zhenyu (Tan Mian), Li Chuan (Alex), Zhang You (Zhang Lei) and Pang Hanchen (Song Qiuhan).
- Behind the camera: Directed by Chi-Cheng Chian, with Gao Xiaoxian as writer.
- Broadcaster: Produced in China and broadcast on Youku.
- Format: One season of 24 episodes, each running about 43 minutes. The series has completed its run.
- Source material: The drama is based on a web novel.
- Release date: The series premiered on 26 August 2026.
- Rating: Rated TV-14 in the US.
Who Will Enjoy The Early Spring
- Fans of workplace romances with a boss-and-employee dynamic
- Viewers who like slow-burn stories about a guarded hero and a bold, warm-hearted heroine
- Anyone drawn to coming-of-age tales about young professionals chasing their ambitions in a big city
- C-drama fans who enjoy adaptations of web novels
- Viewers looking for a contemporary urban drama of manageable length
Where to Watch The Early Spring in the US
In the United States, The Early Spring is available on Netflix with a subscription. It is also included in Netflix Standard with Ads, a lower-priced subscription plan that includes advertising. These are the official platforms currently listed for the series in the US.
Trailer
Cast
Jing Boranas Luan Nian24 episodes
Sun Qianas Shang Zhitao24 episodes
Qi Tianqingas Sun Yu19 episodes
Zhang Yezias Lumi19 episodes
Liu Xiaobeias Sun Yuanzhu14 episodesSee credits →
Peng Yangas Liang Xin13 episodes
Zhao Zhenyuas Tan Mian10 episodes
Li Chuanas Alex8 episodes
Photo: TMDB
Episode guide
| Season | Episode | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Aired | |
| 1 | 2 | Aired | |
| 1 | 3 | Aired | |
| 1 | 4 | Aired | |
| 1 | 5 | Aired | |
| 1 | 6 | Aired | |
| 1 | 7 | Aired | |
| 1 | 8 | Aired | |
| 1 | 9 | Aired | |
| 1 | 10 | Aired | |
| 1 | 11 | Aired | |
| 1 | 12 | Aired | |
| 1 | 13 | Aired | |
| 1 | 14 | Aired | |
| 1 | 15 | Aired | |
| 1 | 16 | Aired | |
| 1 | 17 | Aired | |
| 1 | 18 | Aired | |
| 1 | 19 | Aired | |
| 1 | 20 | Aired | |
| 1 | 21 | Aired | |
| 1 | 22 | Aired | |
| 1 | 23 | Aired | |
| 1 | 24 | Aired |
Dates are original broadcast dates in the country of origin (Korea/China). Official streaming platforms in your country may add episodes the same day or later.
FAQ
- How many episodes does The Early Spring have?
- The Early Spring has 24 episodes in a single season. Each episode runs about 43 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Early Spring legally in the US?
- In the US, the series is available on Netflix with a subscription, including the Netflix Standard with Ads plan.
- Who is in the cast of The Early Spring?
- Jing Boran plays Luan Nian and Sun Qian plays Shang Zhitao. The supporting cast includes Qi Tianqing, Zhang Yezi, Liu Xiaobei, Peng Yang and Zhao Zhenyu.
- When was The Early Spring released?
- The Early Spring premiered on Youku on 26 August 2026.
- What genre is The Early Spring?
- It is a Chinese drama with a strong workplace romance focus. It is based on a web novel.
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