Produced by Youku, urban romance drama The Early Spring blooms at No.2 on Netflix’s weekly global non-English TV list.

It sets a new all-time high for Chinese dramas on this chart and is the only Chinese title among the week’s global Top 10. The show has allowed global audiences to experience the charm of high‑quality Chinese television.

Since its release, The Early Spring has gained growing overseas attention. It entered the daily Top 10 charts in 54 countries and regions, and claimed No.1 in Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Brazil, Indonesia, Hong Kong of China and Taiwan of China.

Netflix’s Official Seal of Approval, With Overseas Viewers Hooked

Blossoming in the East, its charm spreads across the globe. The Early Spring keeps heating up overseas and winning over audiences worldwide. Netflix Official Newsroom even chimed in with glowing praise:

“Since its premiere on August 26, Jing Bo ran and Sun Qian's irresistible chemistry has propelled the Chinese-language workplace romance The Early Spring to global success.”

Statement from Netflix Official Newsroom

Why It Won Global Hearts: Authenticity Resonates

The hit has drawn coverage from multiple foreign platforms and media. Why has this Chinese urban romance drama won such affection and enthusiasm from global audiences?

The Hindu, India’s largest circulation English language newspaper, published an article titled The Early Spring: Why This Chinese Drama Is Taking Global Audiences by Storm. It noted that the show moves away from the saccharine‑sweet tropes common in many East-Asian dramas, laying bare the chaos and entanglements of urban-workplace romance — a relationship that must grapple with pride, ego and, most crucially, power imbalance. At a time when “situationships” are common and modern dating is full of various relationship labels and complexities, the lead characters have to struggle to survive amid complicated bonds, making The Early Spring strikingly relevant.

US entertainment publication Parade ran a feature titled Netflix’s Steamy New C-Drama Breaks One of the Genre’s Biggest Traditions, offering analysis on the runaway success of The Early Spring on Netflix.

Brazilian entertainment platform Papo de Dorama recapped the storyline of The Early Spring for overseas audiences, helping local drama fans get acquainted with this Chinese series.

A compelling story travels far. Many viewers at home and abroad say the drama truthfully depicts modern people balancing career ambitions and romantic struggles, striking an emotional chord worldwide.

 Coverage by US entertainment magazine Parade

Youku Modern Romances Building Global Blockbusters

Youku’s previous romance hits The First Frost and Hidden Love have rolled out across numerous countries and regions. Hidden Love stayed on Netflix weekly charts across multiple markets for a total of 53 weeks. The First Frost peaked at No.6 on Netflix’s global daily chart and claimed top spots in Hong Kong of China, Taiwan of China, Malaysia and Singapore.

The Early Spring overseas hit adds another milestone to Chinese drama’s global outreach, letting Youku’s high quality modern romances shine anew worldwide.

Moving forward, Youku will stay true to its commitment to premium productions. Through a steady stream of high‑quality titles, it aims to show the world not only the depth of Chinese culture, but also the real‑life landscape of contemporary China.

（Reproduced from Youku official account）