Several highly anticipated Chinese costume dramas arrived in the first half of 2026 with star-studded casts and massive budgets. However, not all of them lived up to expectations. From weak storytelling to underdeveloped characters, these historical dramas have drawn mixed reactions from viewers and critics alike.
1. Rebirth
Once considered one of the most promising historical dramas of the year, Rebirth ultimately failed to impress audiences after its premiere.
The series faced criticism for its illogical plot development, shallow political intrigue, and simplistic handling of major storylines. The performances of the lead actors also became a topic of debate, particularly in emotionally demanding scenes. Many viewers felt that the chemistry between the main couple was not convincing enough, weakening the drama’s romantic narrative.
Despite the criticism, the production received praise for its stunning filming locations and visually impressive cinematography.
2. Veil of Shadows
Featuring a high-profile cast that includes Ju Jingyi, Joseph Zeng, and Chen Duling, Veil of Shadows generated significant buzz before its release.
However, the drama was criticized for being overly ambitious. While it attempted to build an expansive fantasy world and multiple interconnected storylines, many viewers found the narrative confusing and difficult to follow.
Several supporting characters introduced as important figures received little meaningful development, while the ending was criticized for resolving major conflicts too quickly, leaving audiences unsatisfied.
3. The Imperial Coroner 2
Following the success of its first season, The Imperial Coroner 2 was expected to continue delivering engaging investigations and a compelling romance between its leads.
Instead, the sequel left many fans disappointed. The forensic mystery elements that made the original drama stand out were significantly reduced, while the romantic storyline failed to recreate the charm that captivated audiences in the first season.
Many viewers felt the drama lacked emotional impact, suspense, and the strong storytelling that previously made the franchise a fan favorite.
4. Generation to Generation
As one of the most anticipated wuxia dramas of 2026, Generation to Generation entered the year with high expectations.
Unfortunately, many viewers felt the series failed to capture the spirit of classic martial arts storytelling. Critics pointed out that the drama focused too heavily on the romance between the lead characters while neglecting the broader martial arts world and supporting cast.
Although the opening episodes generated interest, the story gradually lost momentum and became increasingly controversial among viewers. Nevertheless, the drama’s traditional costumes and elegant character styling were widely praised.
5. A Splendid Match
Rounding out the list is A Splendid Match, an adaptation of a popular novel with a dedicated fanbase.
One of the biggest sources of controversy was the drama’s decision to shift the focus away from the original story. Fans had anticipated intricate family power struggles and a strong romantic arc between the main characters. Instead, the adaptation devoted more screen time to political schemes and court intrigue.
As a result, many viewers felt that the series lost the elements that originally made the novel so beloved. The romantic relationships were also criticized for lacking emotional depth, making key conflicts feel less impactful.
The first half of 2026 has demonstrated that a famous cast and a popular source material are not enough to guarantee success. While these dramas entered the year with considerable hype, issues such as weak scripts, inconsistent pacing, and underdeveloped characters ultimately prevented them from fully connecting with audiences.
Sources: Saostar