Although The Early Spring has already concluded with a heartwarming ending for its lead couple, the romantic drama continues to give fans reasons to celebrate with its remarkable achievements. Starring Jing Boran and Sun Qian, the series has enjoyed tremendous success following its television broadcast, attracting strong ratings and impressive viewership figures. Its performance has also challenged the perception that contemporary romance dramas struggle to appeal to traditional television audiences.
According to data from Kuyun, The Early Spring achieved an average rating of 0.3358% on Jiangsu Satellite TV, reportedly the highest figure recorded on the channel so far in 2026. Meanwhile, statistics from CVB also placed the drama at No. 1, with an average rating of 0.28%. Following the broadcast of its final two episodes, 23 and 24, the series reached a new peak rating of 0.5%, an impressive achievement for a romance drama airing on a satellite television network.
The drama’s success extended well beyond television ratings. The Early Spring also ranked first among Youku dramas in 2026 for average episode views according to Yunhe data. Furthermore, it reportedly became the most-watched modern romance drama in Youku’s history based on average Yunhe viewership. According to Maoyan, the series accumulated 1.357 billion effective views during the third quarter, averaging 56.546 million views per episode and establishing additional viewership milestones.
These achievements have turned The Early Spring into one of Youku’s biggest surprise hits of the second half of 2026, particularly because Jing Boran and Sun Qian were not initially considered a superstar pairing guaranteed to deliver blockbuster ratings. Adapted from a novel by Gu Niang Bie Ku, the drama explores the advertising industry through the relationship between handsome creative director Luan Nian and his subordinate, Shang Zhi Tao. After spending three years apart due to conflicts and misunderstandings, the two reunite as superior and employee. As they navigate demanding professional challenges together, they gradually overcome their painful past and rekindle their romance.
The electrifying chemistry between Jing Boran and Sun Qian has attracted a large fanbase, with the drama’s popularity extending beyond China. Its emotional finale, featuring a romantic marriage proposal in which a dog named Luke delivers the engagement ring, left viewers delighted but reluctant to say goodbye to the beloved couple. Responding to the overwhelming enthusiasm, the production team has confirmed plans for a second installment titled Midsummer Sunshine, raising anticipation for the continuation of their love story.
Following the drama’s success, both Jing Boran and Sun Qian have experienced a significant boost in popularity. Jing Boran, who was born in the 1980s, has emerged as an ideal boyfriend figure in the eyes of many viewers, winning praise for his handsome appearance, convincing acting, and natural romantic chemistry with his co-star. Meanwhile, Sun Qian has achieved a notable career breakthrough after previously appearing in productions such as Wild Bloom and All These Years. Their performances and undeniable on-screen compatibility have helped establish The Early Spring as one of the standout Chinese romance dramas of 2026.
Sources: kenh14