There are dramas you enjoy—and then there are dramas that grip your heart, refuse to let go, and leave you haunted long after the credits roll. For many fans of Chinese television, the latter category includes titles with open-ended conclusions, heart-wrenching farewells, or narratives that were simply too compelling to end in one season. These Chinese dramas that need a sequel have sparked viral online discussions and fan movements calling for a continuation.
Listening to the collective outcry, the Chinese media outlet Sohu recently compiled a list of the 10 most requested dramas for sequels, based on trending topics and discussions on Douban, Weibo, and drama forums. Let’s dive into these titles and explore why fans just can’t let them go.
1. A Better Life
A Better Life was an unexpected ratings monster and proved once again that Sun Li is a force to be reckoned with in Chinese television. The drama follows Hu Manli, a powerhouse in the insurance industry who is simultaneously betrayed by her husband and sabotaged at work. It’s a fast-paced, empowering story of professional resurrection.
Although the ending was satisfying, many fans insist the story was too good to end there. They want to follow Hu Manli as she continues building her empire, navigating more office politics, and mentoring others. Some even joked they’d be happy watching her negotiate insurance contracts for another season.
2. The Demon Hunter’s Romance
Think Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio meets detective fantasy—The Demon Hunter’s Romance captivated viewers with episodic cases in a mystical world. The bittersweet, ambiguous finale left fans emotionally torn and craving closure.
Xuan Ya, the stoic demon hunter, and Ban Xia, a clever and bubbly heroine, formed an irresistible duo. The mini-arc format of the show leaves plenty of room for more mythical investigations, each introducing new spirits, moral questions, and emotional twists. As netizens said: “In a world full of monsters, how could one season ever be enough?”
3. The Romance of Tiger and Rose
This 2020 web drama became a breakout hit against all odds—no big-name leads, no bestselling source material, and yet it went viral. The story of screenwriter Chen Xiaotian being trapped inside her own script was both hilarious and heartwarming.
Though it ended with the heroine returning to modern life, fans were left yearning for more. What happens when the “idol emperor” shows up in the present, remembering everything? What becomes of their love when faced with modern reality? Rumors once hinted at a sequel, but years later, nothing has materialized.
4. Goodbye My Princess
The infamous suicide ending of Xiaofeng broke millions of hearts. Although a modern-day epilogue scene hinted at reincarnation, it lasted mere minutes and offered little relief to grieving viewers.
Fans have come up with endless sequel ideas: one where Li Chengyin grows old haunted by regret, one focused on palace politics, or a reincarnation fantasy with Xiaofeng reclaiming her power. Ultimately, fans want justice—emotional, narrative, and romantic—for one of the most tragic heroines in C-drama history.
5. Under the Power
While Under the Power had a proper conclusion, its magnetic leads made fans beg for more. The pairing of Luyi, a disciplined officer, and Jinmi, the spirited informant with puppy-like loyalty, was lightning in a bottle.
Even with numerous projects under their belts, fans still cite this drama as a pinnacle of on-screen chemistry. Some even refer to it as “a trap we can’t escape.” A sequel may not be necessary for the story—but emotionally, viewers aren’t ready to move on.
6. Love Between Fairy and Devil
Starring: Dylan Wang, Esther Yu
Despite being set in a fantasy realm filled with clichés, this drama soared on the strength of its emotional storytelling and cast chemistry. The romance between the fearsome Dongfang Qingcang and the adorable fairy Xiaolanhua enchanted audiences and has become a rewatch favorite.
However, many felt the ending lacked impact. There’s room for deeper exploration—especially of Dongfang’s redemption, or Xiaolanhua’s growth as a powerful goddess. With such vivid world-building and fan demand, a sequel could easily blossom.
7. The Untamed
Starring: Xiao Zhan, Wang Yibo
The drama that catapulted its leads to superstardom, The Untamed remains one of the most talked-about BL adaptations in Chinese TV. From production value to acting to storytelling, it checked all the boxes.
And yet, despite a complete arc, fans continue to plead for more content. Could it be spin-offs? Side stories? Dream sequences? Anything. Realistically, a sequel is unlikely given the actors’ A-list status—but hope remains eternal in the hearts of the fandom.
8. When I Fly Towards You
Starring: Zhou Yiran, Zhang Miaoyi
Based on Zhu Yi’s novel, this high school drama was soft, sincere, and surprisingly impactful. The romance between overachiever Zhang Lurang and sunshine girl Su Zai Zai was realistic yet adorable.
Although the story wrapped up cleanly, fans still miss Tai Tai and Jun Jun. Viewers want to see them in college, in their careers, or just living life together. When chemistry this sweet exists, letting go is hard.
9. Escape from the Trilateral Slopes
Starring: Guo Qilin, Francis Ng
A dark horse hit of 2024, this gritty tale follows Shen Ting who stumbles into the lawless world of borderland supply routes. Twists, betrayals, and layered characters hooked viewers until its dramatic cliffhanger.
Given the political and criminal undercurrents, fans speculate a sequel could explore deeper corruption or tie in real-world historical context. With such a compelling setting and dynamic lead, there’s so much more to uncover in the “old stories of the border pass.”
10. Once Upon a Time in Lingjian Mountain
Starring: Xu Kai, Sandrine Pinna
Though lighter in tone, this cultivation comedy has its own cult following. Wang Liu, a genius disciple, shares a subtle romance with his mentor Wang Wu—but she tragically loses all memories of him by the end.
The mix of humor, fantasy, and heartbreak was refreshing. Fans clamor for a continuation, perhaps one where Wang Wu regains her memories, or they reunite under different circumstances. Unfortunately, with Xu Kai’s current stardom, a sequel is unlikely—but not impossible.
Why Fans Can’t Let Go
Each of these dramas ended with either too much emotional weight or too little narrative closure. Some left us shattered (Goodbye My Princess), others left us yearning (The Romance of Tiger and Rose), and a few gave us just enough happiness to want more (When I Fly Towards You).
The common thread? Viewers felt deeply connected—to the characters, the worlds, the emotions. In many ways, these stories felt like beginnings, not ends. And so fans wait, hope, and rewatch, fingers crossed that their favorite unfinished masterpieces will one day return.
Sources: kenh14