China’s summer television lineup is heating up as several highly anticipated dramas premiere across major broadcasters. Among them, Guan Xiaotong and Li Junrui have returned with Dazzling, while Song Weilong and Zhang Jingyi are drawing attention with Love for You.
Although both productions target young audiences with coming-of-age romance stories, early viewer reactions suggest Love for You has gained the stronger momentum.
Following CCTV’s broadcasts of The Protagonist and The Heir, regional television networks have also unveiled their latest drama lineups. Hunan TV launched Love for You, Jiangsu TV premiered The Eternal Fragrance, and Dragon TV introduced Ashes to Crown, setting up fierce competition among dramas led by actors born in the 1990s. Among the new releases, Love for You has stood out for its distinctive tone.
Before its premiere, many viewers expected Love for You to be another conventional idol romance because it stars two popular young actors, Song Weilong and Zhang Jingyi. However, after its first episodes aired, the drama received a warmer reception than many anticipated. Viewers have particularly praised the series for balancing romance with emotional storytelling rather than relying solely on attractive leads.
Because both dramas revolve around young protagonists whose relationship develops from initial conflict into romance while exploring youth and personal growth, audiences have naturally compared Love for You with Dazzling.
According to many viewers, however, Love for You delivers a more satisfying viewing experience. Many praised the series for its well-structured script, believable character development, and smooth narrative progression, saying the emotional beats feel more natural instead of forced.
One of the biggest strengths highlighted by viewers is the chemistry between Zhang Jingyi and Song Weilong. Their performances have been described as sincere, emotionally engaging, and convincing, making it easy for audiences to invest in their relationship. By comparison, some viewers felt that Guan Xiaotong and Li Junrui still lacked natural chemistry in several scenes, although opinions remain divided.
Some fans have also noted similarities between Love for You and the acclaimed film Better Days. Both stories feature two young people carrying emotional wounds from difficult childhoods and troubled family backgrounds who gradually find comfort and healing through one another.
However, many viewers emphasize that the comparison mainly lies in the atmosphere and emotional themes. Unlike Better Days, which features intense pacing and heavier conflict, Love for You adopts a slower, more restrained storytelling style.
Likewise, while Song Weilong and Zhang Jingyi have earned praise for their understated performances, viewers generally agree that their acting differs from the emotionally explosive performances delivered by Jackson Yee and Zhou Dongyu in the award-winning film.
Despite the positive early buzz surrounding Love for You, many viewers caution against drawing definitive conclusions. The current comparisons are based only on the opening episodes, and both dramas still have plenty of room to develop as they continue airing.
While Love for You has enjoyed stronger initial reviews, that does not necessarily mean Dazzling or Guan Xiaotong has fallen behind. Audience opinions and overall reception may continue to evolve as more episodes are released.
Sources: Saostar
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