Chinese suspense series captivates global audiences on streaming platforms

The gripping Chinese suspense series, Regeneration, has captivated audiences worldwide since its early May debut on Youku's overseas platform and Netflix, resonating with viewers across 190 countries and regions. This revelation came to light during a seminar held in Beijing on Tuesday, underscoring the show's broad international appeal.

Directed by the acclaimed Shen Ao, who's known for his work on No More Bets, the 10-episode online drama Regeneration unfolds from a unique and thrilling premise, drawing viewers into a world of mystery and intrigue.

The storyline revolves around He Shan, a female journalist who finds herself on an island for her friend Fei Ke's memorial. To her astonishment, she encounters five strangers, each with conflicting memories of the deceased, leading to a puzzling revelation — the coffin is empty. This discovery plunges them into a labyrinth of enigmatic puzzles and uncertainties.

During the seminar, Zhang Lina, the vice-president of Youku, highlighted the series' remarkable success beyond Chinese mainland, surpassing even the popular Hong Kong series The Queen of News on Netflix in Taiwan.

Director Shen shared his vision for Regeneration, aiming to explore the complexities and diverse facets of human nature through a meticulously crafted narrative reminiscent of Rashomon.

"I hope the series can convey a positive message that, despite navigating a complex societal landscape and intricate relationships, we can uphold justice within our hearts, resisting temptations and deceit," Shen said.

Actor Jing Boran, who portrays Fei in the series, delved into the character's profound inner struggles shaped by regret, lost opportunities, and the transformative journey toward redemption. Through his role, Jing discovered the show's dual purpose of weaving a captivating narrative while shedding light on poignant social issues, such as the enduring impact of fractured families on children.