LayarHijau.com—In 2025, several Chinese dramas in the urban romance genre began offering more than just the sweetness of excessive love. One such example is the drama "The First Frost." This drama has become the fastest-growing series on Youku since 2024. As previously reported, it also made it into the Top Ten on Netflix for TV series in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
Unexpected Success
This drama, adapted from a top IP on Jinjiang, set a record with 7.92 million reservations before its release. During its airing period, "The First Frost" ranked at the top of the market share for on-demand urban romance dramas, making it one of the most talked-about series.
This enthusiasm is not only reflected in the registration numbers but also in the positive reactions from fans through social media platforms. Many fans eagerly shared their favorite moments, showcasing how deeply the drama has touched their hearts.
In an exclusive interview with Huanwang Big Data, producer Quan Xianglan revealed that with the belief that "passion can overcome all difficulties," the drama was able to capture the audience's attention. He emphasized the importance of the emotional connection between characters and the audience, which has become a key element in the drama's success. By combining deep and relatable drama elements, "The First Frost" successfully creates a satisfying viewing experience.
This success also reflects a change in audience preferences, which now seek content that is not only entertaining but also meaningful. The drama demonstrates that touching and realistic stories can reach more hearts, making it one of the dramas to watch in 2025.
Three Levels of Adaptation
The original novel "The First Frost" is renowned for its nuanced portrayal of the relationship between Sang Yan and Wen Yifan. Fans of the novel were highly anticipating the film and television adaptation, but they also felt anxious about how key elements of the original story would be adapted.
Fortunately, the drama has managed to meet fans' expectations by restoring the emotional core, romantic feelings, and beloved iconic moments. The adaptation team divided the process into three levels: restoring the emotional core, bringing romantic feelings to life, and presenting well-loved scenes. For instance, one highly anticipated scene is when Wen Yifan faces conflict with her mother, triggering a deep emotional moment as she instinctively sleeps close to Sang Yan. This scene not only shows their closeness but also adds tension to their relationship.
More than simply transferring the story from the pages of a novel to the screen, "The First Frost" also introduces new elements that enrich the narrative. In this process, the characters experience significant growth, allowing the audience to feel their emotional journey more deeply.
The production team ensured that key elements of the novel remained intact, so fans feel connected to the story they love while also introducing new elements that make the narrative even more engaging.
Deep Characters: Love Behind Sharp Tongues
The drama highlights rich characterization, where Sang Yan serves as an anchor for Wen Yifan to rebuild her self-confidence. Quan explains that these characters not only have depth but also undergo significant growth. In this context, Sang Yan is portrayed as a strong yet caring figure, while Wen Yifan is a character struggling to find her identity.
One of the most emotional moments occurs when Sang Yan expresses his love with the heartfelt statement, "After all these years, I just like you." This dialogue is not just words; it reflects a long emotional journey between them. This interaction provides a strong emotional nuance, making these characters more relatable to the audience, as noted by Sohu.
This deep characterization is supported by the outstanding performances of the actors. Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan successfully bring their characters to life in an authentic manner, allowing the audience to connect with the emotions they portray. In many scenes, their facial expressions and body language add depth to the interactions, creating deeply touching moments.
OST That Binds Emotional Memories
One striking element is the powerful OST, with songs that build the emotional narrative. Songs like "It's You" by Li Yuchun and "Serenade" by Mao Buyi not only add artistic dimension to the drama but also create an emotional consistency effect. For example, when Wen Yifan feels lonely in her rental home, the song "Serenade" accompanies that moment, creating a profound contrast between the melody and the emotions she experiences.
The selection of these songs is not random; each song is carefully chosen to reflect the emotional state of the characters at various moments. This provides the audience with a deeper experience, making them not only watch but also feel what the characters are experiencing. The right music at the right time can enhance audience engagement with the story and characters.
Additionally, the strong use of the OST serves as a binder for emotional memories for the audience. When viewers hear these songs outside the context of the drama, they can easily recall significant moments associated with those songs. This creates a deeper viewing experience and leaves a lasting impression.
Addressing Real-World Issues
Unlike traditional idol dramas, "The First Frost" focuses more on the subtle handling of emotions and slow progression. The drama depicts Wen Yifan's struggles living in a cramped apartment due to economic pressure. This creates a strong connection with the audience, as many can see themselves in similar situations.
Wen Yifan's character is not just a figure experiencing love but also a woman struggling to find her identity amid life's various hardships. Through this journey, she faces numerous challenges, including family trauma and workplace discrimination. These moments not only serve to build the story but also convey the message that love is not the only solution; it can also be a driving force for personal growth.
Ultimately, "The First Frost" offers more than just a sweet love story; it portrays the complex realities of life and the challenges many face. In this way, the drama successfully creates a balance between realism and romance, making it more than just a mere entertaining love story.
Planting Seeds of Hope in a Broken Reality
The success of "The First Frost" is not a coincidence. The drama uses "heartbreak" as a tool to express the emotional issues of the younger generation—such as family trauma and gender discrimination—and stitches it back together with themes of healing. In an era where true love feels rare, "The First Frost" successfully evokes the courage to believe in the light. Quan states, "The world needs idol dramas because people always need to believe in love."
With a deep handling of these themes, "The First Frost" sets a new example for urban romance dramas, reaching audiences worldwide with universal stories and emotions. This drama not only entertains but also inspires viewers to see the beauty in love and hope, even amid the real challenges of life.