The First Frost
| The First Frost | |
|---|---|
 Promotional poster | |
| Also known as |
|
| Simplified Chinese | 难哄 |
| Genre | |
| Created by | Zhu Yi |
| Based on | The First Frost by Zhu Yi |
| Directed by | Chu Yu Ning |
| Starring | |
| Opening theme | "Willful" by Mayday |
| Ending theme | "It's You" by Li Yuchun |
| Country of origin | China |
| Original languages | Mandarin, Cantonese |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 32 |
| Production | |
| Producer | Long Danni |
| Production location | |
| Running time | 45 minutes |
| Production company | Youku |
| Original release | |
| Network | |
| Release | February 18, 2025 – March 17, 2025 |
| Related | |
| |
The First Frost (Chinese: 难哄) is a 2025 romantic Chinese television drama starring Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan.[1][2] The plot is adapted from the Chinese novel of the same name by Zhu Yi, and is released on Youku and Netflix worldwide.[3] It tells the story of two high school classmates' reunion, after long separation, when they accidentally rent the same apartment. It delves into the complexities of love, longing, trauma and healing.[4]
The series was ranked in the S+ Tier i.e. 'Top Performing Shows' category on Yunhe Data charts.[5] It was popular in the national and international market, setting many records.[6] The chemistry of the leads received positive reviews from the audience and critics.[7]
Plot
[edit]Wen Yifan accidentally runs into Sang Yan at a bar after six years. The two were high school classmates and she once had a crush on him. However, she was forced to reject his feelings, causing them to drift apart. To avoid the awkwardness, they pretend not to know each other.[8] They are then forced to confront each other when they end up sharing the same roof. The nature of their relationship changes, when Wen Yifan learns that she's sleepwalking again. Her condition escalates due to some past family trauma and she finds herself in Sang Yan's room, which further intertwines their lives.[9]
Cast
[edit]| Character | Cast | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sang Yan | Bai Jingting | Owner of Overtime restaurant, team lead in a video game company and Yifan's childhood crush[10] |
| Wen Yifan | Zhang Ruonan | News reporter/journalist and Sang Yan's childhood love[11] |
| Zhong Siqiao | Zhang Miaoyi | Delivery girl, care services provider and Yifan's best friend[12] |
| Su Haoan | Edward Chen | Rich co-owner of Overtime and Sang Yan's friend from high school days |
| Xiang Lang | Zhai Xiaowen | Yifan and Siqiao's childhood friend, has a crush on Yifan |
| Mu Chengyun | Yuan Ye | College student, intern in Yifan's team and has a crush on her |
| Zhao Yuandong | Feng Yunzhi | Yifan's mother |
| Wen Liangzhe | Zhao Xiaodong | Yifan's father |
| Zheng Kejia | Duan Xingyu | Yifan's stepsister, intern in Sang Yan's team |
| Che Yanqin | Kong Lin | Yifan's aunt |
| Che Xingde | Li Hongchen | Yanqin's brother |
| Zhang Wenhong | He Jiong | Highschool teacher for Sang Yan and Yifan |
| Li Ping | Deng Ying | Sang Yan's mom |
| Sang Rong | Wei Zixin | Sang Yan's dad |
| Sang Zhi | Liu Chutian | Sang Yan's younger sister[13] |
| Duan Jiaxu | Wu Yuheng | Sang Yan's college dormmate and friend |
| Jiang Ru | Paw Heeching | Su Haoan's grandma |
| Su Haojia | Paul Chun | Su Haoan's grandpa |
| Uncle Ma | Zhang Shihong | Su Haoan's grandpa's caretaker |
| Su Tian | Chen Jianan | Pregnant lady and news editor, Yifan's colleague |
| Fu Zhuang | Zhang Keyuan | Reporting camera assistant, Yifan's colleague |
| Qian Wenhua | Fu Miao | News team lead |
| Wang Linlin | Suo Langmei Qi | Su Haoan's ex-girlfriend |
Reception
[edit]The First Frost was one of the most anticipated series in 2025.[14] The first poster of the main casts in character and the teaser were well received by the audience.[15][16] Before its release, the series collected over 8 million reservations with its first look in the upcoming Youku romantic C-drama list, and was ranked 1st in the 'Top 5 Popularity List Drama'.[17] It set a new record of reaching fastest 10K 'Popularity Heat Index' points within 2 days of its release, and was ranked 1st in 'Most Searched Romantic Show' within a week.[18] During its release, Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan were ranked 'Top C- Drama artists in the Global Market'.[19] On 27 February 2025, It was ranked 6th in Netflix's 'Top TV Show Worldwide', and has set a record for the highest ranked C-drama in Netflix global daily ranking history.[20]
Gulf News praises stating that "The First Frost is a more mature, emotionally intense journey. Bai Jingting bringing a quiet intensity that makes Sang Yan's pain all the more palpable. Zhang Ruonan delivers a powerful performance as Wen Yifan, whose guarded nature hides layers of emotional turmoil. The emotional depth where every moment is loaded with meaningful, rather than grand romantic gestures. The dual-perspective storytelling, adds a compelling layer to the narrative, showing how perception and emotions shape their interactions."[21] Indiatimes states that "The non-linear storytelling, seamlessly transitioning from their high-school desk to their now shared apartment, never confuses you. The visual aesthetic perfectly complements the theme of the drama. The thoughtful, slow pacing allows for an exploration of subtle expressions like stolen glances and unsaid words, portraying their untangled yet impactful history."[22]
The Evrim Ağacı website stated that "The show dives deeply with emotion, centering on themes of heartbreak, longing, and healing. The initial episodes have delighted viewers, showcasing the commendable chemistry between leads, and expertly retaining the charm of the characters. It has garnered attention not only for its storyline but also for its well-received performances by the cast."[23] India Today stated that the "The First Frost, the new C-drama delivers it all. With stellar performances, breathtaking cinematography, and a script that understands the weight of regret, it’s a drama that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll."[24]
GQ stated that the "This slow-burn romance is packed with unspoken love, youthful chemistry and strong emotions, unfolding in a joyous manner as destiny brings protagonist under the same roof."[25] Mashable rated 4 out 5 stating that "The First Frost hits all the emotional and heart-fluttering beats, a bingeable C-drama. It’s a refreshing and deeply nice take on romance drama with new sensibilities that raise awareness on sensitive issues.[26] Newspoint appreciated the storyline, cinematography and background settings; it stated that "The series deals with the aftermath of discovering love in a painful and gut-wrenching way. It shows what it takes to find love and stay in it for as long as you live. Its cinematography doesn't just display sentiments, it makes you feel them."[27]
Soundtrack
[edit]On 31 December 2024, Taiwanese rock band Mayday released an official OST and music video for the series. This theme song gained 3 million views in a month.[28] "The Invisible Man" is from Stefanie Sun's 2005 album A Perfect Day.[29]
| Title | Artist | Lyrics/Composer | Channel | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful Theme Song |
Mayday | Ashin | B'in Music | 4:40 |
| Serenade | Mao Buyi | Mao Buyi | Dreamer Music | 4:06 |
| It's You Ending Song |
Li Yuchun | Li Yuchun | Official Channel | 5:21 |
| Like A Sunny Day, Like A Rainy Day | Silence Wang | Silence Wang | 3:56 | |
| The Invisible Man | Bai Jingting | Xiaohan, Huang Yunren | 4:45 | |
| Everything | Zhang Ruonan & Zhang Miaoyi | Jesse Deng | 3:40 | |
| Late | Zhang Bichen | Zhang Pengpeng | 4:25 | |
| Stubborn | Sandee Chan | Sandee Chan | 3.23 | |
| I’ve Never Liked Anyone Except You | Zhao Lei & Fine Band | Wang Tianfang, Huang Yueyang, Shen Mingli | 3:45 | |
| Look at Me | Yan Yidan | Yan Yidan | 4:14 | |
| Crush | Edward Chen Haosen | Zhuang Zhuheng | 4:15 | |
| My Dear | Zhang Zhenhao | Li Zhizi | 4:03 | |
| I Want To Quietly Slip Into Your Soul | Xiao Bingzhi | Xiao Bingzhi | 4:05 | |
| There Is You Amidst Raindrops | Chen Kexin | Crispy Band (Taiwanese) | 4:00 |
Production
[edit]The First Frost is produced by Wajijiwa, Youku Information Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., and Hunan Galaxy Cool Entertainment Culture Media Co. Ltd.[30] The production house issued an official statement on their Weibo account that a live adaptation of the novel The First Frost by Zhu Yi will be made.[31] In August 2023, the production house stated that the series is in the script polishing stage and they are working on the content.[32] It also has a Manhua adaption named Eternal Love. On 24 March 2024, the initial posters were released, and it was announced that the series would be broadcast on Youku.[33] On 27 June 2024, the series' first official teaser was released.[34] From February to August 2024, the filming of the series was scheduled.[35] In December 2024, the series got its airing permit for 32 episodes.[36]
Viewership ratings and ranking
[edit]The First Frost was top ranked series as per Yunhe Data Analytics with over 50M viewership per day, top ranked in Dengta with 69M viewership and 19.7% market share; topped various charts like Lighthouse, Aiman, Douyin, Maoyan, Linkage and Datawin.[37]
- The Orange number represents the lowest ratings and the Blue number represents the highest ratings in China.
| Day | Original Broadcast Date | Episode | Average Audience Share | National Ranking China |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | February 18, 2025 | 1-4 | 7.7% | 2 |
| 2 | February 19, 2025 | 5-6 | 13.2% | 1 |
| 3 | February 20, 2025 | 7-8 | 15.6% | 1 |
| 4 | February 21, 2025 | 9-10 | 18.5% | 1 |
| 5 | February 22, 2025 | 11 | 20.5% | 1 |
| 6 | February 23, 2025 | 12 | 19.4% | 1 |
| 7 | February 24, 2025 | 13-14 | 18.3% | 1 |
| 8 | February 25, 2025 | 15 | 17.7% | 1 |
| 9 | February 26, 2025 | 16 | 16.1% | 1 |
| 10 | February 28, 2025 | 17-18 | 18.1% | 1 |
| 11 | March 01, 2025 | 19 | 19.1% | 1 |
| 12 | March 02, 2025 | 20 | 18.4% | 1 |
| 13 | March 03, 2025 | 21 | 16.6% | 1 |
| 14 | March 04, 2025 | 22 | 16.1% | 1 |
| 15 | March 05, 2025 | 23 | 15.3% | 1 |
| 16 | March 07, 2025 | 24 | 13.4% | 1 |
| 17 | March 08, 2025 | 25-26 | 16.1% | 1 |
| 18 | March 09, 2025 | 27 | 18.1% | 1 |
| 19 | March 10, 2025 | 28 | ||
| 20 | March 14, 2025 | 29 | ||
| 21 | March 15, 2025 | 30 | ||
| 22 | March 16, 2025 | 31 | ||
| 23 | March 17, 2025 | 32 |
- ^1 Based on the average audience share per day (Yunhe Data)
References
[edit]- ^ "《偷偷藏不住》 姊妹作！白敬亭＆章若楠《難哄》8大看點：9年雙向暗戀，《我可能不會愛你》導演執導". ELLE (in Chinese (Taiwan)). 22 September 2024. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
- ^ Shê, Chase (27 June 2024). ""The First Frost" Wraps Filming, Announces Cast". DramaPanda. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- ^ Datta, Srimoyee (2 July 2024). "Is Upcoming Chinese Drama The First Frost a Spin-off of Hidden Love?". ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ Times, I. D. N.; Rosilawati, Essi. "3 Fakta Drama China First Frost, Spin Off Drama Hidden Love". IDN Times (in Indonesian). Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ "Feel The Pulse of Chinese Entertainment!". www.v-pulse.com. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
- ^ Mankermi, Shivani (5 March 2025). "Falling for The First Frost? Here are 7 more romantic C-dramas you can binge-watch on Netflix". GQ India. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
- ^ "'Their love is so gentle': The First Frost couple Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan's electric chemistry leaves fans swooning". Indiatimes. 2 March 2025. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
- ^ Times, I. D. N.; Fadilla, Risma. "Sinopsis Drama China The First Frost, Hadirkan Spin Off Hidden Love". IDN Times (in Indonesian). Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ NA, Nyimas. "Akhirnya Selesai Syuting! Drama The First Frost Bagikan Trailer Dengan Nuansa Sendu Antara Bai Jingting dan Zhang Ruonan - Riau Makmur - Halaman 2". Akhirnya Selesai Syuting! Drama The First Frost Bagikan Trailer Dengan Nuansa Sendu Antara Bai Jingting dan Zhang Ruonan - Riau Makmur - Halaman 2 (in Indonesian). Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ Shê, Chase (27 June 2024). ""The First Frost" Wraps Filming, Announces Cast". DramaPanda. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ "Photos of Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan Filming 'First Frost', the Story of Yan's Brother Zhi from Another 'Universe' in 'Hidden Love'". En.KapanLagi.com (in Indonesian). 14 March 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- ^ "Bai Jingting & Zhang Ruonan Dikabarkan Bintangi First Frost Kisah Cinta Kakaknya Zhao Lusi di Hidden Love - Kabar Banten". kabarbanten.pikiran-rakyat.com. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- ^ CA, Mutia. "Lu Chutian Siap Hidupkan Karakter Sang Zhi 'Hidden Love' Saat Masih SMP di Drama China Spin Off 'The First Frost' - Cari Aku". Lu Chutian Siap Hidupkan Karakter Sang Zhi 'Hidden Love' Saat Masih SMP di Drama China Spin Off 'The First Frost' - Cari Aku (in Indonesian). Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ "Foto Bai Jingting dan Zhang Ruonan Syuting Drama 'FIRST FROST', Kisah Sang Yan Kakak Sang Zhi 'HIDDEN LOVE' dari 'Universe' Lain". KapanLagi.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ ockoala (26 March 2024). "First Posters for Modern Romance C-drama The First Frost with Bai Jing Ting and Zhang Ruo Nan Based on the Brother's Story From Hidden Love". A Koala's Playground. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ 新浪網 (24 March 2024). "劇集《難哄》發佈海報，白敬亭、章若楠主演". 新浪香港. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
- ^ Datta, Srimoyee (21 May 2024). "Upcoming Youku C-Dramas With the Highest Reservations: Zang Hai Zhuan, the First Frost & More". ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ Vic (20 February 2025). "The First Frost Becomes Bai Jingting's Fourth Drama To Hit 10000 Heat Index". DramaPanda. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
- ^ "Feel The Pulse of Chinese Entertainment!". www.v-pulse.com. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
- ^ "TOP 10 on Netflix in the World on February 27, 2025 • FlixPatrol". FlixPatrol. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
- ^ Radhakrishnan, Manjusha (20 February 2025). "The First Frost: The new Netflix Chinese drama on love, heartbreak, and closure". Gulf News. Retrieved 24 February 2025.
- ^ "The First Frost review: Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan lead a slow-burn romance that leaves you yearning for more". Indiatimes. 22 February 2025. Retrieved 24 February 2025.
- ^ "Emotional C-Drama 'The First Frost' Streaming Now". The Pinnacle Gazette. Retrieved 24 February 2025.
- ^ "The First Frost review: Love, trauma, longing - new Chinese drama delivers it all". India Today. 19 February 2025. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
- ^ Mankermi, Shivani (26 February 2025). "The First Frost: All you need to know about the Chinese drama Hidden Love's spin-off, streaming on Netflix". GQ India. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
- ^ Raut, Mamta (20 February 2025). "'The First Frost' review: Bai Jingting, Zhang Ruonan's 'Hidden Love' spin-off is witty, wise, and heart-melting". Mashable ME. Retrieved 24 February 2025.
- ^ "Forget K-Dramas! 7 Reasons To Watch 'The First Frost', A Romantic Chinese Series That Has It All!". www.newspointapp.com. 25 February 2025. Retrieved 1 March 2025.
- ^ senapati, prachi (12 February 2025). "The First Frost starring Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan: Complete release schedule, air time, plot, cast, & all you need to know". www.sportskeeda.com. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
- ^ "Stefanie Sun's latest album "A Perfect Day"". music.yule.sohu.com. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
- ^ Shê, Chase (9 March 2024). "First Frost: Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan Spotted on Set". DramaPanda. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ Peanuts (28 September 2021). "First Frost / Hard to Deceive / Eternal Love / Difficult to Coax 难哄 by 竹已 Zhu Yi (HE)". 书声Bar. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ "The casting of "Hard to Woo" has sparked heated discussions. The crew issued a statement: It is still in the script polishing stage". www.toutiao.com. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
- ^ "เรื่องย่อ First Frost วันนี้ วันไหน ยังไงก็เธอ ซีรีส์จีนภาคต่อ แอบรักให้เธอรู้ 2". www.sanook.com/movie (in Thai). 7 August 2024. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ Datta, Srimoyee (2 July 2024). "Is Upcoming Chinese Drama The First Frost a Spin-off of Hidden Love?". ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ "The First Frost – The Drama Meter". 20 November 2024. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ ockoala (7 December 2024). "The First Frost Archives". A Koala's Playground. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
- ^ "白敬亭、章若楠《难哄》更新追剧日历，3月10日直通大结局". m.bjnews.com.cn. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
