Forward Forever

About this drama

Set during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican era, this drama follows noble Prince Chong Liming and courageous commoner A Yi. They join an elite secret guard unit tasked with defending the nation against internal corruption and imperialist aggression. While navigating treacherous political shifts and personal growth, the two friends must confront their differing visions for China's future and the heavy price of loyalty.

Who this is for

Viewers who enjoy late-Qing and early-Republic period action built around brotherhood, ideals and a secret-guard unit, and who are happy to commit to a long run. Fans of Huang Zitao or Jackson Yee will find both leads given substantial arcs. Skip it if you want romance at the centre or a tightly edited story, since the love line is secondary and the episode count is high.

Our take

Adapted from the manhua Yan Shi Fan, the drama follows a Manchu prince who secretly leads a palace guard unit and the commoner he recruits, as the two drift toward different ideas of China's future. Viewers who stuck with it praise the character growth of both leads and the way the story keeps attention on them rather than spreading thin across side plots. The most frequent complaint is length: several reviewers felt the 58 episodes contain a lot of padding and that the show takes a while to reach its payoff. The final stretch is emotionally heavy, so it suits viewers who are fine with loss in their period dramas.

Pacing & content notes

At 58 episodes it is long, and some reviewers say it needed tighter editing to cut unnecessary scenes; the late episodes (roughly 50 onward) turn markedly darker and faster as the political conflict comes to a head.

Where to watch

• Youku · Official title pageAvailability varies by region; check the platform.

Cast

Directed by Liu Yi Zhi, Ma Yi Heng

• Huang Zitao as Chong Liming
• Jackson Yee as A Yi
• Hu Bing Qing as Yu Chu

Your Watchlist

Should I watch?

• Assessed as having no love triangle
• Republican era setting

• May not suit you if you prefer low angst
• A long watch at 58 episodes

Story traits

Romance

3 / 10

Angst

9 / 10

Comedy

2 / 10

Pacing

4 / 10

Traits and editorial notes are researched from published sources with AI assistance and editorially checked (how we review).

Tags

• Action
• Drama
• Romance
• Hidden identity
• Political intrigue
• Revenge

Ending

The story closes on a hopeful note for the new era, but only after heavy losses among the main ensemble.

Frequently compared with

• Old Nine Gates
• Awakening Age

C-dramas like Forward Forever

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   • Assessed as having no love triangle
   • Reviewed as not centring a strong female lead
   • Republican era setting, like Forward Forever

2. AWAKEN · 2026 · 22 episodes · Match 85/100

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3. Mystic Nine · 2026 · 30 episodes · Match 80/100

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4. OVERDO · 2026 · 33 episodes · Match 74/100

   • Republican era setting, like Forward Forever
   • Drama, like Forward Forever
   • Romance, like Forward Forever

5. My Lethal Man · 2023 · 24 episodes · Match 74/100

   • Assessed as having no love triangle
   • Reviewed as not centring a strong female lead
   • Action, like Forward Forever

Ranked by traits in common with Forward Forever: setting, genres, tropes and editorial dimensions. A fit index, not a quality score, and the same for everyone.