Sunsets Secrets Regrets

About this drama

After a mysterious corpse surfaces by the Tong River, criminal psychology professor Jiang Hansheng and detective Zhou Jin reopen a cold case involving her brother's death. They soon cross paths with Zhou Jin's former lover, Jiang Cheng, who has been working undercover within a dangerous criminal organization. The three childhood friends must confront their complicated pasts while working to dismantle a powerful crime syndicate and uncover the truth behind the 8/17 Case.

Who this is for

A good fit for viewers who want a psychological crime thriller with a serial-killer villain and an intense, married lead couple at its centre. Skip it if you want a light romance, dislike love triangles involving an ex, or are bothered by an obsessive, possessive male lead.

Our take

Viewers rate it highly mainly for the lead chemistry and the acting: Jing Boran's stiff-on-the-surface, obsessive criminal psychologist and Zhao Xun's chilling villain are the most praised performances, and Qin Junjie's undercover officer drew a lot of sympathy. The case plot builds carefully toward a strong final confrontation, though some found it generic or wanted more psychological tension. Elvira Cai's heroine is the main point of contention, since her unresolved feelings for her ex frustrate part of the audience while others defend her as realistic. Common minor complaints are a rushed ending and too much focus on the second lead in the final episode.

Pacing & content notes

Reviewers split: some found it bingeable from the start, while others felt the early episodes were average and the middle leans heavily on backstory before the last two episodes deliver the payoff.

Where to watch

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

Cast

Directed by Tian Yi, Liu Hongchao

• Jing Boran as Jiang Hansheng
• Elvira Cai as Zhou Jin
• Qin Junjie as Jiang Cheng

Your Watchlist

Should I watch?

• Assessed as having a strong female lead
• Moves quickly, with little filler
• Modern setting

• May not suit you if you prefer low angst
• There is a love triangle

Story traits

Romance

6 / 10

Angst

8 / 10

Comedy

2 / 10

Pacing

7 / 10

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

Tags

• Drama
• Mystery
• Romance
• Thriller
• Contract marriage
• Hidden identity
• Revenge
• Second chance

Ending

The main couple end together after a tense final showdown; viewers note the second lead's outcome is more bittersweet and the wrap-up a little rushed.

Frequently compared with

• Love Me If You Dare
• Flower of Evil
• The Worst of Evil

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