Synopsis
Urban psychological thriller, directed by Xue Xiaolu, starring Sun Li and Wu Kangren. It tells the story of single mother Yan Ling, who falls into an emotional manipulation trap while investigating the truth behind her best friend's suicide, ultimately awakening and regaining a new life. Douban rating: 7.9.
Overview
"Dangerous Liaisons" is a 2026 Chinese mainland urban psychological suspense drama directed by Xue Xiaolu, starring Sun Li and Wu Kangren. The drama premiered on March 31, 2026, on Beijing TV, Dragon TV, Jiangsu TV, and iQiyi. It holds a Douban rating of 7.9, ranking TOP 1 among domestic urban romance dramas in 2026.
This drama is the first original series in China to focus on the topic of emotional manipulation (PUA). It opened with a Weibo rating of 9.0.
Synopsis
Single mother Yan Ling (played by Sun Li) is a university lecturer. After suffering the dual blows of a student's arson and a close friend's suicide, she encounters the gentle and caring psychiatrist Luo Liang (played by Wu Kangren) while investigating the mysterious suicide of her best friend, Jian Leilei.
However, Yan Ling gradually discovers she has fallen into an emotional manipulation (PUA) trap. Amidst the entanglement of love and hate, she ultimately awakens and reclaims her life.
| Character | Actor | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Yan Ling | Sun Li | Female lead, single mother, university lecturer |
| Luo Liang | Wu Kangren | Male lead, psychiatrist |
| Jian Leilei | — | Yan Ling's best friend, mysteriously commits suicide |
| Xu Feng | — | Important character |
Production Highlights
The drama is directed by Xue Xiaolu, known for previous works like "Finding Mr. Right." Filming locations included Jinguan Village in Zhejiang and Hongkou District, Qingpu District in Shanghai, leveraging the visual contrast between ancient architectural complexes and the modern city.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date | March 31, 2026 |
| Number of Episodes | 22 episodes |
| Broadcasting Platforms | Beijing TV, Dragon TV, Jiangsu TV, iQiyi |
| Douban Rating | 7.9 |
| Weibo Rating | 9.0 |
Reception
Reception for "Dangerous Liaisons" was divided after its premiere. Some viewers praised the drama for its boldness, clearly depicting the emotional dilemmas women face at various life stages. Wu Kangren's portrayal of a psychologically twisted psychiatrist sparked heated discussion.
Some viewers also questioned Sun Li's acting skills, finding her performance lacking. However, overall, the Douban rating gradually rose from an initial 7.7 to 7.9, indicating a positive trend in word-of-mouth.
Social Significance
As the first domestic drama to focus on emotional manipulation, "Dangerous Liaisons" exposes the most hidden wound in contemporary intimate relationships—psychological control. The drama carries strong significance for real-world reflection, helping viewers identify and guard against PUA behavior.
References
- Douban Drama: Dangerous Liaisons (7.9)
- Baidu Baike: Dangerous Liaisons
- Sina News: Dangerous Liaisons Douban Opens at 7.7
- NetEase: Dangerous Liaisons Word-of-Mouth
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