The drama Northward premiered on iQIYI on 3 March 2025, generating strong audience reactions. It broke viewership records and trended on social media. On its premiere night, Northward reached a real-time viewership rating of 3.5367%, ranking first in its time slot and setting a record for the highest premiere viewership in two years. Its popularity score has exceeded 7,500, marking a successful debut.
A Compelling Storyline Rooted in History
Northward tells the story of young people from the Grand Canal area as they move to Beijing, then return home to preserve their culture. The series stars acclaimed actors Bai Lu and Ou Hao and received high praise from audiences and critics for its great production quality.
Exceptional Production, Cinematic Excellence
From the beautiful camera work to the storytelling and detailed set designs, Northward sets a high bar for production quality. One viewer said, “It’s not often you find such a well-made drama these days. Every part—direction, writing, camera work, art, and lighting—has put in a lot of hard work. Each scene helps tell the story and pulls viewers into the characters’ journeys.”
The camera work of the show has been especially praised. It strikes a balance between real life and artistic style, capturing the spirit of the time. A memorable moment—the long shot of young Feng Hua and Xiao Siyi moving through tight alleyways—has been noted as an excellent example of skilled filming, showing impressive techniques and depth in the story.
Emotional Resonance and Nostalgic Storytelling
Beyond its visual appeal, Northward resonates emotionally with audiences. Many lines from the show have been humorously labeled by fans as the “soundtrack of a ‘90s childhood,” with nostalgic phrases like, “Why don’t you use that clever mind for studying?” and “Can you last three minutes without talking?” These dialogues have sparked conversations on social media, as viewers remember their childhood experiences. One viewer expressed, “These lines aren’t just words—they feel like reminders of the past, taking me back to my childhood, my parents’ advice, and the joy of growing up.”
Stellar Performances Bring Characters to Life
Leads Bai Lu and Ou Hao have given strong performances, adding realism to their roles. Audiences commend their acting, saying it makes the characters feel authentic and emotionally relatable.
A Rising Phenomenon – Stay Tuned for More
As the story unfolds, Northward builds excitement among viewers. Its strong production, engaging storytelling, and impressive performances make it a likely contender for one of the year’s most discussed series, impacting audiences both at home and abroad.
Catch Northward exclusively on iQIYI (iq.com and the iQIYI app) and embark on an unforgettable journey through time!