If the first half of 2026 was all about Pursuit of Jade in terms of period drama buzz, then the second half of 2026 is likely going to be won by Against the Current. The period drama from Tencent starring Tan Song Yun and Liu Xue Yi has owned the month of September and is breaking records within its platform, heading into the finale this weekend it’s current the third highest buzz Tencent drama of all time, recently surpassing Lost You Forever season 1 and Love Like the Galaxy. The drama has netted strong comparisons to The Story of Minglan and The Sword and the Brocade but with more revenge and action. The opening Douban ratings this week of 7.5 is very strong but may dip after as the view seems to be the drama started off much stronger and has dipped in plot and execution in the second half which is always a concern that the ending will fall flat. With the drama ending this may be a great time for a full marathon and decide if this is your fictional Ming dynasty household and royal court politics cup of tea.