What We Know About Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty Season 4 (and the Expanding Universe)

Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty 3: To Chang’an 唐朝诡事录3 ended its run with a Douban high of 8.1, marking yet another successful season for the franchise. It’s pretty rare in C-dramaland, given that it’s been using a true seasonal format that brings back the same cast and crew each time. It’s genius how the show weaves complex cases with history and character growth in a way that makes everyone feel alive.

On the emotional front, we’ve got Lu Lingfeng (Yang Xuwen) and Pei Xijun (Gao Siwen), though that “knight in shining armor” rescue moment had some people questioning the logic. Why would they even send Xijun to do recon work, which is exactly what got her captured? But, well, we did get a badass Lingfeng out of it. And of course, the Crown Princess’ reveal of her son’s royal identity has everyone talking.

Strange Tales of Dynasty Season 4, Season 5 and Beyond

As for when the next seasons will premiere: in an interview, Yang Zhigang revealed that Season 4 has already finished filming, and the cast nodded in unison to confirm it. When asked if it’s the “short drama” version, Yang Zhigang called it the “middle drama.” He also explained how there’ll be vertical ones (also known as short dramas) and a horizontal one, all part of the plan to build a Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty universe that he hopes will keep snowballing, bigger and bigger.

Strange Chronicles of Tang 唐诡奇谭 had previously been announced without “Season 4” in the title. Whether that’s because the number 4 is unlucky, or because it’s not considered a standard season since it’s a shorter format that is said to be a continuation of a few cases that should’ve been in Season 3, we can’t know for sure until it airs. Word on the street is that it might come out in December. Director Guo Jingyu previously said the goal was for it to air around Christmas or New Year.

So far, we know of two vertical dramas: Strange Chronicles of Tang: The Chang’an Detective and Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty: The Nine Tiered Labyrinth, mostly with a new cast except the latter brings back Su Wuming (Yang Zhigang) and Xijun (Gao Siwen).

Meanwhile, fans are already urging the team to hurry and start shooting season 5 with the original cast. It’s said to be titled Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty: Shu Road 唐朝诡事录之蜀道, suggesting that the whole team will once again be “sent out” on some distant mission.