“Overdo” Met with Negative Reviews Upon Premiere

Overdo (这一秒过火) has sparked polarizing reactions with its premiere, from its AI-generated opening sequence to its cinematography, which many say resembles a “short drama” rather than a highly-anticipated project starring popular actors Zhang Linghe and Wang Churan.

Given that this is Zhang Linghe’s first drama to air following the global success of Pursuit of Jade, expectations were especially high. Several scenes, like one where Zhang Linghe carries Wang Churan in his arms had generated excitement when the cast was filming due to fan-taken photos. However, director Yi Jun is now being criticized as many feel the final product pales in comparison. The lighting, dramatic background music, and scene edits were was said to make the show look and feel similar to a low-budget vertical drama. Even the one line of dialogue, “She came back to life. I went crazy,” was mocked. It didn’t help that many were also immediately put off by Overdo’s opening credits generated using AI, a move that has become increasingly common in dramas but remains controversial.

Nevertheless, some argue that much of the negative buzz comes from viewers judging the drama before even watching it. Based on a novel by popular author Fei Wo Si Cun, Overdo cruises through a whole lot from fake death to revenge and a forbidden romance. After all, the male lead, who has a tragic backstory no less, is reunited with the love of his life on the day she is engaged to his older brother! It may or may not be everyone cup of tea, but the general consensus is that Zhang Linghe and Wang Churan remain the drama’s biggest draw. Thus far, it hit 7500 heat index on iQIYI and 24000 on Tencent for its first day of premiere.