As the Premiere Approaches, How Dare You!? Surpasses 2.5 Million Reservations and Breaks Records

Kapanlagi.com - Ahead of its premiere, the Chinese drama How Dare You!? has recorded an impressive achievement with a total of 2.5 million reservations on iQiyi and Weibo as of February 4, 2026. This figure also breaks the record for the highest reservations for a costume drama on the respective platforms.

Since its announcement, the Chinese drama How Dare You!? has consistently topped the popularity list of upcoming dramas. This surge in enthusiasm reinforces its position as one of the most anticipated dramas as the Spring Festival holiday comes to an end.

1. Reservation Record and Significant Growth Rate

The Chinese drama How Dare You!? has shown a stable and aggressive growth rate in reservations since the end of 2025. On December 21, 2025, the number of reservations exceeded 1 million and continued to rise rapidly.

Entering January 12, 2026, reservations broke through 1.5 million coinciding with the launch of the interactive feature Peach Bean World. Enthusiasm further intensified on February 2 when the number reached 2 million, coinciding with the release of the official trailer and character posters.

The peak occurred on February 4 when the target of 2.5 million reservations was successfully achieved. This achievement immediately sparked widespread discussion on the internet and solidified the drama's position at the top of preview popularity.

2. An Unusual Time Travel Narrative

How Dare You?! - copyright: weibo.com

One of the main attractions of the Chinese drama How Dare You!? lies in its layered time travel narrative concept. The story follows Wang Cuihua, a modern office worker who enters the world of books as Yu Wanyin, a wicked concubine in the palace.

Interestingly, the tyrant character Xiahou Dan is also a modern immigrant named Zhang San who arrived earlier. The presence of Xie Yong'er as the third immigrant creates a power dynamic akin to a strategic game full of intrigue.

This approach presents palace political conflicts from a fresh perspective. The three-time travel scheme adds a new color rarely found in conventional costume dramas.

3. Anti-Cliché Elements That Resonate with the Audience

How Dare You?! - copyright: weibo.com

The Chinese drama How Dare You!? adopts an anti-cliché approach through touches of the modern work environment. Palace intrigues are analyzed using Excel logic, while secret communications use simple English codes like office chat.

Political discussions are even depicted like work meetings during palace banquets. These details make the conflicts feel relevant and easily understood by urban audiences.

This approach is considered successful in deconstructing the classic power struggle formula. No wonder many viewers refer to this drama as a smart and light entertainment that is close to everyday reality.

4. Suitability of Actors and Main Characters

How Dare You?! - copyright: weibo.com

Wang Churan's performance as Yu Wanyin is the main highlight of the Chinese drama How Dare You!?. Her stunning visuals in a red outfit combined with a modern hardworking character create a strong contrast.

Cheng Lei surprises with a dual role as a palace tyrant and a fragile modern man. His interactions with Wang Churan form a couple that fans dubbed as Fish Ball CP.

The bittersweet chemistry between the two is a crucial factor in the rising public anticipation. Many viewers feel that the compatibility of the actors and characters feels natural since the promotional material was released.

5. Production Strength and IP Expansion

How Dare You?! - copyright: weibo.com

From a production standpoint, the Chinese drama How Dare You!? is supported by director Liu Haibo, known for his attention to detail. The on-location shooting combined with Dunhuang-style costumes and sets enhances the visual quality.

Not only a live-action version, but IP development is also carried out through animation adaptations. The second season of the animated version aired on January 25 and immediately set a viewership record during its premiere.

This synergy creates a two-way attention flow between the animation and the drama. This strategy is considered effective in maintaining popularity momentum leading up to the airing.

6. Marketing Strategy and Fan Response

How Dare You?! - copyright: weibo.com

The marketing strategy for the Chinese drama How Dare You!? is designed to be interactive and different. The Peach Bean World feature allows fans to enhance the popularity of characters through daily activities and virtual rewards.

Creative promotional materials such as diagonal composition posters and meme-filled trailers also help expand the audience reach. The hashtag FishBallCP has even garnered over 300 million views.

On the other hand, fan responses are dominated by positive expectations toward the light comedy tone. Despite concerns about the complexity of the narrative, enthusiasm leading up to the premiere remains high.

(kpl/chn)