Synopsis
“The First Frost” (Chinese: 难哄) is a 2025 Chinese romantic drama series that has captivated audiences worldwide. Adapted from the novel by Zhu Yi, the story follows the reunion of two former high school classmates, Wen Yifan and Sang Yan, who unexpectedly become housemates. As they navigate their complex past and present, the series delves into themes of love, personal growth, and the intricacies of relationships.

Key Details
Original Title: 难哄 (Nán Hǒng)
Also Known As: First Frost, Eternal Love, Hard to Deceive, Hard to Coax
Genre: Romance, Life, Youth, Drama
Original Release Date: February 18, 2025
Number of Episodes: 32
Runtime per Episode: Approximately 45 minutes
Streaming Platforms: Youku and Netflix
Production Companies: Wajijiwa, Youku Information Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., and Hunan Galaxy Cool Entertainment Culture Media Co. Ltd.
Director: Chu Yu Ning
Screenwriter: Chu Yu Ning
Original Novel: The First Frost by Zhu Yi
Music: The theme song “Willful” by Mayday and the ending song “It’s You” by Li Yuchun have been well-received.
Filming Locations: Hong Kong, Chongqing, China
Cast and Crew
Wen Yifan – Zhang Ruonan: A dedicated reporter who reconnects with her former high school crush, Sang Yan.
Sang Yan – Bai Jingting: A successful individual with a mysterious past, who becomes Wen Yifan’s housemate.
Supporting Cast: The series features a talented ensemble, including notable performances by Edward Chen and
Zhang Miao Yi, who add depth and complexity to the narrative.
Director: Chu Yu Ning brings a nuanced vision to the series, skillfully adapting the novel’s themes for the screen.
Ratings of The First Frost
MyDramaList: The series holds an impressive rating of 8.8 out of 10, based on over 1,900 user ratings.
IMDb: On IMDb, The First Frost has received a rating of 8.5 out of 10, reflecting strong audience approval.
Conclusion
The First Frost offers a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of love and personal growth. With strong performances from its cast and a well-adapted storyline, it stands out as a must-watch for fans of romantic dramas. Whether you’re a fan of Hidden Love or new to the series, The First Frost provides a fresh and engaging perspective on familiar characters.
Yes, The First Frost serves as a complementary work to Hidden Love. Hidden Love centers on Sang Yan’s younger sister, Sang Zhi, whereas The First Frost focuses on Sang Yan, expanding the narrative within the same universe.
The series features 32 episodes, with each episode running for about 45 minutes. It debuted on February 18, 2025, and can be streamed globally on Youku and Netflix.
The First Frost is a Chinese romantic drama that tells the story of high school friends Wen Yifan and Sang Yan reuniting after six years. Their unexpected living situation forces them to face lingering emotions and past wounds, delving into the intricacies of love and the journey of healing.
The series stars:
Bai Jingting as Sang Yan
Zhang Ruonan as Wen Yifan
Supporting roles include Edward Chen, Zhang Miaoyi, Yuan Ye, Zhai Xiaowen, and Liu Chutian.
The First Frost is available for streaming on Youku and Netflix worldwide.