Dear Parents (TV series)

Dear Parents (Chinese: 親愛的爸媽) is a Chinese period family drama television series that premiered on Beijing Satellite Television on August 10, 2021. Directed by Shi Chengye and Wang Ruixin, written by Ulannuorisong and Li Xiang, and starring Yan Ni, Wang Yanzhui, Zhang Yijie, and Zhai Xiaowen. The series airs simultaneously on Tencent Video and iQIYI.

The series centers on a blended family, telling the story of Liu Biyun and Jiang Tianhuai, a remarried couple who return to the city after the end of the Cultural Revolution, bringing their children from previous relationships together. The two not only face various challenges in their careers, but also struggle with family conflicts arising from their children's vastly different personalities.

The original soundtrack was released in August 2021.

This drama marks Yan Ni's first attempt at portraying a Peking Opera performer. Her opera costume garnered widespread audience attention upon its release. To deeply interpret the role, Yan Ni extensively researched video materials of renowned Peking Opera artists such as Zhang Huoding, Chi Xiaoquiu, and Cheng Yanqiu, carefully imitating the daily mannerisms of opera performers. She invested all her passion and energy, striving to perfectly embody the character and present audiences with an authentic and moving portrayal of a Peking Opera artist.

Dear Parents skillfully incorporates classical elements of traditional family dramas. In this work, Liu Biyun appears as a typical "tiger mom," setting strict standards for her children and engaging in stern discipline when they misbehave. Conversely, Jiang Tianhuai takes on the role of the "cat dad," not only attending cram school in place of malingering Jiang Lin, but also bringing warm soup to the ill Li Bing. In his leisure time, he befriends Jiang Lin and Li Bing, taking them fishing at the forestry station. This relaxed and heartwarming narrative design not only feels intimate to audiences but deeply touches viewers' emotions, sparking strong resonance.

On July 28, 2020, the period family drama Dear Parents began production in Beijing, starring Yan Ni, Wang Yanzhui, Zhang Yijie, and Zhai Xiaowen. Directors Shi Chengye and Wang Ruixin, along with the main cast and crew, made appearances at the opening ceremony.

On November 14, the drama completed filming. Lead actress Yan Ni, collaborating with Wang Yanzhui for the first time in this production, portrayed a remarried couple navigating four decades of emotional history.

• Producers: Gong Yu, Yu Junsheng, Sun Zhonghuai, Zeng Maojun
• Chief Producers: Yin Xianjin, Yang Bei, Fang Fang
• Supervisors: Wang Xiaohui, Han Zhijie, Zhu Liqing
• Cinematography: Sun Peihao
• Music: Liu Sijun
• Editing: Li Haode
• Art Direction: Feng Zhiyuan
• Costume Design: Fu Zhenfang
• Makeup Design: Hou Tao
• Lighting: Sun Hongliang

• Wanda Film & Television Media Co., Ltd
• Huoerguosi New Media Chengpin Culture Media Co., Ltd
• Beijing Chuanna Yinxiang Culture Co., Ltd

• Beijing Radio and Television Station
• Beijing iQIYI Technology Co., Ltd
• Tencent Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd

On the day Wang Yanzhui's scenes wrapped, it was already past 2 a.m. Every child was reluctant to see him go, so we sat on a sofa together chatting, with each person sharing their innermost feelings.

Yan Ni and Zhai Xiaowen's mother-son bond on screen is profound. In one scene, Liu Biyun prepares a birthday cake for Li Bing. Though moved, Li Bing avoids her gaze, fearing his father's displeasure. After filming, Zhai Xiaowen was so moved he wept, sending Yan Ni a WeChat message of thanks. Yan Ni warmly responded, encouraging him to continue pursuing truth, goodness, and beauty together.

This was Yan Ni's first time portraying a Peking Opera performer. Despite starting from zero, she put in considerable effort, not only consulting with Peking Opera instructors but also maintaining strict standards in her daily life, carefully controlling her speech patterns and physical movements.

Before filming, Yan Ni spent time watching videos of renowned Peking Opera masters and studying related materials. She also specially consulted with actor Wang Xueqi for guidance.

In August 2021, the drama released a "Family Dinner" poster. On August 9, it released a trailer and announced its premiere date. On August 10, it released opening character posters.

Dear Parents aired for four weeks on Beijing Satellite Television with steadily increasing viewership. In its final week, it averaged a 0.761% rating per episode, ranking 4th among provincial satellite TV prime-time dramas in single-channel viewership, showing a 35.9% increase from its opening week.

Jinwan Daily commented that the drama combines narrative with traditional cultural elements, exemplifying creative innovation while encouraging younger audiences to appreciate the importance of cultural preservation. Both the mentor-student relationships between Liu Biyun and Li Qingshan, and between Ouyang Hong and Liu Biyun, convey the transmission of culture and spirit between generations.

Xinhuanet noted that Dear Parents depicts the struggles of previous generations while showcasing their wisdom in handling life and emotional challenges. The drama transcends conventional family drama conventions, exploring the complex relationships, marriage philosophies, and educational values within blended families. The everyday warmth of the Jiang household resonates deeply with many viewers.^[5]

The drama was nominated for the 2021 Weibo Television Drama Awards in the "Period Drama" category.^[6] It was also nominated for the third "Global Rong PING Plan" event featuring works embodying "Era Melody and Family Values."^[7]