Fans Demand Refunds as Chinese TV Drama 'Rush into the Danger Zone' Faces Broadcast Delays
A controversy has erupted in the Chinese entertainment scene surrounding the delayed broadcast of a highly anticipated television drama, "赴山海" (Ru Shan Hai), starring Chinese actor Cheng Yi. The show's delay has sparked heated discussions and demands from fans, who are requesting refunds. The drama, which was initially expected to air, has been postponed, leaving fans frustrated and disappointed. This incident has not only affected the viewers but also raised concerns about the impact of such delays on the careers of rising stars like Cheng Yi, who has been without a new drama for two years, despite the success of his previous work, "莲花楼" (Lian Hua Lou).
5 June 2025
The highly anticipated Chinese television drama "赴山海" (Rush into the Danger Zone) has been plagued by delays due to previous controversies, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its broadcast. Viewers have been vocal about their desire for the platform to provide a definitive release date, with many taking to social media to express their frustration and disappointment. Under the hashtags #赴山海早日播出众望所归# (Rush into the Danger Zone, please broadcast as soon as possible) and #赴山海早日定档# (Rush into the Danger Zone, please schedule the broadcast as soon as possible), fans have been calling for the platform to prioritize the show's release, citing their love for the series and its cast.
At the core of their demands is a desire for the platform to acknowledge and respect their enthusiasm, providing a clear broadcast schedule so they can finally watch the show. With many fans having already waited for a significant amount of time, the repeated delays have led to a sense of discontent, prompting some to request refunds, as reflected in the hashtag #赴山海排播失约网友要求退款# (Rush into the Danger Zone, netizens demand refunds due to broadcast delays). The situation has sparked a heated discussion among fans, with many expressing their hope that the platforms involved will prioritize their reputation and credibility by providing a timely and satisfactory resolution.
Netizens have taken to social media to express their discontent and disappointment over the delay in the broadcast of "赴山海". They have been eagerly awaiting the series and were prepared to show their support through various means, including watching the show, purchasing related merchandise, and participating in special fan events. The netizens are now calling on the platforms involved, such as iQIYI and Tencent Video, as well as the production companies, to honor their commitments and provide a clear and timely broadcast schedule. They believe that the platforms should prioritize the audience's expectations and maintain their credibility by keeping their promises.
According to a lawyer, Zhao Liangshan, if the platform had explicitly stated that the fan's purchase of "diamonds" (a virtual currency) was only for watching the drama, and the consumer made the purchase based on this understanding, then the platform should take responsibility for not airing the drama as scheduled. However, if the "diamonds" can be used for various services on the platform, and there was no explicit agreement that they were specifically for watching "赴山海", then the consumer's request for a refund may not be supported by law.
Zhao Liangshan also pointed out that the platform's statement "no refund without reason" on the recharge page is a format clause, which may be considered invalid if the platform did not prominently inform the consumer of this clause or if it unfairly limits the consumer's rights. If the platform can prove that this clause was clearly stated and the consumer was aware of it, and the recharge of "diamonds" was for a specific service, then this clause may be valid. However, if the platform failed to inform the consumer of this clause or if it unfairly burdens the consumer, then the consumer may consider this clause as an unfair contract term.

Some fans have already spent thousands of yuan on "diamonds" in anticipation of the drama's release, only to be told that the drama will not be aired in the near future. They are now demanding refunds, citing the platform's failure to deliver on its promise. The incident has sparked a discussion about fan rights and the responsibility of content platforms to prioritize their viewers' needs. Fans feel that their anticipation and investment in a show should be valued, and their feedback should be taken into consideration.
Moving forward, it's essential for platforms and production teams to adopt a more transparent and responsive approach to managing fan expectations. This could involve clearer communication about production schedules, more engaging pre-release content, and mechanisms for feedback that demonstrate a genuine intent to listen and adapt to the audience's demands. By prioritizing transparency, engagement, and fan satisfaction, the entertainment industry can work towards building stronger, more resilient relationships with its audience, ultimately enriching the experience for both parties involved. The situation serves as a catalyst for reevaluating the dynamics between content creators, distributors, and their audiences.
The incident has prompted reflection on the broadcast of TV dramas and fan rights, with netizens hoping to soon see the long-awaited works and believing that platforms should place greater emphasis on audience needs and feedback. The lawyer, Zhao Liangshan, suggests that consumers should negotiate with the platform and gather evidence to prove the platform's breach of contract, and if necessary, take legal action to protect their rights. The fans' demand is simple: they want the platform to broadcast the drama as promised, without further delay, and to respect their enthusiasm and investment in the show.