Record-Breaking Chinese Series 'Celebrating the Years 2' Sparks Viewership Debate and Controversy with Rapid Release Schedule and Unexpected Plot Twists
In the world of Chinese television, there are few phenomena as remarkable as the second season of "Celebrating the Years" (Qing Yu Nian 2). The series, which made its debut just a few days ago, has already broken viewership records and sparked a flurry of reactions on Weibo, China's popular social media platform. Yet, amidst this success, the show's rapid release schedule has also become a subject of controversy. According to Duve's post, the series has garnered an impressive 115,955,000 views in just two days, with 25,645,000 views on the first day alone. These numbers are noteworthy, especially considering that the entire 36-episode series is expected to conclude within the same month. This swift release strategy, often referred to as "marathon broadcasting," is a common practice in China, particularly for online platforms like iQIYI and Tencent Video. The rapid release schedule has been a topic of discussion among netizens. User 'Gy @戏精林克' commented, "According to the data, the series is taking the top spot in viewership.

18 May 2024
However, I round up the numbers following the 'round half up' rule, and it's still a remarkable achievement." However, not everyone is thrilled about the fast-paced release. User 'LR-局外人' expressed their frustration, saying, "It's only been a few days, and they're already talking about the series finale. I also heard rumors about a third season. If they keep this up, we'll have to wait a few more years." Another user, 'IC ky.tive', questioned the strategy, saying, "Is it necessary to release episodes so quickly? If they just followed a regular schedule, it would be more manageable.
Now, the pirated versions are keeping up just fine." The controversy extends beyond the release schedule. The show's plot has also been a subject of discussion. The series is known for its complex political intrigue and dramatic character arcs. However, it has been the romantic subplot between the Crown Prince Li Congrang and his aunt, the Princess Li Yunrui, that has caught the attention of viewers. User '七只猫Seven' shared their thoughts on the matter, saying, "The Crown Prince secretly drawing portraits of a faceless beauty turns out to be his own Aunt, Princess Li Yunrui.
This is quite a twist, isn't it? The imperial court of the Qing Dynasty has been hiding a 'hydra' - a dangerous secret. The Crown Prince, who always appears to be helping others, is actually cunning and ruthless behind the scenes. He even secretly draws lewd pictures to relieve his longing for his Aunt. When the Queen finds these pictures, she confronts him, causing him to panic." This revelation has sparked a mix of reactions from viewers. Some find it intriguing, while others criticize it for being inappropriate.
Despite the controversy, the series continues to dominate the viewership charts. In a related development, the Chinese entertainment industry is mourning the loss of veteran actor Piao Junxiang, who passed away at the age of 63. Piao was known for his roles in popular series like "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber" and "The Deer and the Cauldron." His passing has been met with an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues alike. In conclusion, the second season of "Celebrating the Years" has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions and controversies. While the rapid release schedule and the unexpected plot twists have sparked debates among viewers, the series' success is undeniable. As the series nears its conclusion, it remains to be seen how these controversies will impact its legacy.

