The Heart (2023)
A Chinese medical drama where clashing philosophies between two doctors reveal the human cost of healing.
The Heart - Series Information
- Original Title: 问心
- First Air Year: 2023
- Last Air Year: 2023
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 39
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- First Air Date: October 7, 2023 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: CCTV-8, Tencent Video
- Alternative Titles: 死者之书 (CN), The Heart 2 (US)
- Production Countries: China
The Heart - Plot
Xiao Feng is the Deputy Chief Physician of the Cardiology Department at Dongli Hospital. He is introverted and strict. He becomes work partners with the impulsive doctor Lin Yi, yet friction arises due to the differences in their medical beliefs. Meanwhile, Xiao Feng's younger sister also gets a job working as a doctor at the Intensive Care Unit.
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The Heart - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Mark Chao
- Mao Xiaotong
- Jin Shijia
- Chen Haoyu
- Yutong Zhao
- Jin Shikang
- Joan Chen
- Liao Xueqiu
Writers
- Zhou Yifei
Executive Producers
- Wang Juan
The Heart - FAQs
What is The Heart Chinese drama about?
The Heart centers on Zhou Xiaofeng, a reserved and exacting deputy chief physician in cardiology, who is paired with the headstrong Dr. Lin Yi. Their contrasting medical philosophies create constant friction, while Xiaofeng's younger sister navigates her own path in the hospital's Intensive Care Unit.
Who plays the lead role in The Heart?
Mark Chao leads the cast as Zhou Xiaofeng, the introverted and disciplined cardiology deputy chief. He is joined by Mao Xiaotong as Fang Xiaoran, Jin Shijia as the impulsive Dr. Lin Yi, and veteran actress Joan Chen as Fang Zhuqing, among other strong supporting performances.
Where can you stream The Heart series?
You can find streaming and viewing options for The Heart on JustWatch, which lists all available platforms in your region. The series originally aired on CCTV-8 and Tencent Video in China, so availability on international platforms may vary depending on your location.
Is The Heart based on a true story?
The Heart is not based on a single true story, but its portrayal of hospital life, ethical dilemmas, and the pressures facing medical professionals draws from the real experiences common in Chinese healthcare settings. The drama aims for authenticity in depicting cardiology and intensive care environments.
How many seasons and episodes does The Heart have?
The Heart currently spans 2 seasons with a total of 39 episodes. Season 1 is the main run with 38 episodes, while Season 2 adds one additional episode. The series premiered on October 7, 2023, and is listed as a returning series with production still ongoing.
Is The Heart worth watching for medical drama fans?
For fans of character-driven medical dramas, The Heart delivers a compelling mix of professional rivalry and personal stakes. The dynamic between the methodical Zhou Xiaofeng and the impulsive Lin Yi keeps the tension alive, while the ensemble cast — including Joan Chen — adds considerable depth and credibility to the story.
What are shows similar to The Heart?
If you enjoy The Heart, you might also like You Are My Hero, Breath of Destiny, and Still Me for comparable Chinese medical drama experiences. For broader medical drama viewing, House, The Resident, and Good Sam offer engaging doctor-focused storytelling across different cultural and tonal registers.
Who wrote the screenplay for The Heart?
The Heart was written by Zhou Yifei, whose screenplay crafts the central conflict between two doctors with fundamentally different approaches to medicine. The series was executive produced by Wang Juan, and it aired on CCTV-8 and Tencent Video, two of China's most prominent broadcasting platforms.
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