Draw the Line (2022)

A compelling Chinese legal drama tracing three generations of judges as they confront justice, morality, and the enduring human weight of the law.

Draw the Line - Series Information

  • Original Title: 底线
  • First Air Year: 2022
  • Last Air Year: 2022
  • Created by: Liu Guotong
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Drama
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
  • Number of Seasons: 1
  • Number of Episodes: 40
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: Chinese
  • Spoken Languages: Mandarin
  • Networks: Hunan Television, iQiyi, Mango TV
  • Alternative Titles: Draw The Line (CN)
  • Production Countries: China

Draw the Line - Plot

Three generations of judges—mentor Zhang Weimin, his apprentices Fang Yuan and Song Yufei, and Fang Yuan's protégé Zhou Yi'an—navigate shifting roles in China's courts. When young Supreme Court cadre Ye Xin arrives, their intertwined journeys highlight the challenges of justice, morality, and humanity while upholding the tradition of guidance and dedication to the law.

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Draw the Line - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Liu Guotong

Main Cast

  • Jin Dong
  • Cheng Yi
  • Cai Wenjing
  • Wang Xiuzhu
  • Zeng Mengxue
  • Kaavie Wong
  • Wang Yinan
  • Zhao Ziqi
  • Wang Shasha
  • Wu Yang

Writers

  • Li Xiaoliang
  • Fei Huijun

Draw the Line - FAQs

Is Draw the Line based on a true story?

Draw the Line is not based on a single true story, but it draws heavily from real cases and authentic courtroom experiences in China's judicial system. The creators consulted with actual judges and legal professionals to ensure the procedural details, ethical dilemmas, and human stories portrayed on screen reflect genuine realities of the Chinese courts.

Who are the main actors in Draw the Line?

The series stars Jin Dong as senior judge Fang Yuan and Cheng Yi as his protégé Zhou Yi'an, with Cai Wenjing playing Supreme Court cadre Ye Xin and Wang Xiuzhu as judge Song Yufei. The ensemble cast also includes Zeng Mengxue, Kaavie Wong, Wang Yinan, Zhao Ziqi, Wang Shasha, and Wu Yang.

What is Draw the Line about?

Draw the Line follows three generations of judges in China's courts — veteran Zhang Weimin, his apprentices Fang Yuan and Song Yufei, and rising talent Zhou Yi'an. When Supreme Court cadre Ye Xin joins their world, the series explores how each generation wrestles with justice, moral complexity, and the enduring human cost of the law.

Where can you watch Draw the Line online?

Draw the Line originally aired on Hunan Television and streamed on iQiyi and Mango TV in China. Availability outside China may vary by region. Check your local streaming services or visit JustWatch to compare current viewing options available in your area.

How was Draw the Line received by critics and audiences?

Draw the Line earned strong praise in China for its grounded portrayal of the judicial system and its emotionally resonant storytelling. Viewers and critics alike highlighted Jin Dong's commanding performance and the series' rare willingness to tackle thorny legal and social issues with nuance rather than easy answers.

Why does Draw the Line focus on mentorship between judges?

Mentorship sits at the heart of Draw the Line because the series frames the law as a living tradition passed from one generation to the next. By tracing the bonds between mentor Zhang Weimin, his apprentices, and their own students, the show argues that integrity in the courtroom is taught as much as it is legislated.

What are some shows similar to Draw the Line?

If Draw the Line appeals to you, consider exploring All Rise, Reasonable Doubt, or Conviction for more courtroom drama with moral depth. For Chinese period and political drama with similarly rich ensemble casts, Ming Dynasty in 1566 and The Rise of Phoenixes are highly regarded picks worth adding to your watchlist.

Who created and wrote Draw the Line?

Draw the Line was created by Liu Guotong and written by Li Xiaoliang and Fei Huijun. The writing team's close collaboration with legal professionals gave the series its distinctive authenticity, grounding each courtroom scene and character decision in the procedural and ethical realities of China's contemporary judicial system.

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