Burning (2020)
A gripping Chinese mystery crime series spanning three generations of a forensic family bound by an unsolved case and a relentless search for justice.
Burning - Series Information
- Original Title: 燃烧
- First Air Year: 2020
- Last Air Year: 2020
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Mystery, Crime
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 51
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Networks: Dragon Television 东方卫视
- Alternative Titles: 燃烧的DNA (CN), Burning DNA (US)
- Production Countries: China
Burning - Plot
Grandfather Gao Sihai, a forensic expert, faces wrongful accusations that impact his career and health. His son, Gao Jian, died while investigating an unsolved case, which is now questioned. Gao Feng, the grandson, becomes involved in the case and works to uncover the truth, facing numerous challenges along the way.
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Burning - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Jing Chao
- Karlina Zhang
- Tan Kai
- Xi Meijuan
- Vivian Wu
- Liu Mintao
- Zhang Zhijian
- Feng Lei
- Du Zhiguo
- Michael Tong Chun-Chung
Writers
- Yuxin Chen
Burning - FAQs
What is the central mystery in Burning?
At the heart of Burning lies an unsolved case that destroyed a family across three generations. Forensic expert Gao Sihai was wrongfully accused and his career ruined; his son Gao Jian died while investigating it. Grandson Gao Feng picks up the thread, determined to expose the truth no matter the cost.
Is Burning based on a true story?
Burning is a work of fiction, though it draws on the real-world themes of forensic investigation, wrongful accusations, and institutional justice that resonate deeply in Chinese crime drama. The multi-generational storyline and procedural detail give it a grounded, authentic feel without being tied to any specific real case.
Where can you stream Burning online?
Streaming availability for Burning varies by region. You can check the latest viewing options, including any subscription, rental, or free streaming platforms currently carrying the series, on JustWatch, which tracks real-time availability across all major services in your country.
Who plays the lead role in Burning?
Jing Chao leads the cast as Gao Feng, the determined grandson who takes on the family's unresolved case. He is joined by Karlina Zhang as Xu Jiatong, Tan Kai as Feng Kai, and veteran actress Xi Meijuan as Zhao Yu'e, alongside Vivian Wu and Liu Mintao in key supporting roles.
How many episodes does Burning have?
Burning consists of 51 episodes across its single season, with each episode running approximately 45 minutes. The extended episode count allows the series to develop its multi-generational mystery at a deliberate pace, layering in character backstory, forensic detail, and escalating tension throughout.
What network aired Burning in China?
Burning aired on Dragon Television, also known as 东方卫视, one of China's most prominent satellite television networks based in Shanghai. Dragon Television is well regarded for broadcasting high-production-value drama series, and Burning fits squarely within its tradition of ambitious crime and mystery programming.
What are some shows similar to Burning?
If Burning's blend of forensic investigation and multigenerational mystery appeals to you, consider Talking Bones, The Missing, or Grantchester for similarly layered crime storytelling. Cold Case and Rizzoli & Isles offer comparable procedural depth, while My Perfect Stranger brings a fresh twist to the unsolved-case format.
Who wrote the screenplay for Burning?
The screenplay for Burning was written by Yuxin Chen. Crafting a coherent 51-episode narrative built around forensic science, wrongful accusations, and a decades-old mystery is no small feat, and Chen's writing holds the multi-generational structure together while maintaining suspense across the series' considerable runtime.
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