Sparrow (2016)
A gripping Chinese spy drama set in revolutionary Shanghai, where loyalty, deception, and survival collide in the shadows of wartime espionage.
Sparrow - Series Information
- Original Title: 麻雀
- First Air Year: 2016
- Last Air Year: 2016
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, War, Politics
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 45 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 69
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- First Air Date: September 5, 2016 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: Hunan Television
- Alternative Titles: Sparrow (US)
- Production Countries: China
Sparrow - Plot
This drama is set during the revolutionary time in Shanghai, based on a novel of the same name of Hai Fei. During the republican revolution, Chen Shen is a secret agent under Special Operations Executive Director Bi Zhongliang, among the agents called "sparrow" (similar to the program "zero" in Japan)
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Sparrow - Cast & Crew
Writers
- Fei Hai
Main Cast
- Li Yifeng
- Zhou Dongyu
- Zhang Luyi
- Zhang Ruoyun
- Kan Qingzi
- Wang Jinsong
- 郑言
- Chen Guanning
- Zhang Dabao
- Li Honglei
Sparrow - FAQs
What is Sparrow about?
Set in revolutionary Shanghai during the Republican era, Sparrow follows Chen Shen, a covert operative embedded within a powerful Special Operations unit. Torn between duty and conscience, he navigates a treacherous world of espionage, shifting allegiances, and wartime secrets — all while protecting those closest to him.
Is Sparrow based on a true story or novel?
Sparrow is adapted from a novel of the same name by Chinese author Hai Fei. While the story is fictional, it draws on the atmosphere and tensions of Shanghai's Republican-era underground resistance movements, lending the drama a vivid sense of historical authenticity.
Who are the main actors in Sparrow?
The series stars Li Yifeng as the conflicted spy Chen Shen and Zhou Dongyu as Xu Bicheng. The supporting cast includes Zhang Luyi, Zhang Ruoyun, Kan Qingzi, Wang Jinsong, Chen Guanning, Zhang Dabao, and Li Honglei, all delivering compelling performances.
How many episodes does Sparrow have?
Sparrow consists of 69 episodes across a single season, with each episode running approximately 45 minutes. The series aired in full in 2016, offering a lengthy and immersive dive into its world of wartime espionage and political intrigue in Shanghai.
Where can I watch Sparrow online?
Streaming availability for Sparrow varies by region. You can check the latest viewing options — including streaming, rental, and purchase platforms available in your area — on JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date availability across major services.
What makes Sparrow stand out among Chinese spy dramas?
Sparrow blends classic espionage tension with the rich, atmospheric backdrop of 1930s Shanghai. Its strength lies in the moral complexity of its protagonist — a man serving one master while secretly loyal to another — and the chemistry between Li Yifeng and Zhou Dongyu that anchors the emotional core.
What genre is Sparrow?
Sparrow spans several genres — action, adventure, drama, war, and political thriller. It's a layered spy story that combines wartime tension with personal drama, making it appealing to fans of historical espionage narratives as well as character-driven Chinese period dramas.
Are there similar shows to Sparrow worth watching?
If Sparrow appeals to you, consider The Disguiser (2015) and The Mystic Nine (2016) for similar Chinese period drama energy. For broader spy and wartime intrigue, Foyle's War (2002) and The Ministry of Time (2015) offer compelling alternatives with strong historical grounding.
More About Sparrow
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