Stray Birds (2021)
A Chinese youth drama about ambitious young adults challenging social labels as they navigate love, rivalry, and self-discovery in a competitive workplace.
Stray Birds - Series Information
- Original Title: 飞鸟集
- First Air Year: 2021
- Last Air Year: 2021
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 45 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 40
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Networks: Mango TV, Tencent Video
- Alternative Titles: Stray Birds (CN), FNJ (KR)
- Production Countries: China
Stray Birds - Plot
A youth inspirational drama about the struggles, love, life, and friendship among a group of rich and passionate young adults who try their best to change the pejorative label they've been given by China's society (rich second generation) into a positive one (new second generation). Graduate student Wu Yue, rich second-generation Lin Shaoting and Su Xiao Man participated in a large scale job fair and won NBI (IT company)'s internship qualification. Entering workplace, they face many challenges in a competitive environment and complex interpersonal relationships. As they work to prove their abilities, they also face pressure and test of love and friendship.
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Stray Birds - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Xu Lu
- Gao Zhiting
- Wen Sheng
- Wu Yue
- Tse Kwan-Ho
- Anson Qiu
- Lin Jing
- Cheng Zi
- Jill Hsu
Stray Birds - FAQs
What is Stray Birds about?
Stray Birds follows a group of passionate young adults — including a graduate student and wealthy second-generation peers — who land internships at a major IT company. Together they navigate cutthroat workplace competition, complex relationships, and the personal drive to shed society's labels and forge their own identities.
Who are the main actors in Stray Birds?
The series stars Xu Lu as Su Xiaoman, Gao Zhiting as Wu Yue, and Anson Qiu as Lin Shaoting in the central trio. Supporting roles are filled by Wen Sheng, Wu Yue, Tse Kwan-Ho, Lin Jing, Cheng Zi, and Jill Hsu, rounding out a vibrant ensemble cast.
What does "new second generation" mean in Stray Birds?
In Chinese society, "rich second generation" (富二代) is a dismissive label for wealthy young people seen as privileged and undeserving. Stray Birds centers on characters who reject that stigma and strive to earn the title "new second generation" — proving themselves through hard work, talent, and genuine ambition.
How many episodes does Stray Birds have?
Stray Birds consists of 40 episodes across a single season, with each episode running approximately 45 minutes. The full season aired in 2021 on Mango TV and Tencent Video.
Where can you watch Stray Birds online?
Stray Birds originally aired on Mango TV and Tencent Video in China. Availability outside mainland China may vary by region and platform. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming options available in your country.
What language is Stray Birds in?
Stray Birds is a Mandarin-language series. The original production language is Chinese, and the show was produced in China for domestic and international Chinese-speaking audiences.
Is Stray Birds similar to other youth workplace dramas?
Fans of youth ensemble dramas may also enjoy Maxton Hall – The World Between Us, Ballers, or Downton Abbey for their blend of ambition, social class dynamics, and interpersonal drama. For coming-of-age workplace stories, SkyMed and Genera+ion offer similarly character-driven narratives.
What network airs Stray Birds in China?
Stray Birds aired on two of China's major streaming platforms: Mango TV and Tencent Video. Both platforms are leading digital broadcasters in China, known for hosting a wide range of youth-oriented dramas and entertainment content.
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