The First Half of My Life (2017)
A sweeping Chinese drama about divorce, reinvention, and the courage it takes to start over — adapted from Yi Shu's beloved novel.
The First Half of My Life - Series Information
- Original Title: 我的前半生
- First Air Year: 2017
- Last Air Year: 2017
- Created by: Shen Yan, Yi Shu
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Soap
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 45 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 42
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Networks: Dragon Television 东方卫视
- Production Countries: China
- Alternative Titles: The First Half Of My Life (CN), 我的前半生 (TW)
The First Half of My Life - Plot
A group of city dwellers who have to make choices about love and career. Based on Hong Kong novelist Yi Shu's novel of the same name.
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The First Half of My Life - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Shen Yan
- Yi Shu
Main Cast
- Ma Yili
- Jin Dong
- Yuan Quan
- Lei Jiayin
- Wu Yue
- Zhang Lingxin
- Chen Daoming
- Luan Yuanhui
- Xu Di
- Hou Yansong
Writers
- Qin Wen
The First Half of My Life - FAQs
What is The First Half of My Life about?
The series follows a group of urban Chinese professionals navigating the crossroads of love and career. At its heart is Luo Zijun, a comfortable housewife whose world unravels after her husband asks for a divorce, forcing her to rediscover herself and rebuild her life from scratch.
Is The First Half of My Life based on a true story?
Not a true story, but rooted in a celebrated novel. The series adapts Hong Kong author Yi Shu's novel of the same name, a beloved work of contemporary Chinese fiction. The story resonates with many viewers because of its honest portrayal of marriage, divorce, and personal reinvention in modern urban life.
Who are the main actors in The First Half of My Life?
The series stars Ma Yili as Luo Zijun and Jin Dong as He Han, with Yuan Quan, Lei Jiayin, Wu Yue, Zhang Lingxin, and the veteran Chen Daoming rounding out the principal cast. Their performances drew widespread praise and helped make the show a major hit across China.
Did Ma Yili win awards for this series?
Ma Yili's portrayal of Luo Zijun earned her significant recognition, including a Best Actress win at the Shanghai Television Festival. Her nuanced performance — capturing a woman's painful transformation from dependency to independence — became one of the most talked-about acting turns in Chinese television that year.
Why did The First Half of My Life spark controversy?
The show sparked heated debate online over the relationship between Luo Zijun and her best friend Tang Jing's boyfriend He Han. Many viewers felt the storyline crossed an ethical line, while others defended it as a realistic portrayal of complicated human feelings. The debate kept the series trending throughout its run.
How many episodes does The First Half of My Life have?
The series runs for 42 episodes across a single season, with each episode averaging around 45 minutes. It aired in 2017 on Dragon Television and became one of the most-watched Chinese dramas of that year, drawing enormous ratings and sustained online discussion.
Where can I watch The First Half of My Life?
Streaming availability varies by region. You can check current viewing options — including subscription streaming, rental, and purchase platforms available in your area — on JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date listings across all major services.
Are there shows similar to The First Half of My Life?
If you enjoyed this series, In Time with You (2011) and Awakening Age (2021) offer similarly emotionally rich storytelling. The Return (2013) also explores themes of personal reinvention and relationship drama in a compelling way. All three are worth exploring for fans of character-driven Chinese and Asian dramas.
More About The First Half of My Life
Explore further details about the series on these authoritative resources.