New Chinese drama Ashes to Crown is set to premiere on YOUKU in China on June 2, 2026, at 12 pm GMT+8. Netflix will be releasing episodes internationally starting June 1, 2026.
The 24-episode historical political romance drama, adapted from the web novel Chu Hou by Xi Xing. It follows a story of rebirth, revenge, and power struggles in ancient China. It stars Chen Duling and Zhou Yiran in the lead roles.
Full release schedule of Ashes to Crown
Ashes to Crown consists of 24 episodes. Each episode will be around 45 minutes long. YOUKU in China will air new episodes daily starting June 2, 2026. Netflix streams it with a daily release schedule in select regions, beginning one day earlier on June 1, 2026.
The series concludes its run later in June 2026. Regional availability on Netflix may vary, but it is confirmed for the US, the UK, Australia, India, France, and Spain.
Here’s the complete release schedule:
Ashes to Crown plot, cast, and more
The story revolves around Chu Zhao, the daughter of a loyal general. She marries for what she believes is love. She ends up betrayed and used as a political pawn by Xiao Xun, the heir of the State of Chu. This leads to the massacre of her clan and her own death.
She is reborn on the eve of her wedding with memories of her past life intact. Now, Chu Zhao decides to take control of her destiny. She steps into the center of political turmoil. Along the way, she meets Xie Yanlai, the illegitimate son of the Xie family. Their encounter changes both of their paths.
Chu Zhao helps Xie Yanlai rise from his position as an imperial guard. Together, they navigate court intrigues, rebellions, and wars. The story includes elements of reincarnation, revenge, governance, and romance in a historical setting.
The main cast includes:
- Chen Duling as Chu Zhao
- Zhou Yiran as Xie Yanlai
- Wang Ruichang as Xiao Xun
- Tang Xiaotian as Xie Yanfang
Supporting cast members include Wu Shile as Chu Tang, Gao Maotong as Deng Yi, and others such as Zhang Shian.
The drama is produced as a YOUKU original. It is licensed to Netflix for international streaming. It falls under genres of historical, political, romance, and fantasy.
Chen Duling has appeared in several dramas, including Till the End of the Moon (2023), Mysterious Lotus Casebook (2023), Fangs of Fortune (2024), and The Glory (2025). She is also known for the film The Left Ear (2015). Her recent drama is Veil of Shadows.
Zhou Yiran is known for When I Fly Towards You (2023), Twelve Letters (2025), and Reborn (2025). He also starred in Falling Into Your Smile (2021) and The Bond (2021).
Watch Ashes to Crown on Netflix on June 1 and on YOUKU on June 2.
Edited by Toshali Kritika
