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Like a Flowing River

2018·Show
119Episodes in3Seasons
83
GreatGoodWatch score

Watch

Not streaming in United States. Where it is:

Like a Flowing River fingerprint

Big heart, strong craft, low-key.

Energy

Calm and low-key

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension5
  • Fast Pace3
  • Adrenaline2

Heart

Nostalgic and moving

Much of it is about family and growing up.

  • Nostalgia9
  • Family Dynamics8
  • Pathos7

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay4
  • Satire & Parody3
  • Situational Comedy2

World

Everyday modern life, society, and class and money

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion9
  • Dialogue Centrality8
  • Rewatchability6

Craft

Standout performances, characters, and direction

  • Acting9
  • Character Depth9
  • Direction8

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition6

Who it's for

AdultsFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You want fast pacing

Find more like it

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.

About

The story of Song Yunhui, Lei Dongbao, and Yang Xun as they take part in China’s economic reform from the 1980s to the 1990s.
Chinese Economic Reform EpicRealistic DramaGenerational NostalgiaClass Mobility StrugglePolitical & Social CommentaryCharacter-Driven NarrativeHistorical Slice-of-LifeInspirational Yet GroundedFamily Dynamics in Transition

Crew

Directed by:
Written by:

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Like a Flowing River

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Like a Flowing River legally?

GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for Like a Flowing River in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.

Is Like a Flowing River worth watching?

83
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 84/100 (IMDb 8.2). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Like a Flowing River rated?

Strong language

Content advisories: strong language.

How many seasons does Like a Flowing River have?

3 seasons

It has 3 seasons with 119 episodes of about 45 minutes each.

Is Like a Flowing River based on a true story?

No. It's adapted from a novel.

When did Like a Flowing River air?

It ran from 2018 to 2024 and has ended.

What language is Like a Flowing River in?

Chinese

It was made in Chinese. Produced in China.

What tropes does Like a Flowing River use?

Obnoxious In-LawsFair-Weather FriendNice Guys Finish LastGentleman and a ScholarIf You Ever Do Anything to Hurt Her...Lethally StupidCool TeacherBook DumbHometown NicknameNoble Male, Roguish MaleFrame-UpFiery Cover-Upand 1 more

TV Tropes lists 13 storytelling tropes for Like a Flowing River, including Obnoxious In-Laws, Fair-Weather Friend, Nice Guys Finish Last.