Chinese TV series ‘The Dark Romance’ premiered on the iQiyi streaming platform on March 31, 2026, drawing attention to pickup artist (PUA) culture and emotional manipulation within urban relationships [1]. The 22-episode thriller focuses on Yan Ling, a single mother and university lecturer, and her boyfriend Luo Liang, a psychologist who secretly leads an underground PUA training network and is a serial abuser [1].
PUA culture originated in the United States during the 1970s as a methodical way for men to seduce women but saw renewed prominence with the internet from the 2000s onward [1]. In China, the term broadly describes manipulative tactics involving constant criticism and alternating cold and warm treatment to isolate victims, used to characterize abuse both personal and professional [1].
‘The Dark Romance’ resonates with viewers partly due to its references to real abusive cases, including the 2020 suicide of Bao Li, a Peking University student who died after suffering abuse from her boyfriend Mou Linhan. That case raised public awareness of domestic abuse in China [1].
Audience response has been strong. As of April 28, 2026, a related hashtag on the Chinese microblogging platform Weibo has amassed over 110 million views [1]. The series holds a 7.8 out of 10 rating on the Chinese review site Douban, reflecting positive viewer reception [1].
The show’s portrayal of emotional manipulation and PUA culture has sparked widespread discussion online. It continues to stream on iQiyi, with all 22 episodes available for viewing [1].