Picture Credit: Netflix
One of Netflix’s most ambitious and expensive Chinese-language productions to date is finally on the horizon. After years of production hurdles and a heavy special-effects cycle, Agent from Above is officially set to land on Netflix in Q2 2026. That’s three years after it was initially expected to debut in 2023.
Originally announced back in 2019, Agent from Above has become something of a “white whale” for fans of Asian fantasy. This week, as part of a What Next? (Next on Netflix) for Chinese-language titles, Netflix confirmed the series will premiere in the second quarter of 2026.
What is the plot of Agent from Above?
Based on the novel series “The Oracle Comes” by Teensy, the series is a high-concept blend of traditional Taoist folk beliefs and modern urban fantasy. It’s one of several adaptations planned, given the books were sold for graphic novel, video game, and a theatrical production.
The story follows Han Chieh (Kai Ko), a spirit medium who is forced to serve the Third Crown Prince (Wang Po-chieh) to atone for a devastating mistake made in his youth. His mission? To resolve supernatural disturbances that threaten the human world. Along the way, he teams up with Yeh Tzu (Buffy Chen), an optimistic college student, and Chang Min (Johnny Yang), a detective with the rare gift of seeing spirits.
Agent From Above. Yi-Wen CHEN(陳以文) in Agent From Above. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023
The trio eventually finds themselves in the crosshairs of Chen Chi-sha (Chen Yi-wen), a ruthless villain whose plans involve Chen Wu Tien-chi (Hsueh Shih-ling), a powerful entity capable of shattering the balance between the human and demon realms.
Who is behind the series?
The series features a “who’s who” of Taiwanese talent, led by Kai Ko (You Are the Apple of My Eye). Here is the key cast for the series:
- Kai Ko as Han Chieh
- Wang Po-chieh as The Third Crown Prince
- Buffy Chen as Yeh Tzu
- Johnny Yang as Chang Min
- Hsueh Shih-ling as Chen Wu Tien-chi
- Chen Yi-wen as Chen Chi-sha
The series is directed by Kuan Wei-chieh and Lai Chun-yu, with Melvin Ang and Rita Chuang serving as executive producers.
Agent From Above. (L to R) Chen-tung KO (柯震東), Edison WANG (王柏傑) in Agent From Above. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023
Why has Agent from Above been delayed for so long?
If it feels like we’ve been talking about this show forever, it’s because we have. The production was a massive undertaking that hit several major speed bumps:
The road to this series reaching screens has been anything but smooth. Originally announced just before the world shut down, the production was quickly derailed by global COVID-19 lockdowns, forcing an extended pause before cameras could properly roll. Even once underway, the show’s ambition brought its own challenges. With a reported budget reportedly over NT$180 million, it is among the most expensive dramas ever produced in Taiwan, requiring a lengthy post-production process to handle its effects-heavy supernatural visuals. Matters were made worse in late 2022 when lead actor Kai Ko suffered a serious facial injury after a filming drone malfunctioned and crashed during an action sequence, halting production for months while he underwent surgery and recovered.
Filming finally wrapped in March 2023, and after nearly three years of post-production, it’s finally ready for its 2026 debut.
Netflix has only confirmed the Q2 2026 window so far, meaning a release sometime between April and June.
Are you looking forward to Agent from Above finally hitting Netflix? Let us know in the comments!
