Netflix Acquires Simulcast Rights to C-Drama Thriller Series ‘Light to the Night’

Picture via Netflix

Netflix is continuing to aggressively expand its library of Chinese-language content, and fans of gritty crime thrillers are in for a massive treat. Netflix has secured the global first-run rights to the highly anticipated C-Drama series Light to the Night, with new episodes set to begin dropping globally starting Saturday, April 25th, 2026.

Originating from Youku’s acclaimed White Night Theatre and directed by Wang Zhi, Light to the Night (also known by its native title 黑夜告白 / Confessions in the Dark) is a suspenseful, multi-timeline investigation series that promises. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming Chinese thriller series coming to Netflix.

What is the plot of Light to the Night?

The series is a multi-timeline mystery that spans nearly two decades, weaving together the lives of an unconventional pair of detectives and the profound personal costs of their investigations.

Here is the official logline provided for the series:

“A young detective reopens a decades-old missing persons case and teams up with her father, who first investigated the mystery 18 years earlier.”

The inciting incident traces back to 1997, revolving around the mysterious disappearance of a father and daughter at an elevator entrance in Yuanlongli. The original investigation is spearheaded by He Yuan Hang, a seasoned detective halfway through a career change, and Ran Fang Xu, a fresh, curious, and somewhat naive college graduate. Armed with a yellow-painted jeep and a makeshift excavator, the duo’s initial investigation uncovers dark truths that deeply alter the trajectory of their own lives.

Eighteen years later, the cold case is blown wide open again when He Yuan Hang’s daughter, He Xiao He, officially joins the police force and decides to dig into the mystery that haunted her father.

Who is in the cast of Light to the Night?

C-Drama fans will instantly recognize the star-studded lineup for this series, which boasts some of the biggest names in Chinese television.

Leading the cast is Dylan Wang, a massive global draw for Netflix thanks to his breakout role in Meteor Garden and hits like Love Between Fairy and Devil. He takes on the role of the rookie detective Ran Fang Xu.

Joining him as the seasoned veteran He Yuan Hang is Pan Yue Ming (Day and Night, Candle in the Tomb), while rising star Ren Min (The Longest Promise) plays He Xiao He, the young detective who reopens the case years later.

The extensive supporting cast includes:

• Jiang Pei Yao (Go Go Squid!) as Qiao Su Qing
• Wang Yan Hao as Chang Hong
• Zhou Da Yong as Jin Man Shan
• Zhao Hu
• Jiang Qi Lin
• Song Xiao Ying Zi
• Zheng Qi
• Chen Xi Xu
• Guo Peng

When will episodes drop on Netflix?

Light to the Night consists of 28 episodes, with an approximate runtime of 45 minutes per episode.

Because Netflix holds the first-run rights to the series alongside its domestic broadcast on Youku and CCTV in China, episodes will be rolling out concurrently. The first batch of episodes will drop globally on Netflix starting on Saturday, April 25th, 2026 (aligning with its April 26th midday premiere in Beijing time).

Unlike standard Netflix binges, you won’t have to wait long between installments. The broadcast schedule dictates a daily release, meaning new episodes will drop every single day—Monday through Sunday—until the 28-episode run concludes.

Are you excited to check out Light to the Night on Netflix? Will you be adding it to your watchlist? Let us know in the comments below!