The new TV drama The Tale of Rose has quickly become a massive hit in China since its release in early June, topping the streaming charts within 48 hours. Adapted from the 1981 novel by Yi Shu, the show focuses on female empowerment, portraying a young woman, Huang Yimei, who prioritizes her career over relationships. While the series has been praised for its nuanced depiction of female characters and its departure from stereotypical idol dramas, it has also faced criticism. Viewers have pointed out the protagonist’s implausible perfection and privileged background, which some find alienating and unrealistic. Additionally, there are complaints about the anachronistic settings and props that do not reflect the early 2000s period accurately. Despite these criticisms, the show remains popular, with a hashtag related to it garnering over 1 billion views on Weibo.