Following its successful premiere on the Chinese mainland, it also became the most-watched series on Netflix in Taiwan on June 18.
Being streamed on Netflix, it expanded its reach to a global audience across around 200 countries and regions. Moreover, it has been streamed on some major online platforms in North America, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore.
With its well-built sets and elaborate costumes, as well as exquisite makeup, the drama has garnered significant popularity in markets from home and abroad. It became the second most-viewed drama on the streaming website moa-play.com in South Korea on June 19.
Set against an alternative historical backdrop, the tale follows the vengeful exploits of Xue, the daughter of a county magistrate framed for adultery by her husband and his scheming family.
Buried alive as punishment, Xue is rescued by the eldest daughter of a high-ranking official who has been confined to a convent-like retreat by her jealous stepmother for 10 years. Assuming her savior's identity, the female protagonist infiltrates the elite circles of the imperial court, unraveling mysteries and plotting revenge while ultimately winning the love of a man worthy of entrusting the rest of her life.
Scriptwriter-director Ma Shige, who co-directs the series alongside Lyu Haojiji and Bai Yunmo, mentions that her experience in helming the 2021 short drama, Palace: Devious Women, comprising 30 episodes of 6 minutes each, captured the attention of Yu Zheng, a veteran TV show producer.
As one of the most rapidly expanding sectors in China's entertainment landscape, the market share of online micro-dramas reached 37.39 billion yuan ($5.15 billion) in 2023, marking a staggering 267.65 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to industry analyst iiMedia Research.
Recognizing that the younger generation of Chinese audiences is more inclined toward short dramas in this fast-paced society driven by the internet, Ma, who is regarded by Yu as a seasoned professional familiar with the psychological elements that engage the audience quickly, was invited to join in writing the initial version of the script for The Double.
