Some dramas are enjoyable while you watch them. Others stay with you long after the final episode, and somehow, you find yourself thinking about the characters years later. The Untamed is that kind of drama for me.
I started watching this Chinese fantasy series out of curiosity, not knowing that it would become such an important part of my BL drama journey.. It was my first BL drama, and looking back, I can honestly say it pulled me into a world I never expected to become so attached to.
And yes, I have watched it twice. Fifty episodes, two rewatches, and somehow, it still feels too short. Apparently, my brain has decided that spending more time with Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji is a perfectly reasonable life choice.
But nostalgia aside, is The Untamed actually worth watching? Does it deserve the love it receives from BL fans? And if you like romance better than intricate fantasy, is this something you can enjoy?
Here’s my spoiler-free The Untamed Chinese Drama Review: Story, Characters, Emotional Chemistry, Strengths, Weaknesses, and Whether This 2019 Chinese Drama Deserves a Spot on Your Watchlist
My Rating: A+
Absolutely Worth Every Second
After fifty episodes and two full rewatches I still feel like I want to spend more time in the world of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. The Untamed gets an A+ in my opinion for its deeply emotional storytelling unforgettable character development, an incredible traditional soundtrack and the profound soulmate bond at the center of the series.
As my first BL drama it set an incredibly high standard and it still has a special place in my heart. Is this Chinese Xianxia drama perfect for everyone? Probably not. The complex plot timeline can get confusing. Because of strict censorship the romance is much more subtle and subtext-driven than, in regular BL series.. For me the slow-burn emotional journey makes every single episode completely worth it. If you love deep character dynamics, high-stakes fantasy and stories that stay with you after the final credits roll you should definitely add The Untamed to your watchlist.
What Is The Untamed Chinese Drama Review About?
The Untamed (陈情令) is a 2019 Chinese fantasy drama adapted from Mo Dao Zu Shi, also known as Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, a novel by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. The series stars Xiao Zhan as Wei Wuxian and Wang Yibo as Lan Wangji. The original television version has 50 episodes.
The story takes place in a world of cultivation clans, spiritual practices, ancient rivalries, and supernatural mysteries. At its centre are two very different men whose paths become connected through events that reach far beyond their initial encounters.
Wei Wuxian is full of energy, playful mischief, and sharp wit. He has never been one to blindly follow rules just because everyone else does.He has a playful side that makes him easy to like, but there is much more to him than his teasing personality.
Lan Wangji, on the other hand, is disciplined, reserved, serious, and guided by a strong sense of principle. He rarely expresses himself as openly as Wei Wuxian does, which makes his quieter moments especially interesting.
Their personalities could hardly be more different. One tends to challenge the rules; the other has spent much of his life following them. Yet that contrast is one of the most compelling parts of the series.
Of course, The Untamed is not only about two characters. It also explores loyalty, justice, reputation, family, sacrifice, and the danger of judging someone before understanding their circumstances.
There are mysteries to uncover, complicated relationships between clans, and enough names and connections to make you pay attention. This is not necessarily a drama you can watch while scrolling through your phone and expect to understand everything.
However, as the different parts of the story start to connect, the overall experience becomes far more satisfying.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji: The Heart of The Untamed
Let us be honest: most BL fans click play on The Untamed because of the bond between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji.. Truly that bond is the main reason we still talk about the show many years after its release.
What I truly love about the dynamic between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji is that they do not need to be alike to understand each other. They challenge each other balance each other’s flaws and slowly bring out sides of each other through their interactions.
Wei Wuxian brings warmth, humor and unpredictable energy into the mix while Lan Wangji is more guarded.. Even though Lan Wangji is stoic his quiet actions always speak louder than words. This contrast brings a mix of hilarious, heartwarming, frustrating, and unexpectedly emotional moments.
Their connection does not grow in a vacuum; it develops amid all the chaos and uncertainty. That is important because the relationship between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji is not just a side plot tucked away while fantasy events happen elsewhere. Instead the deep trust and understanding, between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji give the story its emotional heartbeat.
And then come the small, quiet moments that speak volumes. A look that lingers a moment longer than expected. A silent act of support when no one else is looking. An unspoken feeling where one character sees through to the others soul catching details that everyone else completely misses. I find these layers addictive to revisit.
I do not want to overexplain or spoil those moments because a huge part of the joy is discovering them for yourself.. If you love relationships built on patience deep loyalty and actions rather than loud constant declarations this slow-burn dynamic is going to be right, up your alley.
For me the magic is not just that the leads look good together. It is that their connection feels completely earned within the world they live in. The story actually gives that bond the breathing room it needs to grow.
Is The Untamed a BL Drama?
This is probably one of the questions people have when they start watching the series and the true answer needs a little bit of explanation.
The Untamed is based on Mo Dao Zu Shi, a novel that has a clear romantic relationship between the two male leads. However because of television rules the live-action show has to show their relationship through deep emotional connections strong devotion, loyalty and heavy romantic hints instead of an obvious on-screen romance. Because of this change you will often hear people call the series a censored adaptation or a high-stakes fantasy bromance with strong romantic feelings.
If you are going into this expecting a modern BL show, with direct love confessions lots of kisses or open romance you should know right now that The Untamed is not that kind of show. Instead the real emotional magic happens in the moments they share the trust they create and the deeper meaning you discover in every single interaction.
Personally, I think this is exactly what makes talking about the series so fascinating. Different viewers will always pick up on different details, but the deep emotional connection between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji stays right at the center of the whole experience.
Still, it’s really important to separate the television show from the original novel. The book gets to explore their romance out in the open, while the drama has to hint at it more indirectly.
So, should BL fans actually watch it? Absolutely especially if you love a masterclass in slow-burn emotional connections and don’t need every single romantic feeling spelled out for you. Just go into it knowing exactly what this adaptation brings to the table.
What I Loved About The Untamed
1. Wei Wuxian’s Personality
characters who can make you smile even when the plot gets heavy and serious. His quick humor, confidence and constant habit of breaking expectations make him incredibly fun to watch.
His personality isn’t just there, for comic relief. As the story moves forward you really start to see how more complex he is compared to that playful first impression. I especially love characters who are allowed to be imperfect deeply misunderstood and genuinely complex of just being flawless heroes who always choose the right path.
He gives you much to think about and his layered personality is a huge reason why the entire story stays so interesting.
to think about, and his personality is a huge part of why the story stays engaging.
2. Lan Wangji’s Quiet Devotion
Lan Wangji is very different from Wei Wuxian. That is exactly why they work so well together.
He is not the kind of character who shares every emotion he feels. Instead his personality shows through holding being steady and the decisions he takes.
Sometimes the quietest character, in a story can make the impact. Lan Wangji is an example of that.
Seeing him with Wei Wuxian creates a difference that’s both fun and touching. The more you learn about his personality, the powerful his quiet moments can be.
3. The Emotional Storytelling
The series has fantasy, mystery and conflict. What really matters is the emotional core. That emotional core is what gives the fantasy the mystery and the conflict their real weight. The story looks at how people’re judged, how reputations can control how others treat them and how hard it is to find the truth when everyone has already picked a side. These themes make the drama more, than a series of supernatural events. They give the characters personal struggles and real consequences that go beyond what happens in the plot.
I also like how the story lets relationships grow slowly over time. You get a chance to understand the characters before you have to decide what to think about them. That slow development makes the emotional moments feel earned. It feels real. It feels like something that happened on its own.
4. The Music and Atmosphere
I absolutely cannot talk about The Untamed without mentioning its music.
The main theme song, “Wuji,” is particularly close to my heart.It’s a beautiful soundtrack that brings back the drama’s atmosphere and all the emotions tied to its story in an instant.Just hearing a few notes immediately reminds me of the characters and the intense journey that made the series so unforgettable.
The traditional soundtrack works perfectly alongside the gorgeous costumes, the stunning scenery, and the fantasy setting to build a completely unique world. It helps the story feel so much larger than just the events happening on screen. For me, these beautiful details are a huge reason why rewatching the series feels so comforting and familiar, rather than just repetitive.
5. A Story That Rewards Attention
The Untamed has a large cast, multiple cultivation clans, past events, mysteries, and relationships that become clearer as the story progresses.
That complexity can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding. Small details may become more meaningful once you understand the characters and their circumstances.
I enjoy stories that give me something to think about after an episode ends. This series offers plenty of opportunities to reflect on loyalty, justice, trust, and the difference between appearances and reality.
It’s also the kind of drama that leaves fans with so much to talk about and unpack. Even without revealing spoilers, there is a lot to unpack about the characters and the choices they make.
What Might Not Work for Every Viewer
Look I really like The Untamed. That doesn’t mean every part of watching it will be perfect for everyone.
First you have to deal with the 50-episode commitment. The original show is a big time investment so you really have to be ready to stay with it for a time. If you like quick dramas that get to the main love story in just a few episodes this long and slow build might feel like a really big challenge.
I never thought the show was slow or too long I watched it twice.I still wish I could spend a little more time with these characters! That’s just me and its not something that will be true, for everyone.
The 50-Episode Commitment: The series is a big time investment requiring viewers to stay with it for a time.
Pacing Constraints: People who like dramas that get to the romance quickly might find the slow-burn style hard to follow.
The Complicated Story
There are numerous characters, clans, conflicts, and supernatural concepts to understand. Some viewers may find it difficult to keep track of everything at first.
My advice is simple: give the story time, pay attention to character relationships, and do not worry if you need a moment to connect all the details.
You do not have to understand every name and political connection immediately to become invested in the main characters.
The Slow-Burn Relationship
If you want an explicitly romantic BL, the television adaptation may leave you wanting more direct romantic scenes.
The relationship is presented through subtext and emotional intimacy, so viewers who prefer overt romance may not find the same level of satisfaction they would get from a more explicit BL series.
This is worth knowing before you begin. It does not make the drama less meaningful, but it does mean your expectations matter.
The Fantasy Setting
The cultivation system, supernatural elements, and clan politics are essential to the story. If you prefer straightforward contemporary romance without fantasy or mystery, some parts may not appeal to you.
However, if you enjoy Chinese historical fantasy dramas with complicated characters and emotional storytelling, these elements may become part of the attraction.
Is The Untamed Worth Watching in 2026?
The Untamed answer is yes. Absolutely.
Years, after its first release The Untamed still is a drama that I would recommend to viewers who like stories that focus on characters, deep feelings and that slowly grow the main people.
For BL fans The Untamed is especially worth considering if you enjoy slow-burn devotion and emotional subtext. You should simply understand that the live-action version of The Untamed does not present the romance directly as many modern BL series do.
I would recommend it if you:
- Enjoy the dynamic between contrasting personalities.
- Like fantasy stories involving mystery, loyalty, and complicated relationships.
- Appreciate emotional connections that develop gradually.
- Enjoy Chinese costume dramas and supernatural world-building.
- Do not mind committing to a 50-episode series.
- Like reflecting on characters and their choices after watching.
I would be more cautious about recommending it if you want a drama a straightforward modern romance or frequent explicit romantic scenes between the leads.
If you are wondering whether you need to read the novel first you do not. You can watch the drama on its own. Decide later whether you want to explore the original story.
For me The Untamed was not another series I finished and moved on from. It was my BL drama and that makes it an important part of my experience, as a fan. Watching it twice has not taken away that attachment.
If anything it has reminded me why certain stories stay with us: not because every moment’s perfect but because the characters and feelings mean something to us.
Final Verdict: A+ — Absolutely Worth Every Second
There are dramas I have liked but The Untamed is special to me because it was the first BL drama I ever watched.
I started watching it because I was curious and ended up loving the characters, the music and the deep emotions in the story. I watched it again. Even after 50 episodes I still felt like there was not enough.
I like the difference between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, the way their relationship grew over time and how the story talks about loyalty, trust and being misunderstood. I also like that the drama makes people think about more than the main love story.
It is not the choice for everyone. The plot can be confusing there are a lot of episodes. The romance is not as obvious as, in some other BL dramas.. If those things do not bother you I think The Untamed is definitely worth watching.
My rating: A+ — Absolutely Worth Every Second.
If you have not watched The Untamed yet, give it a chance. Let the story unfold, get to know the characters, and see what their journey means to you.
And if you have already watched it, I would love to know: Was The Untamed your first BL drama, or did another series bring you into the world of BL? Tell me in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions About The Untamed
Is The Untamed worth watching?
Yes, especially if you enjoy Chinese fantasy dramas, character development, mystery, and a slow-burn emotional connection between the leads. Keep in mind that the storyline can be intricate, and watching all 50 episodes requires a fair amount of time.
Is The Untamed a BL drama?
The series is adapted from the danmei novel Mo Dao Zu Shi, which features a romantic relationship between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. The television adaptation presents their connection through emotional intimacy and romantic subtext rather than explicit on-screen romance.
How many episodes does The Untamed have?
The original television version has 50 episodes. A shorter special edition also exists, so check which version a streaming service offers before watching.
Who plays Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji?
Xiao Zhan plays Wei Wuxian, while Wang Yibo plays Lan Wangji. Their performances are central to the drama’s appeal.
Is The Untamed based on a novel?
Yes. It is adapted from Mo Dao Zu Shi, also known as Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, written by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu.
Where can I watch The Untamed?
You can start by checking the official WeTV series page. Availability, subtitles, and access options can vary by country and may change over time.
