Hit series gathers heartwarming midlife stories

The TV series Just in Time, which delves into the complexities of midlife crises, has captivated audiences, amassing over 1.5 billion views on streaming platform Mango TV, according to the producers during a recent seminar in Beijing.

Adapted from a popular novel by author Jiang Lizi, the 40-episode drama focuses on personal and career challenges facing three middle-aged women. The tale also thoughtfully addresses universal themes, such as marriage, workplace stress and the experiences of motherhood at an advanced age.

Director Han Xiaojun revealed that the initial stage of scriptwriting was a collective effort where the primary creators gathered to share personal and secondhand stories of midlife crises.

Scriptwriter Xu Ran said that they wish the story to reflect the status quo of modern Chinese women, emphasizing the message that women should live independently but not in isolation.

To accurately portray the female characters, Xu, along with the producers, interviewed over 20 women working in careers relevant to the roles depicted in Beijing and Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.

Actor Bao Jianfeng, who portrays the husband of one of the female characters, recalled that upon receiving and reading the script, he found each page both familiar and intriguing.

Additionally, as he enters middle age, Bao said that he easily relates to and resonates with his character, who grapples with financial stress amid a midlife crisis. This connection has deepened his understanding of self-directed methods for alleviating life's pains.

Yin Hong, the vice-chairman of the China Film Association, said that although the domestic TV market has produced many series featuring women as protagonists in recent years, Just in Time has distinguished itself with its unique approach to discussing gender equality through a heartwarming narrative.