Joy of Life (2019)
Kernel Score: 86% · 113 ratings
Genres: Drama, Comedy
First aired: 2019-11-26
Seasons: 3 · 83 episodes
Where to watch Joy of Life
- Stream: WeTV
- Free with ads: Rakuten Viki, Plex, OnDemandKorea
- Buy: Prime Video
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Zhang Qing, a present-day college student in culture and history major wants to study in professor Ye's postgraduate class, so he decides to write a historical fiction to elaborate his perspective of analyzing ancient literature history with modern concept. In the fiction, Zhang himself acts as a young man Fan Xian with mysterious life who lives in a remote seaside town of Kingdom Qing in his childhood, under the help of a mysterious mentor and a blindfolded watchman. Fan goes to the capital when he grows up, where he experiences plenty of ordeal and temper. Fan persists in adhering the rule of justice and goodness and lives his own glorious life.
Joy of Life parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Joy of Life is a Chinese costume drama involving sword fights, murder, and political power struggles set across time-travel fantasy.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes sword fights and murder within a court-intrigue power struggle.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Shows like Joy of Life
If you liked Joy of Life, these are the shows we'd watch next.
- See (2019) — 89%
- Into the Badlands (2015) — 85%
- The Last Kingdom (2015) — 90%
- The Untamed (2019) — 91%
- Doctor Stranger (2014) — 90%
- Find Me in Paris (2018) — 89%
- Scarlet Heart: Ryeo (2016) — 93%
- The Time Traveler's Wife (2022) — 85%
Cast
- Zhang Ruoyun as Fan Xian
- Li Qin as Lin Wan'er
- Chen Daoming as Emperor of Qing
- Wu Gang as Chen Pingping
- Xin Zhilei as Haitang Duoduo
- Liu Duanduan as Li Chengze
- Song Yi as Fan Ruoruo
- Li Xiaoran as Li Yunrui
- Li Chun as Si Lili
- Liu Hua as Fei Jie
Joy of Life FAQ
Is Joy of Life good?
Joy of Life has an 86% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 113 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Joy of Life?
In the US you can stream Joy of Life on WeTV, watch it free with ads on Rakuten Viki, Plex and OnDemandKorea and buy it from Prime Video.
Is Joy of Life OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Joy of Life is a Chinese costume drama involving sword fights, murder, and political power struggles set across time-travel fantasy.
What shows are like Joy of Life?
If you liked Joy of Life, try See, Into the Badlands, The Last Kingdom and The Untamed.