Judge Dee's Mystery

When political tides shift under Empress Wu, ambitious official Di Renjie is sent away from the capital to a distant eastern town. He doesn't just pass the time there, he starts solving crimes with a clever mix of observation, logic, and local knowledge. Each case peels back layers of local corruption and hidden connections, and the scope of his work gradually widens beyond the town's borders. As he moves across regions, his methods attract attention and resistance in equal measure. The series follows his investigations and the relationships he forms, all leading up to his return to Chang'an where family ties and state matters collide, without revealing how those conflicts resolve.

Directed by Li Yunliang, Judge Dee's Mystery premiered in 2024. The show reimagines the historic figure Di Renjie for television with cinematic production values and a focus on procedural detail and period atmosphere.

The series frames a gong'an detective tradition for a modern audience, mixing palace politics with street-level mysteries. Its visuals and period design aim to make Tang dynasty settings feel lived-in, and the central character's methods have already sparked conversation among fans of historical crime dramas.

Audience response has been positive so far, holding an 8.2/10 average from early votes. Reviewers and viewers note clear themes of justice, power, loyalty, and the tension between personal ethics and official duty. Acting, particularly Zhou Yiwei as Di Renjie and Wang Likun as Cao An, is often highlighted for grounding the procedural elements in character.

As of its 2024 release there are no major awards to report, the show being too new for most season-based prize cycles. It may still attract nominations later, especially in acting and production categories, depending on regional award schedules.