Michelle Topham 
Chinese Title: 斗局 (Dòu Jú)
English Title: Game of Shadows
Also Known As: Familiar Stranger
Genre: Action, Mystery, Crime, Suspense, Thriller
Episodes: 24
Director: Niu Chao (牛超) (director of Love Endures)
Plot Synopsis
Game of Shadows (斗局) is an upcoming Chinese drama centered on law enforcement, justice, and the psychological confrontation between former friends on opposite sides of a major drug case.
The story involves a narcotics officer Guan Tianhang (played by Wang Qian Yuan) who reopens a cold case three years later.
As the investigation progresses, and he learns more about the bizarre drug-related homicide, he faces off against a formidable opponent — a childhood friend turned enemy — creating a personal and strategic battle between justice and corruption.
Main Cast & Characters
Starring:
- Wang Qian Yuan as Guan Tian Hang
- Jiang Xin as Yuan Yue Xin
- Yuan Wen Kang as Jin Nan
- Zhang Ke Ying as Xiao Jie
- Jiang Meng Jie as Ye Zi
- Li Jun Xian as Da Xiu
- Liu Pei Qi as Yuan Cheng Fu
- Shi Zhao Qi as Uncle Hong
- Zheng Xiao Ning as Wang Dong Xu
- Guo Haolun, Gu Zhi Xin, Chu Shuan Zhong, Li Meng Nan, Liu Xiao Hai, Liu Chuang, Zhai Xiao Xing, Han Shuo, Rachel Wang and others in the C-drama’s supporting and guest star cast.
Production Details
Director: Niu Chao
Production: Game of Shadows filming began with a booting ceremony in June 2025 in China’s Yanping District, Nanping City, Fujian Province. Filming wrapped in August 2025 after approximately 133 days and extensive set construction.
Screenwriter: Wen Hao Jie (To Be With You, Ordinary World).
Episodes & Airing
- Total Episodes (expected): 24
- Episode Length: (unknown / not yet announced)
- First Aired: (not yet announced)
- Final Episode: (not yet announced)
- Original Network / Platform: iQIYI
Where to Watch
China:
- iQIYI — the official streaming platform attached to the production.
International Platforms:
- Availability with subtitles or on other services has not yet been confirmed.
Why It’s Anticipated
Game of Shadows is shaping up to be a suspenseful crime drama that hinges on the moral and emotional complexity of a law enforcement officer confronting someone from his past while blending personal drama with a larger thriller narrative.
With a strong cast of veteran actors and guest performers, many fans are watching for character dynamics and how the justice theme will unfold.
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