The Lead (主角 / Zhu Jue), is a life drama centered around the journey of a Qinqiang opera actress who rises from an ordinary shepherdess to become a renowned opera star. It stars Liu Hao Cun, Zhang Jia Yi and Qin Hai Lu.
The Lead (Liu Hao Cun, Zhang Jia Yi) Chinese Drama

Title: The Lead

Chinese Title: Zhu Jue (主角)

Genre: Life, Drama

Broadcast Date: 10 May 2026

Broadcast Network: CCTV, Tencent

Director: Li Shao Fei

Screenwriters: Ma Xiao Yong, Zheng Hua, Jing Yu

Producer: Ren Shuang You

Executive Producer: Zhang Yi Mou

Production Designer: Zhang Jia Yi

Production Company: CMG, Noble Spirit Media

Episodes: 48

Watch on WeTV or YouTube

The Lead Synopsis


The story follows Yi Qin'e, a young woman who is unexpectedly brought into a Qinqiang opera troupe by her uncle, Hu Sanyuan.

Over the course of nearly half a century filled with hardships, triumphs, and personal struggles, Yi Qin'e grows from a shepherdess into a celebrated Qinqiang opera performer.

Story Breakdown


Yi Qin'e enters the opera troupe through her uncle, Hu Sanyuan
She slowly rises from an ordinary village girl to a famous opera actress
The drama explores decades of changes within Chinese society
Through Qinqiang opera, the story reflects the emotional lives of ordinary people
The series follows themes of growth, perseverance, fame, and personal sacrifice

The Lead Cast

Main Roles


Liu Hao Cun as Yi Qin'e

Zhang Jia Yi as Hu Sanyuan

Qin Hai Lu as Hu Caixiang

Dou Xiao as Liu Hongbing

Zhai Zi Lu as Feng Xiaoxiao

Supporting Roles


Wang Xiao Chen as Mi Lan

Hu Yao Zhi as Shan Yingping

Wang Li Kun as Xiao Baixie

Li Ze Feng as Zhu Jiru

Sun Hao as Ju Chunzhong

Ji Ta as Huang Zhengjing

Zhang Guo Qiang as Zhang Guangrong

Shi Wen Zhong as Gu Cunxiao

Wang Hai Yan as Mother Liu

Han Pei Ying as Chu Jiahe

Miao Fu as He Dachui

Wang Yu Xuan as little Er Lai Zi