The Ferryman: Legends of Nanyang (灵魂摆渡之南洋传说)

Adapted from the popular Chinese web series The Ferryman (Seasons 1-3), this reimagining transports the story to Nanyang (Southeast Asia). Xia Dongqing (Lawrence Wong), a university student with a secret — he possesses yin-yang eyes that allow him to see and communicate with the dead — takes a part-time job at the mysterious "444 Convenience Store." There, he meets Zhao Li (Qi Yuwu), a powerful and jaded soul ferryman tasked with guiding restless spirits to the afterlife. Together, they must help the trapped souls resolve their lingering regrets, while navigating threats from both the spirit world and a sinister, ancient curse. The series integrates rich Nanyang cultural elements, including Peranakan motifs and Teochew opera

This 36-episode series (approx. 38 minutes each, aired 2021-Aug-24 to 2021-Sep-23) is structured in an episodic "case-of-the-week" format across three seasons, though characters and overarching mysteries develop continuously. It can be broadly divided into four main story arcs:

• Act 1: The Ferryman & The Initiate (Episodes 1-8, covering Season 1): Xia Dongqing discovers his unique abilities and is drawn into the world of the 444 Convenience Store. He meets the cynical Zhao Li and Wang Xiaoya/Olivia (Kate Kinney), a young woman who becomes his close friend. The early episodes establish the rules of the supernatural universe and introduce the curse that binds the ferrymen.
• Act 2: Trials of the Lost Souls (Episodes 9-20, overlapping Seasons 1 and 2): The team tackles a series of intricate "door" cases, each presenting a unique spirit with a compelling backstory and moral dilemma. The range of folktales expands, weaving in local Nanyang mythology alongside familiar supernatural lore.
• Act 3: Unraveling the Curse (Episodes 21-30, covering Seasons 2 and 3): The focus shifts from standalone cases toward the larger overarching narrative. The ancient curse that binds the ferrymen is brought to the forefront. Past sins and hidden connections among the main characters come to light, forcing them to confront their intertwined fates.
• Act 4: The Final Confrontation (Episodes 31-36, covering the end of Season 3): The story hurtles toward its climax. All secrets are revealed, and the characters must work together to break the curse once and for all. The finale resolves the emotional journeys of Xia Dongqing and Zhao Li, culminating in a poignant conclusion that redefines the meaning of being a ferryman.