You know that feeling when you're scrolling through iQIYI or Viki and you see a guy who looks like he was literally sculpted by a 3D artist? That's basically the first reaction everyone has to Zhang Linghe. But honestly, if you're only watching him for the "AI-modeled physique" (as Chinese netizens love to call his 190cm frame), you’re actually missing the best part of his filmography.
The dude was an engineering student at Nanjing Normal University. He wasn't even supposed to be an actor. He was busy with physics and math until a chance meeting with an agent changed everything. Fast forward to 2026, and he’s gone from a "pretty face" in Maiden Holmes to a powerhouse who can carry a heavy historical epic or a soft modern romance without breaking a sweat.
People always argue about his acting. Is he "too scary"? Is he a "red flag"? Does he only look good in ancient robes? Let’s actually look at the tv shows with zhang ling he that define his career and why some of the popular opinions are just... wrong.
The Breakout: Why "Love Between Fairy and Devil" Wasn't His Peak
Most people discovered Zhang Linghe because of Love Between Fairy and Devil (2022). He played Chang Heng, the War God who was basically the "perfect" second lead. He was the "white moonlight"—the idealized, noble, but ultimately doomed love interest.
He was good. He was graceful. But he was safe.
If you stop there, you think he’s just the "nice guy" actor. That’s the first misconception. The real Zhang Linghe shows up when he gets to be a little unhinged.
The Evolution of the "Red Flag" ML
If you want to see where he actually learned to act, you have to watch Story of Kunning Palace (2023). His portrayal of Xie Wei is polarizing. Some people hated it because he was "too intense" or "too scary." But that’s exactly why it worked.
Xie Wei is a traumatized strategist. He’s manipulative. He’s borderline obsessive. Zhang Linghe used these subtle micro-expressions—a twitch in the eye, a coldness in the voice—that made you realize he wasn't just playing a character; he was disappearing into one.
Best TV Shows With Zhang Linghe to Binge Right Now
If you’re trying to figure out where to start, don't just pick the highest-rated one on MDL. Pick the one that fits your vibe.
- The Best Thing (2025): This is arguably his best performance to date. He plays He Suye, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctor. It’s a complete 180 from his historical roles. There’s no shouting, no sword fighting. It’s just quiet, organic chemistry with Xu Ruohan. If you think he can only do "aloof immortals," this will prove you wrong.
- My Journey to You (2023): This show is basically a dark, atmospheric fashion shoot that also happens to have a plot. He plays Gong Ziyu. He starts off as this "useless" younger son and has to grow into a leader. It’s slow-burn, it’s moody, and he looks incredible in the Gong family’s black and gold furs.
- The Princess Royal (2024): This one is fun because it’s a "second chance" story. He and Zhao Jinmai have this "bickering old married couple" energy that is hilarious and sweet at the same time. He plays Pei Wenxuan, and he actually used his own voice for this, which made the performance feel way more grounded.
- Maiden Holmes (2020): His debut. It’s a low-budget detective romance, but you can see the raw potential. Plus, the "Prince Qi" character is much more playful than his later roles.
What About the Modern Stuff?
A lot of fans struggle with his modern dramas like Love Crossed or Flourish in Time. I’ll be honest: they’re cute, but they feel like "training wheels" compared to his later work. However, Our Generation (2025) changed that. Playing Jiang Qiaoxi allowed him to tap into a nostalgic, coming-of-age energy that felt very real. It wasn't about being a "god"; it was about being a teenager dealing with first love in the 90s.
The 2026 Landscape: What’s Next?
As of early 2026, the buzz is all about Chasing Jade (Zhu Yu) and the much-discussed Eternal Faith. There’s always drama surrounding the release of Eternal Faith due to censorship rules, but his portrayal of Hua Cheng is already legendary in the fandom just from leaked clips and posters.
He's also been branching out into variety shows. In The Truth Season 3 (2025), you get to see his actual personality—which is surprisingly nerdy and analytical. That physics student background really comes out when he's solving puzzles.
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Actionable Tips for New Fans
If you're just starting your journey with tv shows with zhang ling he, here is how to avoid the "fan burnout":
- Don't watch My Journey to You and Story of Kunning Palace back-to-back. Both are heavy, intense, and aesthetically dark. You'll get "period drama fatigue."
- Mix in "The Best Thing." If you're feeling overwhelmed by the palace politics and blood-spitting in his historical shows, He Suye is the "healing" character you need.
- Check the "Story of Kunning Palace" Variety Special. It’s called As You Wish. It’s basically the cast hanging out, and it’ll cure the "trauma" from the show’s ending.
- Watch for his voice. In his newer projects, he’s using his natural voice more often rather than being dubbed by a voice actor. It adds a layer of intimacy to his acting that the older shows lack.
The reality is that Zhang Linghe isn't just a "visual" actor anymore. He’s someone who clearly studies his scripts and isn't afraid to look "ugly" or "scary" if the character calls for it. Whether he’s a TCM doctor or a demon master, he’s worth the watch.
To get the most out of his filmography, start with The Princess Royal for the chemistry, then move to Story of Kunning Palace for the acting range, and finish with The Best Thing to see how far he’s come as a lead actor.