China’s iQIYI Reveals First Full-Length AI Hybrid Drama With Three Seasons Planned

Chinese streaming giant iQIYI has unveiled the first trailer for its first full-length hybrid AI multi-season drama, combining professional actors with generative AI across a project already planned to run for three seasons.

Immortals Over Mortal Love is taking AI filmmaking beyond the short films, experimental clips and micro-dramas that have dominated much of the technology’s early use in entertainment.

The first season will feature 16 episodes running for around 20 minutes each and is scheduled to premiere in the fourth quarter of 2026. Three seasons are currently planned. 

Crucially, this isn’t a completely AI-generated drama. Professional actors appear in the production, with generative AI incorporated into the wider filmmaking process. iQIYI describes the project as a hybrid production combining live-action performances with AI filmmaking.

The entire series has been produced through NadouPro, iQIYI’s studio-grade AI production platform.

NadouPro brings different AI models together with technology designed specifically for professional entertainment production. It currently offers more than 1,600 digital assets, 150 voice assets and access to 6,600 IP titles. 

iQIYI says using the platform has improved production efficiency and helped optimise costs while maintaining professional production standards.

The scale of Immortals Over Mortal Love makes it particularly interesting. Rather than demonstrating what generative AI can produce in a few minutes, iQIYI is attempting to integrate the technology into an episodic drama designed to continue across multiple seasons.

With the trailer now released on iQIYIs official page, and the first 16 episodes due before the end of the year, viewers will soon get to see what that approach actually looks like across a continuing series.