My Hero (《我的英雄》) is a 2022 Chinese romantic comedy drama starring Hei Ze and Wang Yitong, following a mermaid princess who loses her memory and falls for a swimming coach. The 24-episode series blends fantasy, comedy, and slice-of-life romance, and is available on streaming platforms like iQIYI and Viki.
Background and Premise
My Hero (Chinese: 我的英雄, pinyin: Wǒ de Yīngxióng) is a modern fantasy romance produced by Youku and directed by Gao Yilong. It premiered on Youku on May 15, 2022. The story centers on Mermaid Princess Luo Chen (Wang Yitong), who is sent to the human world to find a true love’s kiss to break a curse. After being rescued from a pool by swimming coach Qin Mo (Hei Ze), she loses her memory and starts a new life as a human, gradually developing feelings for him.
The drama is based on the novel My Mermaid Princess by author Mu Qingyu, though the screen adaptation expands the romantic comedy elements. It is a light-hearted take on the classic mermaid trope, emphasizing humor and modern-day misunderstandings over tragedy.
Main Cast and Characters
- Hei Ze as Qin Mo – a serious and disciplined swimming coach who becomes the mermaid’s reluctant love interest.
- Wang Yitong as Luo Chen – a cheerful mermaid princess who loses her memory and must navigate human life.
- Li Meng as Su Xiaoxiao – Luo Chen’s human friend who helps her adapt.
- Zhang Haosen as Xu Zhan – a rival swimmer and love triangle complication.
Hei Ze is known for roles in My Little Princess and Love of Thousand Years, while Wang Yitong gained recognition from Go Go Squid! and Maiden Holmes. Their chemistry was praised by viewers, though the drama’s low budget is evident in some effects.
Plot Summary and Themes
The plot follows Luo Chen, a mermaid princess from the South Sea, who is cursed to turn into foam unless she receives a kiss from a human who truly loves her. She swims to the surface and is rescued by Qin Mo, who pulls her from a pool during a competition. Due to the shock, she loses her memory and believes she is a human named Luo Chen. Qin Mo, feeling responsible, takes her in as his assistant at the swimming club.
As she learns about human customs (often humorously), she and Qin Mo grow closer. However, her mermaid identity is threatened when a villainous sea witch appears, and Qin Mo must decide whether to let her return to the sea or stay with him. The drama explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the meaning of true love, but keeps the tone light with comedic misunderstandings.
How It Compares to Other Mermaid Dramas
Compared to the 2016 Korean hit The Legend of the Blue Sea, which also features a mermaid and memory loss, My Hero is more overtly comedic and lower-stakes. It lacks the epic historical flashbacks and high production value of the Korean drama, but offers a more straightforward rom-com experience. Chinese dramas like Mermaid (2016 film) and My Mermaid (2017) have similar premises, but My Hero stands out for its focus on swimming and sports, which is rare in the genre.
Production and Reception
The drama was produced by Youku and filmed in Qingdao, China, using real swimming venues. The mermaid tail and underwater scenes were created with CGI, which some viewers found unconvincing. Despite that, the drama received moderate ratings on Douban (around 6.5/10), with many praising the leads’ acting and the lighthearted script. International audiences on Viki gave it a higher score (8.2/10), appreciating its feel-good nature.
It was released in 24 episodes of about 40 minutes each, a standard length for Chinese web dramas. There is no official second season, but the ending leaves room for interpretation.
Where to Watch and How to Choose
My Hero is legally available on:
- iQIYI (with English subtitles in select regions)
- Viki (subscription required)
- Youku (original broadcaster, Chinese with subtitles)
For viewers new to Chinese dramas, this is a good starting point due to its short length and simple plot. If you prefer more serious fantasy, consider Love and Redemption or Eternal Love. If you want more comedy, My Hero is a solid pick. Always use official platforms to support the creators.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that My Hero is a sequel to the 2019 drama My Heroic Husband – it is not. They share no cast or crew. Another is that the mermaid is a villain; she is the protagonist. Some viewers also assume it is a Korean drama because of the similar plot to The Legend of the Blue Sea, but it is entirely Chinese-produced.
Regarding the ending, it is a happy one: Luo Chen regains her memory and chooses to stay human with Qin Mo, and the curse is broken. The sea witch is defeated, and no one dies. This is a spoiler, but many viewers search for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Hero Chinese drama based on a true story?
No, it is a fictional adaptation of a novel. There is no real mermaid princess or swimming coach romance behind it.
How many episodes does My Hero have?
It has 24 episodes, each around 40 minutes long. There is no special episode or director’s cut.
Does the mermaid get her memory back?
Yes, she regains her memory in the final episodes, but she chooses to remain human to be with Qin Mo. The curse is lifted, and she does not turn into foam.
Is there a season 2 of My Hero?
As of 2024, no second season has been announced. The story concludes with a clear ending, so a sequel is unlikely.
What is the age rating of My Hero?
It is suitable for all ages, with no violence or explicit content. It is a clean romance, appropriate for teens and above.
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