PCCW Media and Crazy Rich Asians producer SK Global rolled out their premium series, The Season, this week at Filmart in Hong Kong with a collection of large-scale launch events.
The rollout began on Wednesday, with the show’s creator and executive producer, Yalun Tu (NCIS: Hawaii), reuniting with his main cast for an on-stage Q&A at Filmart, followed by a launch party on a luxury yacht in Victoria Harbour.
Described as a “champagne-fueled revenge drama,” The Season follows a close-knit group of friends who gather for a summer of sun-drenched luxury as Hong Kong’s boating season begins. At the center is the Hext family, an old-money institution that rules the city’s elite. Into this world steps Cola, a newcomer with a hidden agenda.
The English-language series features an ensemble cast of international talent, including Jessie Mei Li (Shadow And Bone), Chris Pang (Crazy Rich Asians), Lee Jae-yoon (Physical 100 Season 2), Karena Lam, Justin Chien (The Brothers Sun), Yvonne Chapman (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Celina Jade (Wolf Warrior 2), and Toby Stephens (Percy Jackson And The Olympians).
“This is an Asian production, but it’s also so international,” Li told Deadline this afternoon. “I think many of us, as Asian actors, have felt typecast or a token in the past, but in this show, we’re all just really colorful characters.”
The cast is rounded out by model and actress Kōki and musician and actor Anson Lo of the band Mirror, who has a cameo appearance playing a fictional version of himself.
“This is my first time playing Anson Lo,” the musician joked this afternoon. Lo is one of the most popular contemporary musicians in Hong Kong, with an enormous following among young Hong Kongers. In recent years, however, Lo has made the pivot to the screen, starring in multiple projects across film and television. His recent credits include Kim-Wai Yuen’s The Moon Thieves and Berry Ho’s We 12.
“I tend to say yes to a lot of acting roles because I don’t get acting projects as often as music projects, so I treasure every opportunity,” he said, adding that he recently shot a few days on a project with the legendary Hong Kong filmmaker Johnnie To.
“I learned a lot of things from him,” Lo said of To. “He taught me to do less because his process is way more natural. I only shot for like 4 days, so I’m looking forward to seeing it.”
On the topic of new music, Lo told Deadline: “I’m releasing my latest single this month. It’s something inspired by Indian dance culture. I’ve never tried anything like that before, so I’m excited.”
The Season runs six episodes and will be available from June on Viu across Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa. Hulu has the show in the U.S., and Now TV is the Hong Kong broadcaster. We’re told a deal for the UK rights is to be confirmed soon.
“It’s really exciting that this is going to be released worldwide,” Stephens said. “It’s a show full of fantasy about the wealthy world, and I feel people need a bit of escapism considering how grim the world is right now.”
When asked whether there had already been discussion about returning for a second season, The Season team was quietly optimistic.
“It would be so lovely to get everyone back together again, and I definitely think there’s legs for it,” Li said. “Even though this season has a satisfying ending, there are definitely ways it could develop.”
