A grumpy master, three disaster apprentices, and China's biggest economic glow-up — chaos ensues.
Season 1 • Episode 35
LatestSet in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Old Tie is a skilled senior welder who mentors three apprentices, following their personal growth and struggles as they work together in a factory during China’s economic transformation.
Acting
Li Youbin's grumpy master — every eye roll is Oscar-worthy.
Production
Factory sets so authentic you can smell the metal shavings.
Writing
Apprentice dynamics: three disasters, zero chill, endless heart.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The danwei system depicted — work units as second families — was real and vanished by the 90s. This is basically a time capsule.
Director Qi Xing cast actual retired factory workers as extras; their improvised banter made the final cut.
CN
