iQIYI Faces Backlash Over 'Huai Shui Zhu Ting' Release Delay

The series has found itself at the center of controversy due to a series of missteps by its streaming platform. Initially, iQIYI had announced that the show would premiere on April 17, generating significant buzz among fans. However, the release was subsequently delayed, leaving audiences feeling deceived and frustrated. At the heart of the issue is the perception that iQIYI made commitments it could not keep. Fans of the show, as well as its star, Liu Shi Shi, felt that the platform's inability to meet its promised release date was a breach of trust.

Liu Shi Shi had reportedly cleared her schedule for the month of April to promote the drama, only to have the platform's changes disrupt these plans. This not only affected her but also disrupted the carefully laid-out promotional activities for "Huai Shui Zhu Ting," which included a pre-release campaign and fan engagement events. The fanbase, already excited for the show's premiere, expressed their disappointment and frustration through social media, using hashtags to call out iQIYI for its handling of the situation.

They urged the platform to reinstate the original release date and to provide a series of promotional assurances, including multiple previews, advance notice of the show's availability, and prominent placement on the platform to make up for the missed opportunities. This incident comes on the heels of another controversy where a previous drama was hastily removed from the platform, allegedly to make way for "Huai Shui Zhu Ting." This move was seen as unfair and further fueled the discontent among viewers, who felt that their viewing preferences were being disregarded in favor of promotional strategies.

Fans of the drama are calling on iQIYI to uphold the spirit of their contract and give "Huai Shui Zhu Ting" the treatment it deserves. They are strongly demanding that iQIYI schedule the drama's release for April 17th and provide it with the necessary resources and promotions. Furthermore, fans are urging iQIYI to make up for the lack of promotions on the platform's main page, pop-up notifications, and outdoor advertisements. The controversy surrounding the drama's release date has left fans feeling frustrated and anxious, and they are eager for iQIYI to officially announce the release date and put an end to the uncertainty.

The actions taken by iQIYI may have severe repercussions, including disrupting the release schedule of dramas, damaging the interests of multiple parties involved, and tarnishing the platform's reputation. Furthermore, such moves may compromise the overall user experience. Fans of the show are urging iQIYI to resolve the issue as soon as possible to avoid repeated changes that could erode confidence in the industry. In light of these potential consequences, it is essential for iQIYI to adopt a proactive approach in addressing the concerns of its users and stakeholders. By doing so, the platform can mitigate the risks associated with the controversy and work towards restoring the trust of its audience. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and consistency in the digital entertainment industry, where viewer loyalty and confidence are paramount.