Thai drama enthusiasts, brace yourselves! iQIYI just unveiled its massive 2026 lineup at the iJOY TH 2026 showcase in Bangkok, featuring 18 groundbreaking series that promise to redefine Asian entertainment. From Thailand’s first real Omegaverse production to emotional musical romances and supernatural thrillers, the streaming giant is pulling out all the stops.
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iQIYI Highlights You Can’t Miss
The November 7 showcase at Sphere Hall revealed an ambitious slate blending AI-enhanced creativity with traditional storytelling. iQIYI is betting big on beloved on-screen pairs including Off-Gun, Phuwin-Pond, NuNew-Zee, and FreenBecky, ensuring fans get their favorite chemistry back on screen.
| Must-Watch Series | Genre | Starring | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burnout Syndrome | Romance Drama | Off Jumpol, Gun Atthaphan | Artist caught between demanding boss and ideal partner |
| KNOT | Omegaverse BL | Boat Yongyut, Oat Pasakorn | Thailand’s first authentic Omegaverse production |
| Speed and Love | Romance/Action | Esther Yu, He Yu | Chinese novel adaptation about street racing siblings |
| The Air 4 Elements | Royal Romance | Freen Sarocha, Becky Armstrong | Princess-cop forbidden love story |
Game-Changing Productions
KNOT stands out as Thailand’s pioneering “real Omegaverse” series, expanding BL boundaries with its Alpha-Omega dynamics. The intense teaser poses a provocative question: “When love pierces the divide, who then wears the mark of prey?” This bold narrative choice signals iQIYI’s commitment to pushing genre conventions.
Hug E-Lhee The Musical brings NuNew and Zee together in a musical romance about a waiter-turned-restaurant-owner whose dreams collide with reality when a fusion eatery opens nearby. The series promises original songs alongside heartfelt storytelling.
Fan-Favorite Returns and Fresh Faces
The Khemjira Must Survive Special Episode extends the supernatural romance that captivated audiences in August 2025. Meanwhile, Goddess Bless You From Death teams Pavel and Pooh in a detective thriller merging science with ancient sorcery—perfect for mystery lovers.
Love Upon a Time Series transports viewers 400 years back to the Ayutthaya Kingdom through time-travel romance, while Interminable explores reincarnated love bound to an ancient Thai house. These historical fantasies showcase Thailand’s rich cultural heritage through modern lens.
What This Means for Asian Entertainment
iQIYI’s 2026 strategy emphasizes cross-border collaborations and multi-genre storytelling. By adapting Chinese web novels like Speed and Love and Thai literary works, the platform bridges cultural narratives while maintaining authentic representation. This approach mirrors successful Asian drama trends gaining global traction.
The lineup’s diversity—from youth romance (You(r)tuber Series) to industry critique (Mr. Fanboy Series) to LGBTQ+ narratives—reflects evolving viewer preferences. Series like LUST explore obsession’s darker edges, while lighter fare like Peach Lover offers tender emotional awakening stories.
With productions featuring Phuwin-Pond in the rom-com Me and Thee and continuation of successful franchises like GELBOYS 2, iQIYI balances innovation with proven formulas. The platform’s integration of AI-enhanced production techniques promises elevated visual storytelling without sacrificing narrative depth.
As Asian content consumption skyrockets globally, iQIYI’s ambitious 2026 roster positions Thailand as entertainment’s next powerhouse. Whether you’re craving supernatural mysteries, heartwarming romances, or genre-breaking experiments, this lineup delivers something extraordinary for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will these iQIYI Thai dramas premiere?
The series are scheduled throughout 2026 on iQIYI’s streaming platform. Specific release dates will be announced individually. The Khemjira special episode is confirmed for 2026 release, with other series following throughout the year. Check iQIYI’s official announcements for exact premiere schedules.
What is Omegaverse, and why is KNOT significant?
Omegaverse is a speculative fiction genre featuring social hierarchy based on Alpha, Beta, and Omega secondary genders, often with unique biological characteristics. KNOT is Thailand’s first authentic Omegaverse production, marking a bold expansion of Thai BL storytelling beyond traditional romance narratives into more complex worldbuilding previously seen mainly in literature and international productions.
