KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — Several hit series have explored the struggles and corruption hidden beneath the glamour of the upper class, with The White Lotus among the most prominent examples.

In that vein, Viu is set to launch The Season, an upcoming revenge-filled thriller that explores similar themes while offering a distinctly Asian twist.

The English-language six-episode series, steeped in luxury and intrigue, is set during Hong Kong’s elite summer social season — a world where connections mean everything and reality is rarely as glamorous as it appears.

It follows a wealthy, influential high-society family whose internal dynamics are disrupted by the arrival of a newcomer with unclear intentions. 

‘The Season’ cast and story

The project will feature a predominantly Asian cast, with Jessie Mei Li, best known for playing Alina Starkov in the 2021 Netflix series Shadow and Bone, leading the series as Cola. 

Toby Stephens, three-time Golden Horse Award winner Karena Lam, Chris Pang, Celina Jade, Justin Chien, Yvonne Chapman, Kōki, and Lee Jae-yoon, among others, will also be part of the project.

The plot follows the Hext family, an old-money family with influence in Hong Kong’s upper class, who move within social circles involving yacht parties, horse racing and charity galas. 

Beneath the lavish lifestyle, however, lie numerous secrets and scandals.

The arrival of Cola, a newcomer with a hidden agenda, begins to shake their world.

As rivalries intensify and alliances become increasingly dangerous, the “season” leads to a dramatic confrontation that threatens to bring down the elite world entirely.

Behind-the-scenes from ‘The Season’, a six-episode series entirely shot in Hong Kong set to take screens this June. — Picture courtesy of Viu
Behind-the-scenes from ‘The Season’, a six-episode series entirely shot in Hong Kong set to take screens this June. — Picture courtesy of Viu

The team behind The Season and its release date

The series was filmed entirely in Hong Kong and is produced by PCCW Media in collaboration with SK Global, whose past credits include Crazy Rich Asians, Thai Cave Rescue, and Delhi Crime. 

Janice Lee, CEO of PCCW Media & Viu, and Agatha Lo serve as executive producers.

For SK Global, the series is executive produced by Chloe Dan, EVP and Head of Television, alongside Matt Aragachi and Dylan Tarason.

Yalun Tu (NCIS: Hawai’i) created the series and also serves as showrunner and executive producer, while Marialy Rivas is the lead director and an executive producer. 

The Season is scheduled to premiere on June 17 and will be available on Viu platforms across Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa.