When actor-filmmaker Chen Sicheng was young, he read British author Charles Dickens' novel Great Expectations. The book's title, for him symbolizing an aspiration to strive for a bright future, was etched on his mind.

As a homage to his childhood favorite, Chen gave his new television series the same title. But the story is completely different.

Set in the 1920s, the 56-episode drama Great Expectations chronicles the rise of Hong Sanyuan, a fictional hero who transforms from a street hooligan to a revolutionary in the unprecedented turbulence of the era.

The series will air on the provincial broadcaster Hunan TV, as well as five streaming sites: Tencent Video, iQiyi, Youku, Mgtv.com, and Le.com beginning April 1.