Emerald Hill: Everything to know about the star-studded spin-off of the iconic The Little Nyonya series

It’s been nearly two decades since The Little Nyonya first graced our screens, captivating audiences with its sweeping tale of love, loss, and resilience set against the rich backdrop of Peranakan culture. The beloved 2008 series, which spanned over 70 years and multiple generations, left an indelible mark on viewers in Singapore and across the region. Now, after 17 years, a new chapter is about to unfold – and Emerald Hill promises to be every bit as enthralling as its iconic predecessor.

Set to premiere on Netflix on 10 March 2025, with subsequent airings on Channel 8 and meWATCH, Emerald Hill picks up the Peranakan legacy with a fresh storyline, new faces, and a modern twist on the timeless themes that made the original such a hit.

Tasha Low, Chantalle Ng, and Ferlyn G lead the drama

At the heart of this highly anticipated spin-off is Zhang Xin Niang, played by former K-pop idol Tasha Low, stepping into the role of the new ‘Little Nyonya’. Her character’s journey is one of survival and self-discovery – beginning as a homeless girl struggling to care for her foster mother (brought to life by veteran actress Chen Liping), before a life-altering revelation turns her world upside down. Xin Niang discovers that she may be the long-lost daughter of the prestigious Zhang family, setting the stage for emotional reunions, bitter rivalries, and the kind of gripping family drama that The Little Nyonya fans will remember all too well.

But Xin Niang isn’t the only surprise in store for the Zhangs. Ferlyn G takes on the role of another long-lost granddaughter, whose arrival promises to stir up further intrigue and complex family dynamics. And in true The Little Nyonya fashion, no story would be complete without a formidable antagonist. Stepping into this role is Chantalle Ng, Her World’s October 2024 cover girl and daughter of Lin Meijiao, the original series’ unforgettable villain. Taking on her first “baddie” role, Chantalle is set to deliver a performance that will keep viewers hooked.

A real-life tale retold with a star-studded cast

Joining them is an all-star ensemble cast featuring Zoe Tay (also Her World’s October 2024 cover girl) as the regal family matriarch, Romeo Tan, Shaun Chen, Jesseca Liu, Sheila Sim, Dawn Yeoh, Tyler Ten, Zhang Zetong, and Desmond Ng, among others. Adding international flair is Taiwanese actor Xiu Jie Kai, who plays Zhang Jin He, the second son of Zoe Tay’s character and husband to Jesseca Liu’s character – a role that also makes him the brother of Shaun, Romeo, and Sheila’s characters, and father to Tasha Low’s Zhang Xin Niang. And in a heartfelt nod to long-time fans, Jeanette Aw reprises her iconic role as Yue Niang – though her appearance, now as the mother of a key character (played by Zhang Zetong), remains shrouded in mystery.

Behind Emerald Hill is celebrated screenwriter Ang Eng Tee, who also penned the original The Little Nyonya. Drawing from years of research and countless real-life accounts shared with him by members of the Peranakan community, Ang promises a story steeped in authenticity and cultural richness. In fact, Xin Niang’s journey was inspired by a true story Ang encountered – that of a young girl kidnapped at age three and later adopted into a wealthy family, eventually growing into a strong and accomplished woman.

Why you should watch it

As with The Little Nyonya, Emerald Hill promises to be a feast for the senses – from intricate sarong kebayas to mouth-watering Peranakan dishes. The cast themselves were captivated by the cultural beauty on set, with Zoe Tay praising the elegance and sensuality of the kebaya’s design, while Chantalle Ng embraced the opportunity to explore her darker side in a rare villainous role.

The drama also heats up with a compelling love triangle involving Tyler, Zetong, and Tasha, whose characters become entangled in a web of romance, jealousy, and shifting loyalties. As Tasha’s character grapples with her newfound identity within the prestigious Zhang family, her tangled relationships with both men threaten to complicate her path even further.

To heighten the show’s emotional resonance, Singaporean songstress Kit Chan lends her vocals to the hauntingly beautiful theme song, Echoes of Petals.

So whether you’re a die-hard The Little Nyonya fan or someone ready to dive into the world of Peranakan drama for the first time, Emerald Hill looks set to deliver an irresistible blend of heritage, heartache, and high drama – a worthy successor to a Singaporean classic.

Catch Emerald Hill from March 10 on Netflix, March 17 on meWATCH, and March 19 at 9pm on Channel 8.

Social media co-ordination Chelsia Tan and Syed Zulfadhli
Art direction Adeline Eng
Videography and editing Latisha Sonia Shaymentyran