Skip to content
Streambay
The Water Margin poster
TV series

The Water Margin

Latest episode

S2 E13 · The Dynasty of Kao

Notify me about new episodes

About The Water Margin

The Water Margin is a action & adventure and drama TV series that premiered on Nippon TV on October 2, 1973. It has 2 seasons and 26 episodes so far and has ended. The latest episode, Season 2 Episode 13 "The Dynasty of Kao", aired on March 26, 1974.

The Water Margin is a Japanese television series based on Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. The novel details the trials and tribulations of 108 outlaws during the Song Dynasty. This adaptation follows Lin Chung and his clashes with the local government official Kao Chiu. The Water Margin is famous for its, sometimes obscure, but memorable philosophical quotes, such as "Do not despise the snake for having no horns,for who is to say it will not become a dragon?""

  • Action & Adventure
  • Drama

Last updated

Episodes

26 episodes · 2 seasons

Season 1

1973 · 13 episodes · Last episode: 52 years ago

All 13 episodes from the first series of the 1970s TV show about a gang of outlaw heroes dedicated to fighting tyranny in feudal China.

The Water Margin Season 1 release dates →
  1. The Water Margin S1 E13 still E13

    13. When Liang Shan Po Robbed the Poor

    Finale

    Kao Chiu, consumed by greed, is now plotting to overthrow Prime Minister Chi Ching. Kao accuses the Prime Minister of being lax in collecting taxes, and allies himself with Lord Chu and his three warrior sons. Together they raid several of the tax collections en route to the capital, ensuring that they leave Liang Shan Po's flag. With the good rebels of the water margin implicated, Lin Chung must investigate - and Kao's minions will be waiting.

  2. The Water Margin S1 E12 still E12

    12. Kao Chiu Loses His Heart

    Kao Chiu's obsession with the destruction of Lin Chung and the outlaws of Liang Shan Po continues to grow. An investigation into the supporters of the rebels reveals Hua Yung as a major conspirator. In hiding at a water circus, Hua Yung is travelling to the safety of Liang Shan Po. Kao Chiu questions Hua Yung's brother-in-law: if he does not hand over Hua Yung, his entire family will be killed.

  3. The Water Margin S1 E11 still E11

    11. The Girl Who Loved the Flower Priest

    Kao Chiu's evil reign has spread far and wide, driving the ruthless to yet more corruption. Chin Mao Hu is such a man. He and his cruel bandits have spread hunger and death across the province. Chin Mao Hu goes to Kao Chiu, seeking an officer's commission in the imperial guard. In return, Chin Mao Hu promises to deliver Liang Shan Po into his hands. Lu Ta, the 'Flower Priest', encounters Yang Chih - 'Blue Face' - who is roaming the area in disgrace. Lu Ta's heart hangs heavy for the 'songbird' held captive by the bandits. Once enemies, Lu Ta and the honourable 'Blue Face' plan to overthrow the bandits of Two Dragon Mountain.

  4. The Water Margin S1 E10 still E10

    10. Escape Is Not Freedom

    Tortured and beaten, Sung Chiang faces execution at the hands of evil Huang Wen-Ping. As Tai Sung hurries to Liang Shan Po with the news, Wu Sung - the 'Tiger Hunter' - arrives at Chiang Chow jail, intent on freeing Sung Chiang himself. However, Wu Sung is captured, and Liang Shan Po's plan for rescue is intrinsically flawed. As Lin Chung and the other rebels approach the jail, Kao Chiu is waiting for them.

  5. The Water Margin S1 E9 still E9

    9. A Dutiful Son and the Love of a Brother

    Kao Chiu fumes, seemingly unable to destroy his enemy, Lin Chung. However, Kao Chiu's arm is long, and his cunning boundless. Newly appointed and ambitious, Huang Wen-Ping has a plan of his own. He will capture the good judge Sung Chiang and thus lure Lin Chung from the safety of the water margins of Liang Shan Po. Sentenced to Chiang Chow jail, Sung Chiang must now keep his wits about him.

  6. The Water Margin S1 E8 still E8

    8. A Man's Only Happiness

    Sung Chiang, not yet ready to join the bandits of Liang Shan Po, seeks the counsel of his friend Hua Yung, prefect of Ching Feng. Knowing of Hua Yung's fairness, Kao Chiu has appointed an additional, corrupt prefect. The new prefect's wife, Hsiu Lan, has been captured by bandits. Shih Chin - 'Tattooed Dragon' - has joined the group of outlaws, who also capture Sung Chiang. Shih Chin persuades the bandits to release their captives. However, Hsiu Lan tells her husband that Sung Chiang and Shih Chin were her captors, Lin Chung must now rescue them both, bringing them to the justice and honour of Liang Shan Po.

  7. The Water Margin S1 E7 still E7

    7. How Easy to Die, How Hard to Live

    Kao Chiu is sent the head of Wang Lun. Furious, and suspicious of the good judge Sung Chiang, Kao Chiu orders him to investigate Yen Po-Hsi, Wang Lung's former lover. Working for Kao Chiu, Yen Po-Hsi seduces Sung Chiang. stealing vital information regarding Liang Shan Po. The judge is forced to kill the girl, then flees, seeking refuge with Lord Chai Chin and his mighty servant, Li Kwei, the Black Whirl-wind'. However, only Lin Chung's intervention at the battle of the Shallow River of the Dead can now save the judge.

  8. The Water Margin S1 E6 still E6

    6. Bandits Who Steal Are Executed

    Kao Chiu, desperate to retrieve the stolen treasure, dispatches his forces to all corners of the empire. He discovers that Lin Chung has joined the bandits of Liang Shan Po, and that Chao Kai was involved in the theft. Wang Lun, the leader of the rebels, hears that Chao Kai has been arrested, and sends Lin Chung to rescue both the fortune and the nobleman. Kao Chiu lures Wang Lun into a trap which will deliver the defences of Liang Shan Po, the outlaws, and the treasure, into his hands.

  9. The Water Margin S1 E5 still E5

    5. A Treasure of Gold and Jade

    Evil Kao Chiu, not content with being Viceroy and head of the army, plots with his brother-in-law to become Prime Minister as well. Yang Chih -'Blue Face' - is given a chance to redeem himself after his earlier failure: he must guard the tax collections destined for Kao Chiu. The good rebels of Liang Shan Po soon learn that a huge fortune of jade and gold is on the move - as does the respected nobleman Chao Kai. With Chao Kai ride Hu San-Niang and Lu Ta, the former head guard of Tsang Chou jail. Lin Chung is on a collision course with Chao Kai - and Yang Chih.

  10. The Water Margin S1 E4 still E4

    4. Ever Busy are the Gods of Love

    With Lin Chung now at Liang Shan Po, the union of the rebel knights has begun. Hearing the news, 'Tiger Hunter' Wu Sung heads for the water margins. Shih Chin - 'Tattooed Dragon' - has already joined the mountain bandits led by Chu Wu, but in pursuit of his true love he is captured and faces certain death. Now Lin Chung must unite with Wu Sung and Chu Wu to execute the daring rescue of Shih Chin.

  11. The Water Margin S1 E3 still E3

    3. Both at Last Will Reach the Sea

    Yang Chih - known as 'Blue Face' - is one of the few honourable men in government. Kao Chiu has banished him to a distant province - with orders to capture and kill Lin Chung. Lin Chung, searching for his wife Hsiao Lan, is offered refuge by Wang Lun, leader of the rebel warriors of Liang Shan Po. However, Yang Chih has captured Lin Chung's wife: Lin Chung must face Yang Chih in a duel that will decide the fate of them all.

  12. The Water Margin S1 E2 still E2

    2. None Ever Escape Alive

    Lin Chung accepts his punishment, continuing his journey to Tsang Chou jail. On the way he encounters a band of rebel outlaws who try to persuade him to join them. Lin Chung refuses. fearing for the safety of his wife, Hsiao Lan, still in the capital city - and under the lustful gaze of Kao Chiu. Once imprisoned, Lin Chung earns the respect of head guard Lu Ta. However, Kao Chiu still plots against Lin Chung from a distance - and his evil desire for Hsiao Lan grows all the time.

  13. The Water Margin S1 E1 still E1

    1. Nine Dozen Heroes and One Wicked Man

    The Emperor dispatches his favourite, wicked Kao Chiu, to the sacred mountain to exorcise the evil behind the terrible plague that grips China. Kao Chiu discovers an ancient temple, its doors sealed shut on the orders of a previous emperor. Within is a pit believed to contain the souls of nine dozen rebellious knights. The souls are scattered over China, now reborn as heroes who will take a stand against the corruption that has gripped the empire. One such hero might be Lin Chung, an honourable officer in the imperial army. However, Kao Chiu hatches a plot to have Lin Chung discharged from the army in disgrace.

Season 2

1974 · 13 episodes · Last episode: 52 years ago

All 13 episodes from the second series of the 1970s TV show about a gang of outlaw heroes dedicated to fighting tyranny in feudal China.

The Water Margin Season 2 release dates →
  1. The Water Margin S2 E13 still E13

    13. The Dynasty of Kao

    Finale

    The prophecy is now complete: the nine dozen heroes of the water margins of Liang Shan Po gather like storm clouds to the south of the capital city. Kao Chiu, like a caged tiger, plots to kill the Emperor, now a prisoner in his own palace. The dynasty of Kao will replace a hundred and fifty years of rule by the Sungs. Lin Chung speeds to the capital in an attempt to save the Emperor from the coming battle. Meanwhile, thousands of peasants join the rebel knights of Liang Shan Po as they march on the capital city. Lin Chung must save the life of the Emperor-and confront Kao Chiu for the last time.

  2. The Water Margin S2 E12 still E12

    12. Knight of the Long Sword

    The spirit of revolt grips China, with the Mongols back at the borders. Kao Chiu has, without the Emperor's seal, declared martial law in the capital city. He recalls General Kuang Sheng from the north, where he has been defending the Great Wall against the Hun. Kao blames the rebels of Liang Shan Po for the death of Lin Chung's wife, and promises a great reward if Lin Chung himself is brought to justice - knowing full well that Kuang Sheng, a former friend of Lin Chung, is the only man in China who can now defeat Liang Shan Po.

  3. The Water Margin S2 E11 still E11

    11. Liang Shan Po and the Millionaire

    Kao Chiu's brother-in-law Liang Chung Shu is the governor of Peking, also the home of the wealthy Lu Chin-I and his daughter Feng Hsien. Liang Ch Shu and the wife of Lu Chin-I are lovers, and conspire together to steal Lu Chin-I's fortune - a fortune equally important to the future of Liang Po. After returning from a meeting with Lin Chung. Lu Chin-I is accused of treason, and captured. As the rebels seek to rescue Lu Chin-I, only his daughter Feng Hsien knows that Kao has arranged a trap for them.

  4. The Water Margin S2 E10 still E10

    10. A Concubine's Dowry

    Kao Chiu continues to corrupt the boy Emperor, ensuring that he is surrounded only with the weak and self-indulgent. The emperor is, however, becoming more independent, and soon falls for the affections of a courtesan called Li Chih. Kao is pleased with the diversion, but, fearing the Emperor may grow tired of, the concubine, he plans to bring Feng Hsien, the daughter of one of China's wealthiest nobles, to the city as a candidate for marriage. Unfortunately, her journey will take her close to the water margins of Liang Shan Po. Lu Ta and Shih Chin travel to the capital, hoping to persuade Li Chih to tell the Emperor of the evil of Kao.

  5. The Water Margin S2 E9 still E9

    9. Lin Chung Is Beaten

    With Lin Chung held by the Tsengs, and the rebels mourning the death of one of their leaders, Kao Chiu travels to Tung-Chi to gloat on his victory. The knights of Liang Shan Po begin to infiltrate the occupied village, disguised as entertainers, fortune tellers and tradesmen. Hu San-Niang uses her beauty to set two of the Tseng brothers against each other. As they fight for her affections, the heroes try to free Lin Chung. With Kao so close, the rebel knights will not have long.

  6. The Water Margin S2 E8 still E8

    8. Death of a Great Man

    The army of the Tsengs has fought their way from Mongolia into China. Tseng Lung and his five brutal sons arrive in Chao Kai's village of Tung-Chi. Promised great rewards by Kao Chiu if they destroy Liang Shan Po, the Tsengs hold the women and children of the village hostage. They will be released, in return for Lin Chung. Chao Kai must return to his village - and discover his destiny.

  7. The Water Margin S2 E7 still E7

    7. The War to End All Wars

    Kao Chiu has invited an expert in gunpowder to the capital city, knowing that the secret of explosives and cannons will give him the crucial edge in his battle against Lin Chung and the honourable rebels. Unfortunately for Kao, the man and his son are attacked by bandits, and seek refuge at Liang Shan Po. Lin Chung and the rebel knights must persuade the man to stay and teach them the secret of gunpowder, for it is unthinkable that such weapons should fall into the wrong hands.

  8. The Water Margin S2 E6 still E6

    6. Mourn the Slaughter of So Many

    China is under attack. General Huang Lung has been defeated, his army destroyed by the invading Mongol forces. Kao Chiu acts swiftly to appease the Emperor, recalling General Hu from political exile to lead China's forces against the invaders. With a string of successful campaigns the General soon beats back the Mongols; Kao is credited with choosing General Hu to lead such a vital campaign. Wary of General Hu, Kao hatches a further scheme, which sends the son of the General, Hu Yen-I, on a suicide mission against Liang Shan Po, hoping that this will spur General Hu into action. If one man can defeat Lin Chung it is his former commanding officer, General Hu.

  9. The Water Margin S2 E5 still E5

    5. A Foolish Sage Who Got Involved

    Lin Chung heads north with Li Hua, back to Kao-Tang Chow, a province rich in treasure and still largely untouched by Kao Chiu's evil reign. Kao orders two great armies, under the control of the Mongol Kao Lien, to conquer these lands, and capture Lin Chung. While Lin Chung tries to lead the brave farmers of Kao-Tang Chow to Liang Shan Po, Hu San-Niang must find the magus, Kung Sun Sheng, on retreat with his spiritual master - for only Kung Sun Sheng can oppose Kao Lien's Tibetan black magic.

  10. The Water Margin S2 E4 still E4

    4. The Traps of Love and Hate

    Evil Kao Chiu, aware that Lin Chung has left the safety of Liang Shan Po, discovers that Duke Chai Huang Chen has been appointed adviser in court etiquette. His nephew Chai Chin is a suspected Liang Shan Po sympathizer, and the Duke's daughter, Li Hua, is well-liked by the Emperor. Kao Chiu acts swiftly to protect his position, plotting the downfall of the Chai family. Chai Chin must kill Lin Chung, already in the capital city. Lin Chung, under the watchful eye of Shih Chin - the 'Tattooed Dragon' - and Hu San-Niang, must face Kao Chiu once more.

  11. The Water Margin S2 E3 still E3

    3. Heaven Aims the Master's Arrow

    Squire Kuang and his evil brother, surmising that Lin Chung and Hua Yung are sure to visit Hua Yung's old archery teacher, set a trap. Kao Chiu is also due to arrive in Kuang Chow, with a plan to steal the emperor's jade and use Lin Chung as a scapegoat. Lin Chung and Kao Chiu find themselves face-to-face in battle - and with the rebels outnumbered, the people at last may be driven to take a stand against evil.

  12. The Water Margin S2 E2 still E2

    2. The Bravest Tiger Is First Killed

    The rebels of Liang Shan Po steal a year's worth of taxes from Kuang Chow province. Kao orders Squire Kuang - a man rich enough to have a private army - to attack Liang Shan Po. The Squire sends a spy into the heart of Liang Shan Po: Ju Hai, a corrupt priest. Ju Hai befriends Lu Ta and enters the water margins on the pretext of exorcising the evil spirit behind a plague that seems to have afflicted the rebels. Ju Hai sketches the defences of Liang Shan Po in readiness for an attack - and sends Lu Ta away, for a fateful encounter with his dying mother.

  13. The Water Margin S2 E1 still E1

    1. A Death for Love, More Deaths from Greed

    The web, spun by Kao Chiu, has trapped Tai Sung, now a prisoner at the mercy of the Chu brothers. Meanwhile, back in the capital city, the Prime Minister accuses Kao of conspiring to steal the imperial taxes. Unfortunately, Chi Ching has underestimated Kao's cunning. Five hundred miles away, at the castle of Lord Chu, Lin Chung and the rebels of Liang Shan Po attempt to rescue Tai Sung. Even though separated by such a distance, each sword-cut, each drop of blood, every death, is Kao Chiu's doing.

The Water Margin FAQ

Will there be new episodes of The Water Margin?

The Water Margin has ended, so no new episodes are scheduled. The final episode aired on March 26, 1974.

When did the latest episode of The Water Margin come out?

The most recent episode of The Water Margin, Season 2 Episode 13 "The Dynasty of Kao", aired on March 26, 1974.

How many seasons of The Water Margin are there?

The Water Margin has 2 seasons with 26 episodes in total.

When did The Water Margin first air?

The Water Margin first aired on Nippon TV on October 2, 1973.

How do I get notified when new episodes of The Water Margin are released?

Download the Streambay app, follow The Water Margin, and you'll get a push notification the moment each new episode is released.

More like The Water Margin

  • NCIS poster

    7.6

    S24 · E5 5 days ago

    NCIS

    Synopsis: From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, a team of special agents investigates any crime that has any connection to Navy and Marine Corps personnel, regardless of rank or position.

  • C.I.D. poster

    5.7

    S2 · E104 10 months ago

    C.I.D.

    Synopsis: A team of dedicated men and women in the Crime Investigation Department will risk everything to solve Mumbai's toughest, most complicated crimes.

  • Game of Thrones poster

    8.5

    S8 · E6 7 years ago

    Game of Thrones

    Synopsis: Seven noble families fight for control of the mythical land of Westeros. Friction between the houses leads to full-scale war. All while a very ancient evil awakens in the farthest north. Amidst the war, a neglected military order of misfits, the Night's Watch, is all that stands between the realms of men and icy horrors beyond.

  • Kamen Rider poster

    6.4

    S37 · E10 Today

    Kamen Rider

    Synopsis: Takeshi Hongo is a promising young man with a passion for motorcycle racing. However, his dreams are suddenly ruined when he gets kidnapped by Shocker, the evil secret organization planning to dominate the world. After being remodeled into a cyborg, Takeshi escapes and swears to protect the world from the inhuman monsters.

  • Hawaii Five-0 poster

    7.7

    S10 · E22 6 years ago

    Hawaii Five-0

    Synopsis: Steve McGarrett returns home to Oahu, in order to find his father's killer. The governor offers him the chance to run his own task force (Five-0). Steve's team is joined by Chin Ho Kelly, Danny "Danno" Williams, and Kono Kalakaua.

  • Smallville poster

    8.2

    S10 · E21 15 years ago

    Smallville

    Synopsis: The origins of the world’s greatest hero–from Krypton refugee Kal-el’s arrival on Earth through his tumultuous teen years to Clark Kent’s final steps toward embracing his destiny as the Man of Steel.

  • NCIS: Los Angeles poster

    7.5

    S14 · E21 3 years ago

    NCIS: Los Angeles

    Synopsis: The exploits of the Los Angeles–based Office of Special Projects (OSP), an elite division of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service that specializes in undercover assignments.

  • Doctor Who poster

    7.6

    S13 · E6 4 years ago

    Doctor Who

    Synopsis: The Doctor is a Time Lord: a 900 year old alien with 2 hearts, part of a gifted civilization who mastered time travel. The Doctor saves planets for a living—more of a hobby actually, and the Doctor's very, very good at it.

  • JAG poster

    7.3

    S10 · E22 21 years ago

    JAG

    Synopsis: Harmon "Harm" Rabb Jr. is a former pilot turned lawyer working for the military's JAG (Judge Advocate General) division, the elite legal wing of officers that prosecutes and defends those accused of military-related crimes. He works closely with Lt. Col. Sarah Mackenzie, and together they do what needs to be done to find the truth.

  • FBI poster

    7.9

    S9 · E2 3 weeks ago

    FBI

    Synopsis: The New York office of the FBI brings to bear all their talents, intellect and technical expertise on major cases in order to keep their city and the country safe.

  • The Walking Dead poster

    8.1

    S11 · E24 3 years ago

    The Walking Dead

    Synopsis: Sheriff's deputy Rick Grimes awakens from a coma to find a post-apocalyptic world dominated by flesh-eating zombies. He sets out to find his family and encounters many other survivors along the way.

  • S.W.A.T. poster

    8.0

    S8 · E22 1 year ago

    S.W.A.T.

    Synopsis: A Los Angeles S.W.A.T. sergeant is assigned to lead a highly skilled unit in the community where he grew up. Torn between loyalty to the streets, where the cops are sometimes the enemy, and allegiance to his brothers in blue, he strategically straddles the two worlds.

Never miss The Water Margin.

Download Streambay and follow The Water Margin. We’ll notify you the moment a new episode is released. It’s free, with no sign-up and no personal information required.

Coming soon to App Store Get it on Google Play
The Water Margin Get new episode alerts Get alerts