Top Picks: My drama recommendations (Updated)

The Imperial Coroner. Credit: Tencent Video

Romance Is A Bonus Book. Credit: Netflix, tvN

I Will Find You A Better Home. Credit: WeTV

Not sure what to watch and looking for suggestions? Here are a few of my recommendations. I’m trying to be more selective for this particular list, so these are all dramas that I rated 8.7 or higher. There are plenty of others I enjoyed immensely (a few even put me into a “show hole”) that did not make this cut. It goes without saying, these are my own preferences — some align with popular opinion, others less so. I’ve also created a separate list of highly recommended dramas that are on my own miles-long “to watch” list, in case you’re looking for additional suggestions.

Top picks (in no particular order):

(May 2024) Blossoms In Adversity (惜花芷 Xī huā zhǐ) 2024 — Blossoms in Adversity is a wonderful 40-episode historical drama that celebrates the strength and resilience of women and puts a spotlight on their incredibly oppressive lives in ancient China. I was willing to suspend disbelief and enjoy this magical and joyous fairy tale in wishful thinking, where the value of truth and the power of good will always prevails. I was brought to tears more than once by the heartfelt joys and heartaches of this imperfect, but delightful family and their servants. It is an intensely satisfying journey with well-paced story arcs and compelling characters. Zhang Jingyi (张婧仪) and Hu Yitian (胡一天) lead an engaging and fun supporting cast. One of my favourites for 2024.

(January 2024) Twinkling Watermelon (반짝이는 워터멜론) 2023 — If you went back in time and met your parents, what would you do? Along with Destined, this is one of the very few dramas where I’ve given a near perfect score. Don’t let the odd title deter you — this is a really beautiful and heartwarming time-travel story of family and love that will leave you with a joyful heart. Ha Eun-gyeol is the only person in his family who can hear, and he has spent his entire life devoting himself to be his family’s voice and ears. But he also has a gift and passion for music. What happens when he tries to follow his own dreams? Ryeoun (려운), Choi Hyun-wook (최현욱), Seol In-ah (설인아), and Shin Eun-soo (신은수) star in this wholesome gem that ranks among my all-time favourite dramas.

(January 2024) Healer (힐러) 2014 -- With so many new dramas coming out every day, it’s hard to carve time for the older gems. At 20-episodes, Healer is also longer than your standard K-drama, but this is actually a blessing because Ji Chang-wook (지창욱) does not get any cooler or swoonier than he does here playing a loner and highly skilled “fixer” who gets entangled in a case involving his mysterious past. A more suitable female lead than Park Min-young (박민영) would have made this drama even better for me.

(October 2023) Worst of Evil (최악의 악) 2023 — This is Ji Chang-wook (지창욱) as you’ve never seen him before -- swarthy, tanned, and rough around the edges, his character Park Joon-mo is definitely not here to be your idol. This may be a gritty crime thriller, but it’s also a character drama about how deep into the abyss one man will fall to prove himself and to protect the woman he loves. Wi Ha-joon (위하준) plays the compelling antagonist. Both vicious and sympathetic, he is someone who could have had a very different life. In their own ways, both men sacrifice so much that there is no turning back, but at what cost?

(September 2023) Back from the Brink (护心 Hù xīn) 2023 — This was such an unexpected and swoony delight that I watched with my family. Funny, romantic, and adventurous, this was a refreshing xianxia about a dragon spirit who was betrayed by the woman he loved and torn apart, and his quest to piece himself together with the help of a kind human. Whatever Neo Hou Minghao (侯明昊) and Zhou Ye (周也) might lack in acting range, they make up for in likability and chemistry. This was one of my favourites of 2023.

(September 2023) A Time Called You (너의 시간 속으로) 2023 — This is a solid South Korean remake of the Taiwanese original, Someday or One Day, which I’ve also recommended on this list. With a story this unique, making it as fresh and original the second time can be a challenge. The elements of suspense and surprise are gone, along with the initial magic of discovery. Comparisons are unfair, and given this context, this 12-episode version, starring Ahn Hyo-seop (안효섭) and Jeon Yeo-been (전여빈), does an admirable job honouring the original material, while introducing the story to an entirely new audience.

(July 2023) Destined (长风渡 Cháng fēng dù) 2023 — This 40-episode drama was wonderful, entertaining, and had everything I love -- swoony romance, a perfect amount of angst and humour, slice of life, palace intrigue, bromance, great secondary couples, heartwarming family/in-law dynamics, excellent pacing, multi-genre. Starring Song Yi (宋轶) and Bai Jingting (白敬亭), this was a beautiful saga about love, family, friendship, sacrifice, and hope. You can read my full review here. For me, it is the best drama of 2023, and also ranks among my all-time favourites.

(June 2023) Bloodhounds (사냥개들) 2023 — Bloodhounds is an effortless 8-episode binge despite the relentless violence and absolutely ferocious fights. With breathtaking build-ups, ridiculous, tension-filled cliffhangers, superb pacing, and tightly choreographed fight scenes and brawls, getting sucked into this drama and leaving some logic at the door is easy. Woo Do-hwan (우도환) delivers yet another compelling performance. His character’s friendship with Lee Sang-yi (이상이)’s Woo-jin is the drama’s greatest highlight. Read my full review.

(March 2023) Blood Of Youth (少年歌行 Shàonián gē xíng) 2023 — If you love the wuxia genre, this is a must-watch. This was a fantastic series filled with wonderful friendships, compelling characters, and an intriguing story. Li Hongyi (李宏毅), Liu Xueyi (刘学义), Ao Rui Peng (敖瑞鹏), Li Xinze (李欣泽), Flora Dai Yan’ni (戴燕妮), and Lin Boyang (林博洋) lead this compelling 40-episode ensemble drama.

(March 2023) Love to Hate You (연애대전) 2023 — I'm usually not into rom coms or shows with Sex and the City-type vibes, but this was a delightful and refreshing surprise! The female lead is so ridiculously kick-ass, the friendships between her and the male lead and their respective best friends are really wonderful, while the romance is surprisingly sweet. Starring Kim Ok Bin (김옥빈) and Yoo Teo (유태오), this is a really easy and fun 10-episode binge. I only wished it was longer just so I could spend more time with these great characters.

(December 2022) Lighter and Princess (点燃我，温暖你 Diǎnrán wǒ, wēnnuǎn nǐ) 2022 -- I've watched a number of really good dramas this year — some even excellent — but very few left me in a show hole like this one. Even though the ending was lovely and packed an emotional wallop, I did not want this series to end. This is not really a light, fluffy watch, however, despite the title and rom-com mood of the poster. (Arthur) Chen Feiyu (陈飞宇) and Zhang Jingyi (张婧仪) have really great chemistry in this classic bad boy-good girl romance, and unlike many C dramas where the PDA scenes are stiff and awkward, their performances were natural, expressive, and genuine. It is Zhao Zhiwei's (趙志偉) acting, however, that deserves a special mention, particularly in the last two episodes. Lighter and Princess also comes with a solid soundtrack, which is especially notable when the music in a lot of dramas — as lovely as they might be — are indistinguishable from one another. Along with New Life Begins, this one easily tops my list of best Asian dramas for 2022.

(December 2022) New Life Begins (卿卿日常 Qīng qīng rìcháng) 2022 -- This delightful and refreshing “slice of life” C-drama set in an alternate ancient China boasts an absolutely wonderful cast of characters, with no repetitive filler flashbacks, no annoying or draggy plotlines and misunderstandings, no nonsensical and undeserving redemption plots for villains, no backstabbing/scheming games of jealousy and vengence, and incredibly — no butchered or rushed ending. For some, the biggest “flaw” might be the romance, which often takes a back seat to everything else. Otherwise, this series was a masterclass in how to tell a fresh, original, and beautiful story about daily life over 40 episodes without being boring or relying on traditional, overused tropes and character archetypes. Along with Lighter and Princess, definitely the best drama of the year for me, and one of my all-time favourite C-dramas. Bai Jingting (who also starred in Reset) and Tian Xiwei lead an engaging ensemble cast.

(August 2022) Love Between Fairy and Devil (苍兰诀 Cāng lán jué) 2022 — I almost didn’t make it past the early episodes because I really struggled with the casting of (Esther) Yu Shuxin as the female lead and the dubbing for the male characters. I stuck with it, however, as I was very interested in the story and the journey of Dongfang Qingcang, played by (Dylan) Wang Hedi. Given my tepid feelings early on, this 36-episode drama from iQiyi ended up being a genuine surprise — and for everyone else too it seems. Ironically, the voice actor for Wang ended up being one of the more compelling elements of the drama, which I wrote about here. While the drama carries some of the traditional xianxia tropes of epic battles between Gods, Demons, and Immortals, and lifetimes spent in the mortal realm, the storytelling still felt fresh and interesting.

(June 2022) Happiness (해피니스) 2021 — This 12-episode K-drama was not what I expected on many levels. Sure, it’s a zombie series, but above all, it’s a piercing social commentary about the best — and mostly worst — of human nature when faced with dire, desperate, and confined circumstances. The real world parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic were hard to ignore, making this a compelling — if at times frustrating — watch. Starring Han Hyo Joo and Park Hyung Sik in a more substantial and mature role than when I watched him last in Strong Woman Do Bong Soon.

(April 2022) The Crowned Clown (왕이 된 남자) 2019 — This was a spontaneous pick when I was surfing Netflix looking for something “fluffy”. Ha! While there are a few moments of levity, this is not exactly light viewing material. Indirectly inspired by Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper, it’s a compelling story about a king who once aspired to be a great leader but was instead led down a dark path by those he trusted, and a doppleganger asked to temporarily take his place. Filled with palace intrigue, conniving plots, and immensely satisfying moments of poetic justice, this 16-episode K-drama will linger in your mind long after the journey is over. The evolving relationships between the clown and the Chief Royal Secretary (Kim Sang Kyung), the eunuch (Jang Gwang), and the royal guard (Yoon Jong Seok) were especially wonderful. Yeo Jin Goo, who did not make a strong impression on me in Hotel del Luna, demonstrated he had more depth than I expected in Beyond Evil. Here, however, he is outstanding playing both the role of the king and the clown.

(February 2022) Beyond Evil (괴물) 2021 — This is a gripping and suspenseful 16-episode K-drama, full of mind games and tension. The cast is solid, but Shin Ha Kyun was especially compelling as Lee Dong Shik, a cranky, by-the-book police officer drawn into a series of murders that bring back decades-old memories. Yeo Jin Goo holds his own as a well-connected detective forced to partner with Lee. The series won the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Drama in 2021.

(February 2022) Reset (开端 Kāiduān) 2022 — It’s not often you’ll get a C-drama that is short (15 episodes), has no obvious tropes or fillers, and is well-constructed from start to finish. Reset has all of the above, plus one of the most satisfying endings I’ve seen in a C-drama — another rarity! What makes this drama particularly compelling is the journey itself; it’s not just about figuring out the culprit. The show is often at its best when it is revealing the backstories of the other passengers. Starring Bai Jingting and Zhao Jinmai, Reset comes with a strong production pedigree (Daylight Entertainment), including Sun Molong, who was the director behind the critically acclaimed Minning Town and the cinematographer for Nirvana in Fire and its sequel.

(November 2021) My Fated Boy (我的邻居长不大 Wǒ de línjū cháng bù dà) 2021 — I would have completely skipped this romance between a younger man and an older woman if it weren’t for my friend Wuulongcha’s strong recommendation. I considered writing my own review, but I feel like she already did a pretty thorough job highlighting most of the things I also loved about this 29-episode series. Some key highlights include wonderfully supportive parents and a great (and realistic) friendship between the female lead and her two best friends, along with a grounded portrayal of inequality in the workplace and the women’s struggles in a sexist environment. Starring Li Xirui and He Yu/He Yiqian, this is a lovely drama that showcases how creators can still construct a compelling story from start to finish without conniving and annoying side characters, plotlines, or rushed endings.

(October 2021) D.P. (디피) 2021 — This is a dark, six-episode series that highlights some of the most troubling aspects of the South Korean military and what drives soldiers to go A.W.O.L. Inspired by true events, the unsuspecting way the drama slowly reveals the depth of trauma one soldier experiences is especially unsettling as everything comes to a head by the end. There is an epilogue scene after the credits of the final episode. Jung Hae In and Koo Kyo Hwan star.

(October 2021) Ancient Love Poetry (千古玦尘 Qiāngǔ jué chén) 2021 — This is another epic xianxia drama that will leave you in a show hole. Like Eternal Love/Three Lives, it is a love story that spans tens of thousands of years and several lifetimes. I found Xu Kai somewhat bland in Falling Into Your Smile, but here, his acting really shines through alongside Zhou Dongyu. Even at 49 episodes, I didn’t want this drama to end.

(October 2021) Move to Heaven (무브 투 헤븐: 나는 유품정리사입니다) 2021 — Korean drama at its best really excel at making sharp social commentaries. This is a thoughtful and moving drama about a young man with autism, Geu Ru, and his relationship with his uncle as they navigate taking over Geu Ru’s father’s business, “Move to Heaven”. While others view it as a clean-up service of sorts for the deceased, Geu Ru and his father have always treated the process with care and respect — helping the dead move on and learning their deepest yearnings through the things they’ve left behind. The 10-episode series explores the dynamics of relationships in its many forms — estrangement, guilt, forgiveness, love, hate, greed, regret, reconciliation. It stars Lee Je Hoon and Tang Jun Sang.

(June 2021) The Imperial Coroner (御赐小仵作 Yù cì xiǎo wǔzuò) 2021 — This is my second favourite drama of 2021 after Hikaru no Go, and my favourite in terms of 2021 releases (as of the first half of the year). It’s a complex (but not convoluted) story that grabs your attention from the beginning. Tightly woven with very little filler, it’s a well-crafted palace intrigue. I don’t like the term “low budget” as it tends to imply “cheap and crappy”, but it’s a production that does a lot with a more modest budget. The main characters and villains are flushed out well and there are no frustrating characters. The few “silly” ones add just the right amount of seasoning, without being overpowering or irritating. The OTP are both brilliant, well-paired, and non-toxic. Even the “older” parental characters are sensible. The storytelling tension is maintained, ratchets up as the threads come together, and doesn’t fizzle out the way it does in a lot of dramas. My only caveat is to park your disbelief over the MLs modern sensibilities or the fact that all of the science applied in the drama were known during the Tang dynasty. Totally binge-worthy with 36 episodes at about 35 minutes each (excluding credits). Starring Su Xiaotong and Wang Ziqi.

(April 2021) Hikaru no Go (棋魂 Qíhún) 2020 — This one ranks in my Top 3 among the C-dramas I’ve watched, and Top 5 if I include K-dramas (as of April 2021). It may be easily overlooked or passed over because of the subject matter, lack of romance, and even the aesthetics of the spirit character, Chu Ying. Cinematographically, it has a bit of a different feel from your typical C-drama (and no two minute-long intro!), but the magic is in the storytelling. Based on a Japanese manga and anime, it is a wonderful and heartwarming coming-of-age tale of friendship, perseverance, and life. Chu Ying (played by Juck Zhang) may well be one of my all-time favourite Asian drama characters. I watched this one with my husband and kids and they loved it as well. 36 episodes. Hu Xianxu, (Juck) Zhang Chao, Hao Fushen star.

Eternal Love/Three Lives Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossom (三生三世十里桃花 Sān shēng sānshì shílǐ táohuā) 2017 — This is a 58-episode epic xianxia Chinese drama, spanning tens of thousands of years, starring Yang Mi and Mark Chao.

W (더블유) 2016 — This is a suspenseful and entertaining 16-episode modern day science fiction/fantasy Korean drama, where the lines between the real world and a fictional comic world are blurred. It stars Lee Jong Suk and Han Hyo Joo (Treadstone).

Romance is a Bonus Book (로맨스는 별책부록) 2019 — This is a contemporary Korean drama set in the book publishing world. I thought it did a great job capturing the universal sexism and inequities that women face at work and those returning to the workforce. This 16-episode romance between an older divorcee and a younger man stars Lee Na Young and Lee Jong Suk.

The Untamed (陈情令 Chén qíng lìng) 2019 — This is a 50-episode xianxia Chinese drama that became an international hit in 2019. It’s a censored adaption of a BL romance novel starring (Sean) Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo. Here is a short review I did, but I also wrote about it more extensively in context of a broader discussion around Xiao Zhan, toxic fandoms, and China’s idol economy. It starts off a bit slow and the special effects are low budget, but it is absolutely well worth the commitment. This is show hole material in my books.

I Hear Your Voice (너의 목소리가 들려) 2013 — This 18-episode Korean mystery/thriller has a supernatural element in that the main character can hear people’s thoughts. I actually do watch plenty of other K-dramas starring other actors, but Lee Jong Suk (or his agency) has a knack for picking pretty good scripts. It also stars Lee Bo Young as his older love interest.

Crash Landing on You (사랑의 불시착) 2019 — I give a pretty fulsome review of this K-drama, so you know exactly how I feel about this one. It put me in a show hole. Starring Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin, this is one of my all-time favourite dramas.

Promo for Taiwanese drama, Someday or One Day, with English and Chinese title on the left, and a cassette tape on the right with the tape ribbon unspooled and tangled on an off-white background. Main couple, the dates 2019 and 1998 are shown on tape. — Someday or One Day. Credit: CTV

Someday or One Day (想見你 Xiǎng jiàn nǐ) 2019 — This is a mind-bending Taiwanese drama that jumps back and forth in time. It is at once nostalgic, absorbing and meditative. Just 13 episodes. Starring Alice Ke and Greg Hsu.

I Will Find You A Better Home (安家 Ānjiā) 2020 — Don’t let the topic put you off. This is a solid slice-of-life Chinese drama that captures contemporary Shanghai. This was another drama that compelled me to write a lengthy review. It’s an investment at 53 episodes though and admittedly not for everyone. An idol drama it is definitely not. It stars (Betty) Sun Li and Luo Jin.

Hotel Del Luna (호텔 델루나) 2019 — This is a Korean fantasy drama about a young hotel manager, his thousand-year-old boss, and the colourful cast of characters who pass through their doors. It was really the back half of this drama that pushed it over an 8.5 for me. Starring IU and Yeo Jin Goo.

Flower of Evil (악의 꽃) 2020 — Dark and twisted, this is one of those K-dramas where nearly every episode ends on a cliffhanger that makes you want to watch “just one more”. It is also a beautiful love story about marriage and trust. Lee Joon Gi and Moon Chae Won star.

(This post will be updated as needed.)

Looking for something different or a quick fix (short dramas)?

My friend Wuulongcha made a list of recommendations for some less conventional genres: 沙雕 shā diāo , which are dramas with slapstick/wacky humour and short C-dramas , which are a bit like novellas for the screen, with episodes typically ranging from just 2 to 15 minutes long. Check out her posts, which also come with links on where to watch her recommendations.

Short length dramas are great when you can’t commit to bingeing on a 50-episode epic, but are still looking for that “fix”. A lot of terrible ones have flooded the scene, however — some feel almost like bad school productions — but most of the historical ones have been surprisingly watchable, even good.

The Killer is Also Romantic (念念无明 Niàn niàn wú míng) 2022 - This is basically a Wuxia Mr. & Mrs Smith. It’s very digestible at 18 episodes, 10 to 15 minutes each — but a lot of quality is packed into it. Read more in Wuulongcha’s post about it, along with YouTube links.