Streaming Recommends – C-Drama
After creating a list of incredibly binge-worthy K-drama shows currently available on Netflix and Amazon Prime (you can find that here), I decided I should do the same thing with C-dramas! There are so many shows available to stream at the moment, but not all are created equal. This group represents shows that I’ve personally seen. If you’re wondering why some shows aren’t listed on here, it’s because of one of two reasons: (1) I’ve never seen it, or (2) I’ve seen it and still won’t suggest you watch it during this quarantine. Happy Subtitles! And stay safe out there!
Meteor Garden (2018) - Netflix
Episodes: 50
If you know Boys Over Flowers, then you know the plot of Meteor Garden. The 2018 Netflix show took what the early 2000s Taiwanese Meteor Garden did and made it great. All outdated bits were given a facelift, and the characters everyone already knew and loved were played by totally new faces. I didn’t feel the weight of these 50 episodes as much as I experienced them. It was an absolute blast to watch!
*Here’s my official review of Meteor Garden (2018).
Eternal Love (2017) - Netflix
Episodes: 58
This fantasy xianxia romance stole my heart when I first watched it back in 2017, and it’s a hard act to follow. It features a huge cast of characters with a complex but palpable plot dealing with immortal gods and heavenly wars. At its core, it’s a large-scale romance that spans many lifetimes. Note: If you do not like fantasy, romance, extended timelines, or Lord of the Rings, you will not enjoy this drama.
*Here’s my official review of Eternal Love.
The Princess Wei Young (2016) - Netflix
Episodes: 54
I was absolutely riveted by this drama when it was airing back in 2016. It’s about a beautiful and kindhearted princess surviving the obliteration of her dynasty and assuming the identity of Li Wei Young, the daughter of the prime minister of the enemy’s territory. The wuxia story forms around this strong female lead exacting revenge, rising above betrayals and power struggles, and of course, falling in love with a handsome prince of the enemy dynasty. It’s a rich story with loads of twists and suspense, as well as a decent love triangle.
Ashes of Love (2018) - Netflix
Episodes: 63
Much like Eternal Love, this story is a fantasy xianxia romance involving heavenly beings. What I appreciated most about this show is that it never got stale, the plot always moved along, and there were no lulls of empty episodes that did nothing to advance the show. I found it very addicting, and I’m sure you will, too.
*Here’s my official review of Ashes of Love.
Unrequited Love (2019) - Netflix
Episodes: 24
At just 24 episodes, this show might be easier to digest than others on this list, in more ways than one. It’s set in the present and follows a very shy girl as she seems to hit it off with a handsome fellow student at university… except she’s had a crush on him since high school and he never knew she existed. Hence, the one-sided love, the secret crush, comes to define their newfound relationship. Will they finally be together? Find out
The Rise of Phoenixes (2018) - Netflix
Episodes: 70
This is an incredibly long watch at 70 episodes, and truth be told, I had trouble getting into it for the first 25 episodes. But once the show gained some traction, I thought it was brilliant and stunning. Costumes were glorious; set design was superb; the wigs were believable; and the plot was very twisty. I appreciated how the show challenged gender norms, which is difficult to pull off in a show pushing political intrigue, revenge, and more than a little melodrama in your historical romance.
*Here’s my official review of The Rise of Phoenixes.
Autumn’s Concerto (T-drama) (2009) - Netflix
Episodes: 21
This one is an oldie featuring forever hunk Vanness Wu. An unlikely romance blossoms between a cocky law student and an introverted bento seller at his university. But the lovers must navigate the turbulent waters of medical tragedy and, of course, memory loss. Is this tearjerker just the ticket for your drama queue?
Find Yourself (2020) - Netflix
Episodes: 41
I’ve spoken at length in various reviews about how difficult it is to do a good noona romance—older woman, younger man. This show tried to come at it from a practical perspective: it’s social taboo… so what are you going to do about it? Will you break (up) under the pressure, or will you say “fuck it” and forge your own path to happiness? Coincidentally, the male lead is major hottie Song Wei Long.
*Here’s my official review of Find Yourself.
A Love So Beautiful (2017) - Netflix
Episodes: 23
This was very much a take on the Mischievous Kiss / Playful Kiss / It Started with a Kiss series. It’s a tsundere male lead that essentially grows up and spends high school with a very eager, love-obsessed girl who isn’t as smart or as graceful as he is. There’s cohabitation sometimes mixed in there for good measure. If you don’t like those series, then you won’t appreciate this one.
*Here’s my official review of A Love So Beautiful.
Put Your Head on My Shoulder (2019) - Netflix
Episodes: 24
This was a cute, light, and easy show about friendship and romance in the coming-of-age era. There’s a massive height difference between our two leads (if you’re into that sort of thing), and it utilizes the cohabitation trope.
*Here’s my official review of Put Your Head on My Shoulder.