Top 5 Chinese Dramas That Became Popular Overseas in 2019 (2023)

Editor's Note: China has one of the most prosperous acting industries in the world. Dozens of new dramas are released every month, attracting millions of viewers. In recent years, Chinese dramas have gained notoriety and popularity around the world. Many original series have been distributed abroad, purchased and streamed on international video platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Rakuten Viki (the world's leading platform for Asian entertainment and culture) and MyDramaList (database and social community for Asian dramas and movies). ). .

From quality period costume series to romantic rom-coms, C-dramas have taken Asia and even the world by storm. China.org.cn has compiled 5 of the most critically acclaimed C-Dramas of 2019 (in no particular order) that have also proven to be huge hits internationally.

# The longest day in Chang'an (Twelve hours from Chang'an)

Genres: Historical, Suspense

First Broadcast: June 27, 2019 - August 12, 2019

Red original: Youku

Available on: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Viki

After airing on the Chinese online video platform Youku on June 27, 2019, The Longest Day in Chang'an, a high-quality detective thriller web series, became a favorite with audiences. Soon after, in July 2019, it not only launched in other Asian countries like Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam, but also landed in North America as "paid content" on video streaming sites like Viki, Amazon Prime, and Youtube. This is the first time that a Chinese drama series has been listed in the pay-monthly category on an American video streaming site.

Set in Chang'an, the former imperial capital of China and the world's largest metropolis during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), the 48-episode series revolves around how Zhang Xiaojing (played by Lei Jiayin ) and head from detective to prisoner became Chang. 'An anti-terrorist department, Li Bi (played by Jackson Yee) teamed up to stop a terrorist attack by a mysterious army in the capital on the eve of the Lantern Festival. The events of the drama series unfold in 24 hours.

Western viewers who have seen it are also in awe of its intense plot, magnificent cinematography, as well as its exquisite and beautiful traditional costumes, makeup and architecture, which vividly and accurately depict life during the prosperous Tang dynasty. 89% of viewers on Amazon Prime gave it 4.8 stars out of 5. Commenting on IMDb, one reviewer said that it "can be seen as a Chinese version of GOT", praising "the epic backstories, the excellent acting, the direction , the luxurious scenes and the wonderful soundtrack".

# The untamed

Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Historical, Mystery, Martial Arts

First Broadcast: June 27, 2019 - August 14, 2019

Red original: Tencent Video

Disponible en: Netflix, Viki, MyDramaList

Summer costume hit The Untamed premiered in China on June 27, 2019 on streaming platform Tencent Video. it got 7 billion views on Tencent and 8.3/10 on Chinese media rating site Douban, and also had the most reviews on the platform.

The drama, starring Sean Xiao and Wang Yibo, tells the story of two kindred souls who come up against dastardly plans in a magical world of inter-clan rivalry. They then discover a dark secret related to a tragic event from the past, according to the Netflix synopsis.

The captivating and well-connected story, exquisite costumes, depiction of Chinese musical instruments, and traditional etiquette and virtue made it a hit not only in China but also abroad.

The series has been translated into 11 different languages ​​and streamed through platforms like Netflix, Viki, and MyDramaList in North and South America, Europe, Australia, the Philippines, and elsewhere. It also launched on the South Korean channel Asia UHD in October 2019 and is scheduled to air on Japan's Asia Dramatic TV network this year.

This drama currently has a rating of 9.8 on Viki and 9.4 on MyDramaList, making it the highest rated Chinese drama on these platforms. It was ranked 36th on Tumblr's Best Live-Action TV Dramas of 2019, becoming the first Chinese drama to be listed. In September 2019, a fan meeting was even organized in Bangkok, Thailand, which attracted 9,000 enthusiastic fans.

# The story of Ming Lan (Do you know if it should be green, thick, red and thin)

Genres: Historical, Comedy, Romance, Life, Family, Political

First Aired: December 25, 2018 - February 13, 2019

Original network: Hunan Satellite TV

Available on: YouTube, Viki

The Story of Ming Lan is a hit drama that has won the hearts of Chinese and foreign audiences. Now available on Viki and YouTube for global viewers, this 73-episode series premiered in China on Hunan Satellite Television in December 2018 and mainly aired in 2019. It has also been translated and aired in Japan in October 2019.

This slow-moving drama, as the title suggests, tells the life of Ming Lan (played by Zhao Li Ying), the sixth son of a concubine in the Sheng household during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127 AD). It represents the growing years of him, from childhood to adulthood. Due to her mother's lowly position in her home, Ming Lan has trouble dealing with her indifferent father, as well as her stepmother and sisters, who often bully her. She eventually becomes known as an influential figure in the Sheng family.

With a beautiful soundtrack and cinematography, the series offers a glimpse into the daily life of a family in China's Northern Song Dynasty. It accurately reveals the internal politics of a large and privileged family, as well as the political machinations and intrigues taking place at the imperial court. The drama also explores the themes of family dynamics, gender roles, social norms, and marriage.

The Story of Ming Lan received a positive rating of 8.9/10 on MyDramaList, 9.5/10 on Viki, and 8.2/10 on IMDb. A reviewer for MyDramaList called the series "a rich tapestry of Song dynasty life", adding that "every character and every plot, even minor ones, was written in such detail that you could capture every underlying emotion." boiling in it. "

# Go Go Squid (honey, love)

Genres: Romance, Friendship, Business, Comedy, School

First Aired: July 9, 2019 - July 31, 2019

Red original: Dragon TV, Zhejiang Satellite TV, iQiyi, Tencent Video

Available: Viki

The romantic comedy Go Go Squid was a huge hit in the summer of 2019. Since it aired, it has caused quite a stir online, earning high ratings of 8.7/10 on MyDramaList and 9.6/10 on Viki. C-drama fans around the world continue to rave about the incredible chemistry between the two main characters.

According to its synopsis on IMDb, the series is a sweet love story between a straight, high-IQ college student and a professional esports player, and an inspiring story about an esports hero who returns to chase dreams and make life come true. friendship.

A reviewer from MyDramaList said the drama beautifully portrayed a "lovely couple" with "wonderful chemistry" and was the "best contemporary romance of summer 2019."

# Everything is fine (Everything is fine)

Genres: Life, Drama, Family

First Aired: March 1, 2019 - March 25, 2019

Original Red: Jiangsu Satellite TV, Zhejiang Satellite TV

Available: YouTube, FallDrama

With its brilliant acting, lifelike characters, and fast-paced plot, the drama All Is Well was a hit with the viewers. The drama revolves around the Su family and the relationship and dynamic between the parents and their three children. After the death of the matriarch, the weak and selfish father interferes in the life of his children and makes the most unreasonable requests. Who should take care of the elderly father and how does the youngest daughter, who has not been recognized by her parents since she was little, get along with the rest of the family? Many viewers have praised this series for exposing real-life family issues, such as: B. Traditional Chinese families' preference for boys over girls, the boomerang generation living off their parents into adulthood, and related intergenerational conflicts with the care of the elderly.

The series is already available on YouTube and FallDrama with English subtitles for foreign audiences and has received positive reviews. Lead actress Yao Chen received the Best Actress Award at the Busan International Film Festival's Asia Content Awards. The British publication The Economist also reported on the popularity of the drama and the excitement it caused in an article "Hit TV series in China impales cranky elderly parents", saying viewers were impressed by its rare depiction of the life of middle class. warts and such.