A little over five years ago, I became a regular viewer of Chinese television dramas. While they can at times utilize plot devices that make you internally cringe, their over all entertainment value makes them worth binging a 42 episode season. In the spirit of sharing the entertainment that I’ve come to really enjoy, I present what are in my opinion, the top 5 best C-Dramas for new and veteran viewers alike.
- The Pursuit of Jade (2026)
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At number one on my list we have The Pursuit of Jade (2026). It may be my number one pick since it came out the most recently, but nevertheless, it is an incredible watch from start to finish. As the only historical drama that made my list, it follows a local pig butcher named Fan Changyu. When she comes across a man, Yan Zheng, unconscious by the river bank, it’s almost as if fate brought them together. As destiny unfolds we get to see just how resilient Changyu can be in the face of warring imperial factions and discover what tied her to Yan Zheng in the first place.
- Unforgettable Love (2021)
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Unforgettable Love (2021) was truly unforgettable. This C-drama will always have a special place in my heart as it is the first one I ever watched. It is a modern romance in which a speech therapist, Qin Yiyue, and Ceo, He Qiaoyan, are brought together when she treats his son. Even though this show has a few tense moments, it’s still incredibly sweet.
- Put Your Head on my Shoulder (2019)
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Put Your Head on my Shoulder (2019) is another drama that I think about every so often. An accounting student named Si Tumo is unexpectedly roped into living with a physics student named Gu Weiyi by their respective meddling mothers. What’s the worst that can happen? Despite all of the hijinks, will they stay together? I think that this is ultimately another lighthearted and memorable show.
- Go Ahead (2020)
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I think that there may be a theme going here with school related dramas, but I couldn’t leave Go Ahead (2020) off of this list. Li Jianjian, Ling Xiao, and He Ziqui are three children who grow together without their mothers present in their lives. Through a bit of shared trauma, they form the unbreakable bonds of childhood friendship…well until life naturally throws them in opposite directions. Though, years later they all get a second chance to reconnect.
- A River Runs Through It (2021)
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I heavily debated what my last recommendation on this list would be, and I am still heart broken that I couldn’t mention all of my favorite shows. An honorable mention goes out to Sweet Teeth (2021) and Love is Sweet (2020). Without further ado, A River Runs Through It (2021) is another drama about childhood friendships and highs and lows of growing up. Xia Xiaoju has just transferred to a new school and is struggling to keep up in her new environment. With friends like Cheng Lang, Lu Shiyi and Qui Yuetao, she’s finally starting to get the hang of school. Though as always, drama will ensue.