My Top Picks for Short Chinese Dramas

Big shoutout to Avenuex for putting this drama on my radar! It's skyrocketed to the top of my favorites list.

This drama stands out with its unique take on reverse time travel. Adapted from a fan-made video on Bilibili, it tells the tale of a male lead who time-travels backward in the female lead's timeline, meeting increasingly younger versions of her. This twist means their first and last meetings are flipped for each other, making for a beautifully tragic story without a clear start or finish. You might even feel compelled to rewatch it backward, from episode 14 to episode 1, after your first run.

Cons:
- The low budget shines through, particularly in battle scenes that verge on comical.
- The male lead's ancient hairstyle is a choice... and not a good one. Whoever decided on that bun, we need to talk.
- At times, the male lead feels too much like a damsel in distress, especially compared to the FL's action scenes, which can feel a bit over the top , despite her fighting being so inspiring 

Pros:
- The OST is a standout, beautifully composed and memorable enough that I find myself revisiting the tracks.
- The entire crew's dedication and effort are evident, making the drama feel special and well-crafted.
- The female lead is not only stunning but also a fantastic actress. She convincingly portrays her character at various ages, from a young girl to a dignified empress.
- A well-rounded, three-dimensional villain adds depth to the story.
- There's a handsome general and a tragically cute second couple that add layers to the narrative.

I could go on about this drama, but I'll cap it here. It's a must-watch, flaws and all.

I love it when children are in dramas. Here, the female lead becomes the stepmother of 3 children. It was seeing her taking care of them. She's also very strong: can fight, run a business, and etc.

I'm currently hooked on this drama, where the FL jumps into her own book and ends up as Concubine Rong in the dreaded Cold Palace. It's a tough gig, but she's got a mission to complete if she wants to return to her world.

Cons:
- Some side performances, especially the 2nd ML, left much to be desired.
- Over-the-top airbrushing made characters look unnaturally glossy.
- Awkward dubbing moments that felt out of sync.
- The male lead's outdoor hairstyle was a fashion misstep.
- Characters too readily accepting implausible plot points without question.

Pros:
- The drama is unexpectedly funny and touching, offering laughs and emotional moments.
- The female lead shines with her comedic timing, stellar acting, and infectious charm.
- The male lead complements the FL well, forming a compelling and enjoyable duo.
- The comedic contributions of the eunuchs and the FL's family add a delightful layer of humor.
- Despite its shortcomings, the drama's overall entertainment value makes it highly recommendable for those looking for humor and heart.

So, while it's not without its flaws, I can't help but recommend this drama for a good laugh and some unexpected feels. Trust me, it's worth a watch!

The Chinese version of Mr. & Mrs. Smith set in a dynasty (that resembles Tang dynasty)

This is so funny with both leads covering up their identities from each other despite getting married.  

Diving into this drama is like hitting the jackpot of Chinese dramaland parodies! It's a riot, with the male lead flexing his acting chops across every genre imaginable: romance, wuxia, imperial sagas – you name it, he's nailing it. And oh, does it brilliantly mock everything netizens love to poke fun at:

- The male lead's staggering handsomeness that's not just acknowledged but celebrated in every single scene. Because, why not?
- The classic imperial concubines scheming and scrambling for a slice of the Emperor's attention – it's political intrigue with a comedic twist.
- And let's not forget the timeless tale of star-crossed lovers, because what's drama without a dash of doomed romance?

But here's the kicker – there are about 9 or 10 female leads, each spinning her own unique storyline. It's a wild, hilarious ride that doesn't just parody; it pays homage to the quirks and quintessentials of Chinese dramas. So, buckle up for a series that's as entertaining as it is self-aware!

This is probably the shortest drama here with each episode being about 2 minutes. 

Both the female lead and the male lead are such eye-candy. Good story.

Caught this drama and it's been an absolute riot! Every episode had me on the edge of my seat, especially waiting to see what wild recipe she'd come up with next. FL, an overweight gourmet, die and time-travels to the Tang Dynasty. She's considered as

Cons:
- The female lead's etiquette was... let's just say, lacking. From spitting out drinks to her chaotic eating habits and unexpected head bumps, she was a wild card.

- the parent's scenes could have been extended: I really enjoyed their scenes

Pros:
- Her imaginative daydreams had me rolling with laughter.
- Major props to her endearing family dynamics

- FL's sister
- The drama unexpectedly served up some real talk on life's simple truths, like the undeniable appeal of familiar flavors over exotic cuisines.
- It even delved into the ever-evolving nature of beauty standards, making you think while you laugh.

- And the male lead? He was not just a treat for the eyes

- his witty exchanges with the female lead were pure entertainment gold. Their chemistry was off the charts, adding a vibrant layer of humor to the whole affair!

I'm completely engrossed in this drama, and it's hitting all the right notes for me, although it's not without its flaws. Here's the rundown:

Cons:
- I wish the male lead had more diverse scenes. It feels a bit repetitive with him always in "devoted husband mode." A little variety would spice things up.  He's a general for god's sake, give him more scenes
- The ending felt a bit lacking. It left me wanting more closure.
- The storyline for the second female lead sort of missed the mark for me. Her storyline should have gotten a few more screen-time

- this is both a pro and a cons: the drama sure clears up misunderstandings between the couple very fast. but italso gets so repetitive that it gets kind of boring

Pros:
- The plot is an absolute rollercoaster! It's fast-paced with just the right mix of action, mystery, and some steamy PG-13 moments.
- The production quality is top-notch. The cinematography and lighting are stunning, and those slow-motion shots I usually skip? They're well done here.
- Misunderstandings are resolved quickly, which is a huge plus for me. No unnecessary drama is dragged out here. But it does get repetitive
- The cast, especially the male lead, is stellar. He's the whole package: handsome, patient, gentle, protective. Despite my slight complaint about his constant "husband mode," I can't help but love him. Almost all the male leads in this list are husband material, but this one would take the crown.
- And the 'evil' second male lead? A visual delight. His character arc was handled brilliantly, adding depth to the drama.

I've been deep-diving into this drama, and it's honestly a wild ride, all thanks to a mix of hits and misses that somehow keep me hooked.

Alright, so the ML is undercover as a eunuch, and here's my rundown:

Cons:
- Sometimes, it's laughably clear they shot different scenes meant to be days apart all at once, in the same outfits. Since ML's outfits are all signature-like, you know right away he filmed that scene and this scene and numerous scenes in one-sitting
- Makeup mishaps: There are moments when the ML and FL's makeup looks so thick and mismatched compared to their necks.
- Some of the side characters' acting (I'm looking at you, ML's parents, General Hu, the Emperor, Duke, and a few servants) pulls me right out of the drama, especially during what should be gripping, emotional scenes. General Hu's performance is so cringe, that it circles back to entertainment.
- The fight-and-death scenes are so bad, that they're almost good for a laugh.
- The pacing feels like you're running from a bear: just as you're drawn into a scene, bam, it switches.

- this drama should have a few more episodes

Pros:
- The ML's actor is killing it. That handsome face and those broad shoulders and his on-point portrayal are the only things keeping me from bailing. Despite the surrounding acting fails, he shines, embodying his role perfectly. Honestly, he's got this magnetic fox-like charm that's just mesmerizing.
- The second FL tries for 'evil' but often lands on 'comically misguided' instead.
- The FL brings a refreshing con artist flair to her role, pleasing people so she won't be killed
- ML's servant, Fagui, is pure comedic gold. His slightly possessive antics over the ML around the FL are hilarious.

Despite its flaws, the drama's unique character dynamics and comedy were good

Caught this drama where the FL time-travels to ancient times to save her hubby, the ML. Each time she dies trying, she wakes up a bit earlier, getting another shot to change fate.

Cons:
- The acting squad's got some weak links: the 2nd ML, ML's bro, and their dad kinda dropped the ball, especially the 2nd ML, who's crucial to the plot. Their less-than-stellar performances sometimes yank you right out of the story.
- CGI and props are on a loop – that one moon scene and the white flower tree got way too much screen time.
- Wish they'd shown the ML noticing the FL's switch-up. Even a little hint would've been cool, considering the original host had issues.

Pros:
- It's a laugh riot from start to finish.
- ML's a total sweetheart to FL, plus he's got that baby-face charm.
- Their banter is everything – FL and ML keep things lively with their teasing.
- They occasionally team up for some hilarious mischief.
- And when the ML gets shy? It's so cute, you'll be blushing right along with him.

Despite its flaws, this drama's a fun ride filled with laughs, love, and a dash of time-traveling drama!