My Favourite Dramas From 2020

I rate this drama an 8.8/10!

A story that follows a female forensic doctor who grew up interested in learning about corpse autopsies which was spurred on by the questionable death of her mother.  In her quest to uncover the truth behind the cause of her mother's death, murder mysteries leads her to meet a Judicial Official and an Assassin where she becomes entangled in a complicated love triangle.

I found this drama to be quite different from your typical investigative historical dramas. The usage of special effects and camera work in this particular drama is something we don't typically see in a historical drama, so it really gave it a different feel, which felt refreshing.  I liked the overall story, and the murder cases and investigations were intriguing and very engaging as well. I might prefer some characters over others but I did enjoy watching all the characters. What I like most about them all is that they aren't bland and they have personality with pretty interesting background stories. My only true complaint is that I feel this drama needed to be a little longer to fully explain the background story of Su Fu, and to wrap-up the overall story, as I felt they crammed a little too much into the final episode, given all the surprise twists.

I absolutely LOVE the nature of Xiao Song and Ran Yan's relationship. The constant banter is really the charm of their relationship. Toby Lee and Zhou JieQiong were a-mazing together. I thought the entire cast did a great job playing their roles. This was Zhou JieQiong's first drama but I thought she managed to capture the character of Ran Yan very well; I thought Toby Lee really nailed the character of  Xiao Song as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed this drama and its fantastic soundtrack! I think it's a highly underrated drama and I definitely recommend it! But be warned, it's a real love triangle.

A story about first love between a passionate detective novelist and  a top forensic student. This was a realistic portrayal of a first college romance. 

My rating for this drama is an 8.4/10!

A story that follows an amnesic detective who finds himself unraveling murder mysteries, one after another, while on a quest to uncover the truth behind his father's death.

This drama reminded me of the classic party game: Clue/ Who's the murderer? But in a historical Chinese setting; the main similarities being every murder mystery involves a group of people who have gathered together and a murder takes place there after. While following the trails of evidence to his father's death, Jian Buzhi finds himself at the sites of these murder scenes. Under the protection of his love interest and sworn brother, both of whom he met along his journey, his passion for uncovering the truth leads this amnesic detective in finding the murderers.

This was a very well filmed drama. I love a good historical detective drama (They are one of my favourite genres) and this one was different from the ones I've seen as it was structured differently.  It also felt a lot darker, whether it be in terms of the colour scheme/lighting or the actual characters themselves, all of which tie together with the theme. I thought the post-production staff were very clever in the way they edited each episode to end in such a way where it has you coming back for more. Literally, each episode ends on a cliffhanger! I thought the acting was great and I liked the characters too. 

It does have some plot holes and the ending was such that there should definitely be a sequel, but I really enjoyed it nonetheless!

I rate this drama an 8.3/10!

After being deceived by her cheating fiancee, Zhou Fang decides to pursue her own dreams of creating her own fashion label. However, her road to success is met with many obstacles and stumbling blocks. Along her journey, she collides (both figuratively and literally) with Song Lin, the business savy President of Man Feng Corporation, a leading company in the fashion industry.  Although their initial meeting was accidental and their interactions were due to circumstances, they would soon discover their meeting would not be a one time thing as legal issues, family matters and fashion opportunities keep drawing them back together.

One of the things I love most about this drama is how mature and realistic the love story is between Song Lin and Zhou Fang. Everything, from their interactions to their conversations... even their arguments and disagreements are very realistic. It has been very enjoyable and refreshing to watch a more mature romance. Dilraba and Johnny are magic together. With sizzling chemistry and such natural skinship, you could not find a more realistic portrayl of a couple.  Not only the 2 main leads, but the acting from the entire cast was excellent and very believable. 

Another thing I find great about this drama is that there aren't any "forever enemies".  Any animosity or resentment the antagonists harbour toward the leads are explained and the FL & ML are able to use their kindness and magnanimous hearts to offer forgiveness and extend olive branches, allowing the antagonists a chance to reform themselves.

With a focus on love, family, fashion and business, we get to see the challenges of life play out through 4 individuals!

99 point girl + 1 point boy = 100 point couple.

This is the love story between two individuals who have been scarred (both literally and figuratively) by a traumatic event as children, work to overcome the trauma together, and in the process, learn the true meaning of beauty through each other. Not just a Rom-Com, My Girl has a an interesting story with a better underlying message about overcoming the shallowness of the world and its view on beauty, and learning to accept yourself, flaws and all.

The love-story had a little bit of everything: fluff, angst, highs & lows, but ultimately, a happy ending where the couple learn to heal and forgive through their love for each other.

I thought the cast did a good job, overall. (Zhao Yiqin was the only inconsistent one) In particular, I wanted to mention Li JiaQi who I thought was the standout performer here. She literally had to play 5-6 roles in one drama and I thought she did a fairly good job. The chemistry between everyone was fantastic. Oh, it also has an amazing soundtrack too!

I don't watch very many Rom-Coms but I must say I really enjoyed this one! I will warn that there are quite a few break-ups and make-ups throughout the entire drama but it's not because of a third party and it makes sense relative to the story. You'll only know by watching it yourself.

Set to the backdrop of the Moyun Academy of Tang, a group of students enroll in the famous Tang Academy in hopes of becoming a part of a bright cast of young talent for the human race. Among them hides a young saintess - Su You Lian - of the kunwu race, who enters the Academy with a secret mission. Following the race war waged by the human race 10 years ago, their Dragon Emperor had been imprisoned and sealed in confinement within the Moyun Academy; as the last saintess of the kunwu race, she is her people's last hope of freeing their Emperor to liberate their people from the human race's oppression. Through an unpleasant chance encounter, she meets a future classmate, a mischievous fellow by the name of Li Xuan, the infamous State Protector of the human race; this sparks the beginning of a complicated love story for two star-crossed lovers.

This has everything, and I mean everything I love in my dramas! Firstly, the cinematography and editing was done beautifully! I loved the colour scheme and filter used, as well as the gorgeous sets and costumes. It was visually stunning! I thought all the fight scenes were really cool (although the full screen cgi wasn't very good, but the special effects were!). The OST and the music scores are beautiful; It really complemented the scenes and added to the emotional effects. I love the main story; the cast and the acting was perfect, and I especially love the romance and love story of Li Xuan and Su You Lian. Xu Kai and Wu JiaYi were magical together! Their chemistry was incredible, as was their outstanding performances. I would have loved to have seen more depth written for the main story, but given the tone that was set for this drama early and its focus on romance, I can live with the simplicity of the writing for the main story.

If you like LOTS of romance (warning: it gets very angsty!) in a Xianxia setting, then you'll love this!

I rate this drama an 8.8/10!

A Xianxia romantic tale that follows the God of War and the 12th Golden Peacock Demon through a love that has lasted a thousand years, with their 9 reincarnated lifetimes together ending with repeated cycles of suffering and a love that never came to fruition. But in their final 10th life together, will they finally be able to re-write the ending where love ultimately prevails for these star-crossed lovers?  

Since The Untamed, Love and Redemption is the first serious Xianxia adapted drama that has had me hooked. It has just about everything: an interesting overall story, a deep love-story, intriguing characters, a good cast with great acting, amazing fight sequences, wonderful sets and a lovely soundtrack! For a 59 episode drama, the pace is great and the story barely ever dragged.

If you are a fan of Xianxia dramas then this one you'll absolutely love! A highly recommended drama! A must watch!

Set in the Tang dynasty in a period where Chinese arts and poetry are at a golden age and Scholars receive renowned recognition for their talents, the story follows Luo QiuChi, a poor, but gifted poet with scholarly aspirations. Leaving his home at a young age in pursuit of his dreams, he heads to the capital city to take the scientific examinations, but his dreams are halted when he is cruelly reminded that society smiles upon those of the wealthy and affluent while spitting on those of humble backgrounds. What's more is he suddenly found his life endangered as he became targeted for reasons unknown. After escaping death, he returned home with his shattered dreams only to find his mother had passed away from bitter sadness. This painful childhood derailed his life and heavily influenced his views on society. Ten years later, a chance meeting with the second daughter of a high ranking court officer -WenRen Juan, sets him off on a new journey filled with renewed hope. With the Zhu Xiu Academy creating the Kylin Poetry Examination System to search for the best literary talent among the less fortunate, Luo QiuChi decides to seize this opportunity to accomplish several goals: finally achieving his scholarly dreams and creating more equality for the poor people in society, getting revenge on those who have done wrong to him, and finding the 'little monkey' who showed him warmth and kindness.

This drama is a beautiful gem I never expected to find. Along with an incredible story, you get a power couple who work together as partners and equals; between that, the wonderful characters and friendships depicted, a perfect cast, incredible acting and chemistry, good cinematography and action sequences, a beautiful soundtrack and music scores, what's not to love? It's incredible!

A Romantic Comedy in every sense of the word. I don't think you can find a more pure Rom-Com than this.

This is the love story between a talented, young aspiring chef and a sharp business man who is a foodie. After a series of unfortunate misunderstandings bring them into each others' world, the two become entangled over their passion for food. Despite the huge differences in age, background and lifestyle, these two defy the odds to find love with each other.

This is a hilarious drama. It's definitely one of the funniest dramas I've ever seen. The story might be simple without much depth, but it's more than just laughs... amidst the hilarity is a nice love story about 2 people, complete opposites in every way, finding commonality in their love for food, and realizing a love that has blossomed is worth fighting for despite the objections or doubts of others.

Zhao LuSi and Lin YuShen were amazing here! Their chemistry was truly awesome and these two really outdid themselves with their acting performances. I'm so impressed by both but especially by LuSi because her performance made me see her alittle differently. In my opinion, this is by far her best acting performance to date. The nuances in her acting here was perfect! I really would love to see her in more of these modern type of Rom-Coms because I think this is where she shines the best! Bravo to these two for bringing it!

If you like a good cooking drama with great cinematography to go along with your fun scenes and romance, then you will enjoy this!

Set to the backdrop of Shanghai's private equity sector, this is the love story of how two childhood "frenemies" reunite at MH Investment Banking Company after years apart, when Jiang Jun's determination gets her into the company inspite of the objections of her direct superior, the Executive Director of MH, Yuan Shuai. All those childhood memories of "bullying" from Yuan Shuai had left a bad impression of him in her eyes, but unbeknownst to her, all of his "machinations" stemmed from a place of concern for her congenital tear duct condition and the desire to protect and toughen her. What's more is his concern was born out of a secret love he's kept hidden in his heart since they were kids. With Jiang Jun coming back into his life again, will he be able to muster up the courage to profess his feelings so Jiang Jun will finally realize the so-called "bullying" he subjected her to was not what she believed it to be and all the attention he gave her was because of love?

Hands down, the BEST Rom-Com I've ever watched! I loved EVERYTHING about this drama! Not only does it have an interesting story to keep you engaged, there are great characters to propel the plot forward. The love story and their childhood history was executed wonderfully such that the flashbacks were integrated without disrupting the flow of the story. And the continuation of their relationship that was depicted in their youth was consistent with present day. Bai Lu and Leo Luo are truly magic together. All of the playful bickering and cute bantering coupled with all of their adorable and sweet interactions absolutely captured my heart! What incredible chemistry they share! Not just the leads, the acting performances from everyone was fantastic all-around. Just an excellent production!

With a perfect cast, AMAZING chemistry, incredible love-story and an engaging plot, this is a must, must watch!!

This is a love story between a cold CEO of a movie production company and an aspiring professional voice dubber who were destined to fall in love as they learn they were always meant to be each other's cure.

Ever since her childhood trauma, Fang Yan has been suffering from sleepwalking bouts triggered by her ptsd. In spite of her frequent psychological counseling sessions, her condition has not seen positive improvements. But during a recent flare up of her sleepwalking disorder, a chaotic scene causes her to fall into Shi Meng's embrace just as he was leaving the press conference of his newly produced movie and she mistakenly thinks he to be Shi Yi, the musician she's a fan of. When she realizes her closeness to him has a positive affect on her disorder, she attempts to find ways to approach him and seek an unorthodox treatment. However, fate would intervene and correct the misunderstanding when Fang Yan auditions for a part in Shi Meng's newly produced movie. Their exchange was unpleasant and met with more misunderstandings but with his mother's interventions, the duo are forced into a contractual arrangement beyond the one at work when she is arranged to be his live in housekeeper tasked with curing him of his solitary lifestyle. Little did they know this living arrangement would lead to a blossoming love that would be the only cure this pair needed from the start.

I rate this drama an 9.3/10!

This was the most endearing love story of Little Wood and Little Bell. <3 Everything about their story and their characters warmed my heart. As a socially anxious boy, Nan Xi was often misjudged and misunderstood. It was Xia Rui who gave him security, like a security blanket would. She entered his life like a ray of sunlight, giving him warmth and comfort and the courage to come out of the shell he hid himself away in to enjoy the beauty that life has to offer. It was the purest relationship and they were beyond precious together! I can't even recall how many times I teared-up over their touching interactions and conversations.

In addition to the heartfelt story, the characters were wonderful and the friendships were depicted beautifully. There was also minimal angst, no unnecessary misunderstandings and there were no irritating characters or forever enemies, either. This was a drama that was a pleasure to watch from start to finish! Plus, the OST is AMAZING!!!

Congrats to the cast for their incredibly natural performances. I honestly can't imagine anyone else playing those characters. They were all wonderful! But, of course, I have to give extra praise to the ML & FL, Fiction Guo  and Wan Peng, both of whom really impressed me.  They were both so convincing in their roles that it looked as if they were just playing themselves. Fiction Guo's role in particular is a lot more difficult a role to play than one might think but he really nailed the nuances in his acting! Bravo to the both of them for their amazing portrayals and for showing such wonderful chemistry that melted our hearts!

This story follows Qiao Nuo, a smart girl who can't seem to find her passion in life until she finds herself starting an internship at the City Courthouse while impersonating her twin sister, Qiao Ya. Her sister's sudden request of her before her temporary disappearance forces her to masquerade as Qiao Ya as she begins working at the city courthouse where she witnesses the intense confrontations between prosecutors and defense lawyers, and learns of the importance of court evidence and minute details. Through this work experience, Qiao Nuo embarks on a discovery journey where she finds her passion and goal in life as she falls in love with the meaning behind her work in delivering true justice to the people.    

This was such a meaningful story with great characters - I loved all 4 of the main characters. They were all strong and smart characters with different personalities and interesting dynamics. The acting was EXCELLENT, from the main leads all the way down to the guest roles. I thought the cases were filled with mystery and the investigations were suspenseful. I was literally left on the edge of my seat and wanting to find out what happens next. At the same time, the cases were meaningful with good takeaways or lessons learned. 

As someone who doesn't watch a lot of this genre, I absolutely loved this!! Highly, highly recommended!

I give this drama a rating of 8.1/10!

This is the love story of the 5th Prince Xu Jin (Duke Su) and the second Fu daughter of a county magistrate, Fu Rong. After being ordered to return to the capital city, Duke Su is delgated the task of helping the Emperor uncover corruption through commanding the Imperial Guards. While conducting an investigation, he meets the wild and mischievous second daughter of the Fu family, Fu Rong. From that fateful encounter, their lives were destined to become intertwined.

This was a highly anticipated drama for me because it reunited the Legend of Yunxi (LOYX) couple for a second time. In fact, this was essentially the LOYX reunion as most of the cast and crew were reunited to film this. There were even blatant references made. I'd like to think of it as fun little Easter eggs for the fans of LOYX. 

I can honestly say I enjoyed this drama a lot --I actually liked this story much more than the LOYX. However, this was far from perfect: there was plenty of weaknesses in the writing of the plot; with Xu Jin and Fu Rong's love story, it was written to be more complicated than it needed to be. But despite the highs and lows in their relationship and all the frustrations I felt at times, I still really liked their love story. This couple made me laugh with them and cry with them which is a credit to ZZH and JJY's wonderful chemistry. I also liked the other relationships in this drama. Fu Rong and Fu Xuan had a wonderful sisterly bond and I really liked the friendship that developed between Xu Jin and Wu Bai Qi. The costumes, hair-styling and accessories were beautiful and the OST was nice as well.

This is the love story between two people who found comfort and happiness with each other after being wounded by love, when destiny brings these two people together abroad. 

In an attempt to seek out her mother after being aggrieved by her father's mistress, Xia RanRan leaves for England only to find herself suddenly relying on a man in a foreign land after being accused of drug possession. With no money or family to help her, she is left to fend for herself until fate brings Shao Mingzhe into her life and rescues her during her darkest hours. Their meeting might appear coincidental but only much later would they learn it was actually destiny at work. With no news of her mother's whereabouts and the impending marriage between her father and his mistress, Xia RanRan returns home 4 years later to reclaim her family and get back what's rightfully hers. Following closely behind is the man who developed an attachment for the girl who unabashedly barged into his life to claim a place in a heart that had been wounded.  

This was a drama I truly enjoyed! It's not perfect and neither are the characters but this drama is a lot lighter than your typical melodramas which was part of the charm of it, at least for me, and the main story still had enough mystery and drama to keep you interested. The acting from the entire cast was great and convincing and the chemistry was wonderful, especially between the main couple, which was the real reason I became hooked on this drama. Lu Yi and Li YiTong were fantastic together! I loved all their interactions and banter, and I loved Shao Mingzhe's unwavering support for RanRan, even when she'd push him away. He was undoubtedly her rock.

If you like melodramas and romance, I think you may enjoy this one.

My rating for this drama is a 9.3/10!

Set to the backdrop of Fuze County, this story follows Hua Xiaomai, a young girl who inherited her late Grandfather's talent and passion for cooking, as she sets out to realize her dreams of becoming a renowned Chef and a restaurant owner. Along her journey, she is met with jealous competition who are determined to undermine her. But with the loving support of her family, friends, and future husband, she is well equipped to come out on top.

This drama was such a breath of fresh air! I was instantly hooked on the simplicity of this lovely story! And not just the story, but the characters too. This was about ordinary people living a simple life, with normal aspirations, having loving and supportive family members, and with a wholesome and endearing romance for a loving couple that show us what a healthy marriage looks like and what true marital bliss is. 

I thought all the characters introduced had purpose, any shenanigans the antagonists created were foiled quickly by the power couple, and pretty much all loose ends were tied up nicely. It's just a wonderful production with great cinematography and script-writing! Oh, and the OST was beautiful and lovely, too! 

Sometimes, it's the simple things that can bring us so much joy and comfort to our lives. And this drama was just that!! What a gem this drama turned out to be! I loved everything about this drama.

I rate this drama an 8.4/10!

I finally started (and have now finished) this drama - I can't remember why I didn't watch it while it was airing but I think it was because I thought it would be a heavy series (and I wasn't in the mood for one then) so I was surprised by how much comedy this turned out to have. Truthfully, this production is nothing like I was expecting. I really enjoyed the dynamics and friendships between the 3 MLs. In particular, I enjoyed Sui Zhou and Wang Zhi's characters; Tang Fan was a little too childish and could get annoying at times, but I do love his friendship with Sui Zhou. I also liked the plot but I felt 48 episodes was too long. I thought some of the minor cases (and characters) were unnecessary as they didn't really add any value to the main storyline. I also felt the editing could have been a lot better as the transitions were too abrupt or disjoint. Nonetheless, it was a good and entertaining drama.

This was a drama with a good story that evoked food for thought on marriage and relationships.

The production quality, directing, cinematography, narrative style and editing was outstanding and brilliantly executed by the entire cast whom gave us realistic, emotional performances.