Chasing Dramas

As 2024 winds down, Karen and Cathy share the most viewed dramas and most popular dramas, winners, and losers of the second half of the year. Then we discuss the top dramas of 2024, some interesting trends, and finally our top dramas of the year! Listen to hear the stats and our thoughts on the Chinese dramas of 2024.

Fan Xian steps in to save Chen Ping Ping from a coup within the Overwatch Council but it turned out to be nothing more than a test. Meanwhile, he is also called into partake in diplomatic peace talks with an envoy of the Northern Qi kingdom that leaves him very confused as to how these negotiations work. Listen to our latest podcast episode on Fan Xian's hilariously bad day at work.

While 1 former EXO member got married in December (Huang Zi Tao), another former member, Lu Han, went on weird rants while livestreaming. Meanwhile, Chen Xiao and Chen Yan Xi divorce rumors continue to run rampant and we also highlight the death of legendary Taiwanese writer, Qiong Yao.

In a delightful episode 24, Fan Xian visits the palace for the first time to meet the women of the Qing Emperor's harem. These ladies watched Wan'Er grow up and want to meet him. He is shocked to find the ladies all weird but personable in their own way. He is summoned to visit his future mother-in-law where she reveals that she was the mastermind between his assassination attempts. Fan Xian cannot enact revenge there but now knows who his enemy is. He had another motive in the palace, to create a map of the palace. Listen to our latest podcast episode as we discuss the lore behind the ladies of the harem.

2024 comes to a close with new dramas that aired in late November and new ones announced in December. Brocade Odyssey 蜀锦人家 starring Tan Song Yun and Zheng Ye Cheng marks a return to period romance dramas for Tan Song Yun after 3 years. Meng Zi Yi stars in Deep Purple 九重紫. These two add to the growing list of dramas depicting women building business empires. However, it looks like modern day dramas have been enjoying the highest viewership with We are Criminal Police 我是刑警 starring Yu He Wei. Several other dramas including The Land Of Warriors 2 斗罗大陆之燃魂战 have aired but to disastrous results. Listen to our latest podcast on the gossip and our thoughts on the newest dramas airing this month!

Fan Xian wraps up his visit from Tai Ping Yard but returns to Wan'Er telling him that her father's men accidentally kidnapped the Crown Prince. Fan Xian and company hurry back to the capital to speak with the Chancellor. The result? The Chancellor no longer suspects Fan Xian of any involvement in his son's death.

After a 3 year hiatus, Chinese vlogger and global phenomenon Li Zi Qi set the internet ablaze by releasing 3 new videos. She chose lacquerware for her return which holds a unique significance to her. We discuss her background and influence not just in China but globally too. Elsewhere, a new romance might be blooming with Gu Li Na Zha and Zhang Yun Long. Gu Li Na Zha was embroiled in Xu Kai Cheng and Zhang Tian Ai's relationship last year and publicly stated that she wanted to take a break from dating but that might have changed with a new video of the two of them. Listen to our latest podcast episode for the latest gossip!

Fan Xian takes Wan'Er and several others out on a spring outing/picnic to enjoy a change of scenery but both Wan'Er and Fan Xian have ulterior motives while they are out.

November has a new slate of dramas with the 95 flowers Esther Yu Shu Xin and Zhao Lu Si headlining a drama each. Yu Shu Xin stars in Love Game in Eastern Fantasy 永夜星河 with co-star Ding Yu Xi. Zhao Lu Si is back with her The Long Ballad co-star Liu Yu Ning in The Story of Pearl Girl or 珠帘玉幕. The surprising winner though is the 70s, 80s drama, Romance in the Alley 小巷人家 starring Yan Ni and Jiang Xin. Hou Ming Hao and Chen Du Ling star in a fantasy drama 大梦归离 Fangs of Fortune. Wu Jin Yan is back with another revenge period drama with fellow co-star Liu Xue Yi in Kill Me Love Me or 春花焰.

Check out the our latest podcast episode to hear more about these dramas and checkout our website for our reviews.

In a twist, Chen Ping Ping claims that Dong Yi City Grandmaster, Si Gu Jian killed Lin Gong, and urges the Emperor to declare war on the Qi kingdom. The Emperor nor the Chancellor believes it but it is the answer that the Qing kingdom wants and this helps cover up for Fan Xian and Wu Zhu.