This summer might be a scorcher, but in drama land, things are cooling off thanks to the downpour of binge worthy dramas this side of the season! I guess good things do indeed come to those who wait because after several disappointing drama cancellations, delays and pushbacks, we’re suddenly INUNDATED with choice offerings of shows to obsess over this summer 2019.
Overwhelmed? Don’t be. Don’t cha worry because we always have your back! In no particular order, here’s a shortlist of dramas that will surely tickle your fancy.
First on the list is the political thriller The Longest Day in Chang’An which had viewers raving about its excellent production quality and story line. The show vividly captures in detail the hustle and bustle of daily life in the city and has also received praise from fans for its meticulous rendering of the period’s rich architecture, with the beauty of the period’s clothes, makeup and props sure to also blow you away!
Starring Jackson Yee in the role of Li Bi, chief of Chang’An’s anti terrorism bureau and Lei Jiayin acting as Zhang Xiao Jing, a freed death row convict, The Longest Day in Chang’An counts down the hours as the two heroes team up in a race against time to foil a sinister plot that’s afoot in the Tang capital city.
Reminiscent of the action drama counter terrorism television series 24, definitely expect some intense fast paced action as the show takes place within a time frame of 12 hours before all hell breaks loose. It currently holds strong with a Douban rating of 8.6.
2. The Untamed
Based from Mo Xiang Tong Xiu’s BL novel entitled Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation (Mo Dao Zu Shi), The Untamed is a unique xianxia set in the pugilist world. The powerful Wen family dominates over the other great families of Lan, Jiang, Nie and Jin maintaining the peace in the pugilist world. In the story, Lan Wangji of the Lan clan, becomes lovers with Wei Wuxian, the son of an old acquaintance of the Jiang clan. Through the course of their adventures, the pair inadvertently stumbles upon an evil conspiracy meant to wreak havoc across the clans.
When Wei Wuxian tries unsuccessfully to protect the innocent members of the Wen family from persecution, he goes missing. He resurfaces 16 years later and reconnects with Lan Wangji. Together, the pair work hard to crack open a series of baffling murders and eventually unmask the true villain behind it all.
Okay, I know some people are concerned that the novel being adapted into a drama might mess too much with the book’s details to make it more commercial (and you know, sensor). But in this case, although there are changes, majority of the drama is still pretty much in line with the novel with the dialogues and iconic scenes kept in. I reckon the show is on to a good thing as it has managed to win over the novel’s die hard fanbase what with the 7.2 Douban ratings the show has gotten as proof.
Okay, I know some people are concerned that the novel being adapted into a drama might mess too much with the book’s details to make it more commercial (and you know, sensor). But in this case, although there are changes, majority of the drama is still pretty much in line with the novel with the dialogues and iconic scenes kept in. I reckon the show is on to a good thing as it has managed to win over the novel’s die hard fanbase what with the 7.2 Douban ratings the show has gotten as proof.
The Untamed stars a multitude of familiar pretty faces such as Xiao Zhan from X NINE, Wang Yibo from UNIQ, Meng Ziyi, Xuan Lu, Yu Bin, Liu Haikuan, Wang Zhuocheng, Zhu Zanjin and Wang Haoxuan.
Looks like viewers have fully embraced the latest installment to the Novoland franchise with the show garnering praise for its beautiful cinematic quality. Racking up a Douban rating of 6.9 is Novoland: Eagle Flag whose unexpected premier date was a happy development from the HUGE disappointment caused by its last minute premiere cancellation earlier.
Jump back once more into the world of Novoland and see for yourself how heroes are truly made. Get to know Lu Gui Chen, Ji Ye and Princess Yu Ran, three remarkable friends brought together by war who will rise above the adversities life throws at them. Potential love triangle aside, trouble is brewing elsewhere and the three friends decide to join the battle, sealing their fate and shaping their destinies as heroes.
Novoland: Eagle Flag stars Liu Hao Ran, Chen Ruo Xuan and actress Lareina Song.
Love is something worth holding on to, but how far are you willing to go for love? Meet Jiu Chen, the god of war who fell into a deep slumber after sealing in the demon god in an epic battle ten thousand years ago. Snooze time is cut short for him when Ling Xi, a fair maiden, accidentally awakens him from his slumber. Naturally, the two fall in love. There’s just one hiccup to this budding love story though – Ling Xi’s continued existence is the key to unleashing the demon god from his sealed tomb. Unwilling to kill his innocent love, Jiu Chen tries to change Ling Xi’s fate.
Based on an original screenplay, this new drama from the makers of Three Lives Three Worlds TenThousand Miles of Peach Blossoms will definitely make you feel nostalgic, like you’re stepping back into the peach blossom strewn world with the dreamy visuals, the pretty colours and floaty costumes offered up by Love and Destiny.
The series stars the super pretty Ni Ni and Chang Chen as fair maiden Ling Xi and god of war Jiu Chen respectively in this xianxia drama. With the first few episodes already aired, word is that Netizens aren’t quite happy with the casting of these two – Chang Chen is said to look “too old” for some to fit the dreamy bill and Ni Ni whose acting is said to be too stiff and “trying hard” for some. Nonetheless, a little bit of patience might just pay off for viewers since it gets better as the series progresses.
Last but certainly not the least, throwing in a modern drama into the mix just to shake things up y’all! You can’t NOT expect us to include one of the hottest dramas knocking it out of the ballpark this season right?
5. Go Go Squid
Go Go Squid has garnered a Douban rating of 6.7. And if the number of clicks we’re getting is proof of the show’s popularity, then this drama is bound to win the title of prom king/queen this summer!
So grab a cold drink and settle down with this cute romcom between a bubbly anime loving singer who falls for a handsome guy who’s just a wee bit beyond her reach – genius and legendary e-sports gamer Han Shang Yan. The drama’s usually outgoing protagonist Tong Nian finds herself bumbling about whenever she encounters her crush and must find a way into his cold and unreachable heart. Will her persistence finally win over her man or will Shang Yan continue to lock his heart away from her?
So grab a cold drink and settle down with this cute romcom between a bubbly anime loving singer who falls for a handsome guy who’s just a wee bit beyond her reach – genius and legendary e-sports gamer Han Shang Yan. The drama’s usually outgoing protagonist Tong Nian finds herself bumbling about whenever she encounters her crush and must find a way into his cold and unreachable heart. Will her persistence finally win over her man or will Shang Yan continue to lock his heart away from her?
Go Go Squid stars the adorable Yang Zi of Ashes of Love fame and Li Xian who rose to leading man status for his stellar performance in the commercial hit Tientsin Mystic.
Did your favourite dramas make it into the list? Let us know what you’re currently enjoying in the comments section below. After all, sharing is caring right?
Anonymous
Go Go Squid was really cliche and overrated romcom. There's nothing great and special about it. Full of useless filler scenes. The backstory conflict is ridiculous too. The drama can easily end in less than 20 episodes without the filler scenes.Lots people tune in only because summer is the perfect season to watch something brainless and tasteless. So people who tempted to watch because of the hype can just skip it because it isn't worth the time. It's not something that if you didn't watch, you'll feel left out or missing out.
Anonymous
I've never seen such bitter comment lol. It's okay Dear, not everyone is forced to enjoy this drama. If you don't, then don't. Move on. You going out of your way and taking time to write something like this shows how shallow andand pathe you are. GGS remains thriving like nobody else.
Anonymous
People are turning around and in love with Love and Destiny; rating on douban is going up as new episodes are released.
People are not giving this series a chance because it's not a typical atheistic that they're expecting for this genre. For those that do, they are falling hard for Zhang Zhen as the God of War and Ni Ni as Ling Xi. I personally love everything about this series. It managed to inject some freshness into the same clique and the structure of the story telling.
Thus far, I do not have the urge to forward any scenes.
Anonymous
What!!! One can't have an opinion about a series. May be you need to grow up.
I don't watch Go Go Squid because I can tell what type of drama it is and even with my love for Li Xian is not going to force me through that suffering.
Anonymous
You cant degrade a drama just becoz of your opinion on it. The drama is full of cute and fluffy moments. Each episode makes us smile n its surpassing d ratings inspite of piracy. spread positivity 🙂
Anonymous
Spring Flower Autumn Moon should be on your list too. This drama is strangely addicting. I am not sure which I like more the actual dram itself or the behind the scenes flirting of the two main leads. Zhao lusi and Li Yi Hong have really good chemistry together. I wonder if they are dating in real life..The BTS is so cute.
Anonymous
To be honest, I was very surprised by the overwhelming number of positive reviews for this drama. I watched a couple of episodes and I find that it has zero substance. It's reminiscent of Zhao Liying and Jin Han's drama. All fluff and no stuff. That said, people seem to like it.
Anonymous
I love love, 'love and Destiny'! Loving the two leads! Yes the score went up to 7 on douban today! Yay! Yes Chang Chen is slaying his role! NiNi is doing fantastic job as well!
Anonymous
I'm totally obsessed with THE UNTAMED. Beautiful drama and it gets better and better with each episode. The love between Wei Wu Xian and Lang Wang ji is palpable, though not physical it's still deeply caring.
Anonymous
I've watched 4 of 5 dramas. Untamed isnt my cup of tea. Im not a fan of BL story… well preference.
Some people might judge go go squid by its trailers or previews but i judged it by its novel. Super cliche. BUT… i really love the drama.i like the drama version so much. Im not a fan of romcom and this kind of dramas always made me quit half way or even sooner but there's something about GGS that makes me stuck.
Novoland is my fave. While for chang an… i need to re-watch it to understand. Love and destiny isnt bad.
C.T.
I agree! I think it's a great series so far. I was a bit unsure with the first and second episodes because there was A LOT of talking, but I can see how it was necessary for plot development. I also agree that Chang Chen looks more rugged than I'm used to in these types of fantasy dramas, but whatever, it works. He's a god of war, and he actually does suit his roll as the story progresses.
All in all, I hope people give this drama a chance.
Anonymous
Personally "Go Go Squid" is ok, not as great as some people made it sound to be. I like Li Xian & Yang Zi. Most of Yang Zi's outfits are horrible. Some of the colors are nice. I know they tried to dress her for the character, but some styles are just terrible/ridiculous. It's the stylist's fault.
J
I am liking Tang Yan and Shawn Dou's See You Again. Aaaand apart from those mentioned, I am excited for Yang Yang's King's Avatar of course. Watched till episode 12 and loved it! Also, Hotel Del Luna starring IU and Yeo Jin Goo!
Looking forward to: Prince of Tennis!
Anonymous
Boss and me also have zero substance, it's plain stupid and dumb. I was surprised too when everybody give it positive review only because the actress is cute. And she promoted the fact she's a cinderella in real life just how she is portraying in the drama. Poor girl dating rich guy to climb up is how I see it, cute in the drama but not real life.
Anonymous
#1 The Longest Day in Chang'an is 24 hours. 🙂
Goya
Go go squid is super cute with yang zi in it plus give me li xian to put up a perfect combination lead. For me I like this kind of cliche drama though other people may hate it and could be a waste of time for them. It’s light, no bitterness, fresh, young at heart to watch especially in this stressful life. Truly enjoyed the main lead and loved the moments of friendship… and the grand pa and step mom… omg! Just loved it!
Anonymous
This is just a fun series to watch, it is the main leads, their chemistry and along with Paul Chun's granpa role is what keep me going. Actually i also like The teammates and Solo. The story is pluffy it takes you back to when you have a first crush. It maybe not for you for other people are enjoying it. There are lots of other drama to watch this summer so watch those instead of wasting your time being bitter about Go Go Squid. Sprinkle sugar on you.
hohliu
You are entitled to you opinion about the drama but it is so disrespect to bash it and ask others not to watch it. Freedom of speech comes with moral responsibilities not to hurt deliberately the innocent….
Natha Calista
Yeay, all my fave on your list~! xD
Lily
Yes, everyone in GGS is so cute. I think one of the things that keep people going back is the positive vibes and the lovely relationships that everyone in this little world has with each other. I wish to be a part of this myself, and while it is impossible, it inspires me to be a better version of myself with more positive view about life and people around me. I just love it. Also, I have to say that this drama is not just fluffy all the time. Once you get into it, it could even make you shed a few tears. I did.
Anonymous
@Hohliu: What? I mean, I'm not OP but how is this escalating to moral responsibilities?
Anonymous
Love it! Story is so so, but the leads really do carry it. Love how he loves her in an understated way.
hohliu
Your rudeness, disrespect and choice of hash words are unacceptable. Dont bash their works if you can do better. "brainless and tasteless" your comments really reflect those words.
Anonymous
Glad someone mentions this. Any idea how's the rating or reviews for it? I don't usually follow dramas but this and Go Go Squid caught my attention.
Anonymous
Anonymous 1…i totally agree with…nothing special with this drama actually…not a great drama at all
Anonymous
I will never understand why people feel the need to go on a whole rampage and write a whole essay about how much they dislike a show. Makes me think you're a secret fan. So what if it's not your forte? Nobody told you to watch it. Even I don't write such a long comment with so much passion for something I like, but here I see so many go on and on about a show or something they dislike. Maybe it's time to reevaluate your true interests.
Anyway, I think Go Go Squid is cute. Cliche? Yeah, so what. At least it keeps our days happy and positive. It's a fluffy drama to begin with. Li Xian and Yang Zi are adorable together so that makes it even better. Go Go Squid stays winning.
Anonymous
I think it's their right to express the dislike…u just don't bother about it…not all people like to watch that drama…sometimes we must hear a bitter comment in order to improve
Anonymous
I see the resident yingbao hater popped up again
OP : talking about how bad GGS is
Anonymous who never fail to bring up zhao liying : BOSS AND ME SUCKS! ZHAO LIYING SUCKS
Lol sad
Anonymous
Go Go Squid is light and fluffy. Is it cliche? Yes, maybe. Girl falls in love with a boy who's angry and bitter and somehow the girl changes him and he falls in love. Sounds like every other drama? The answer is a definite yes, buuuut the reason why the drama is so popular is because of how enjoyable it is too watch. All the characters are fun and there are no evil side characters to foil the positive vibes of the show. The drama is limited; the misunderstandings are minimal and quickly resolved. A lot of dramas these days have so many twists and turns making Go Go Squid a breath of fresh air. Not to mention the main leads have great chemistry not only with each other, but also everyone else in the drama. If you're looking for heavy drama, this is not the show for you, but if you're looking for something to put a smile on your face, this is the perfect show for you.