Editor's Note: This column focuses on recommending good short dramas, charming actors, engaging couples, as well as trustworthy directors and conscientious screenwriters.
[New Releases]
The Wrong Choice
Yuqin Shao and Daikun Li, once lovers, return as a sister-in-law. The neglected ninth princess of Zizhou, Li Conghuan (played by Shao Yuqin), transforms into the crown princess of Qing Shuo. What caused her intense hatred for the second prince, Mo Jin (played by Li Daikun)?
On the wedding night, the crown princess finds herself alone with her uncle, leading to a morally complex situation that's incredibly engaging.
Poster for "The Wrong Choice"
Both lead actors shine with their looks and acting, and there’s a great chemistry between them, especially with Li Daikun, whose performance is full of vulnerability. I’ve previously recommended him when discussing "The Prince's Three Thousand Years", and he continues to prove his worth with strong dialogue delivery and subtle emotional expressions.
While the sweet moments are genuinely sweet, the emotional agony is also palpable. A revenge plot filled with love and hate is certainly gripping, but the overall production quality sometimes falls short of the leads' performances, with a slightly blurry filter and average texture, which is a bit disappointing.
Still Very Much in Love with Her
A romantic urban drama starring Wen Mo Yan and Shen Hao Nan, adapted from the novel "Chasing My Wife for Seven Years, The Rich CEO Went Mad."
CEO Si Qingye and his fiancée Ning Wuhui misunderstand each other due to a villain's plot and part ways unhappily. Pregnant and unexpectedly amnesiac, Ning Wuhui becomes a single mother and returns seven years later with her two children, reuniting with her past love.
Still from "Still Very Much in Love with Her"
Shen Hao Nan, a top actor in short dramas, continues to embed the "I am cool by nature" vibe into his character’s DNA. Fortunately, the plot has some comedic moments that alleviate the MV-like feel, making the somewhat vulnerable CEO endearing, plus his emotional scenes hit the right notes.
The adorable kids also add a significant charm to the series.
The General's Order Doesn’t Listen to Young Ladies
A historical time-travel drama starring Cheng Yufeng and Qiao Jingwen, featuring a contemporary college student and archaeology club member, Su Ke, who accidentally falls into an ancient funeral during a funeral of the host and ends up becoming the wife of General Dai Yu, transforming a funeral into a joyous wedding.
Even stranger, her friends also time travel back... Due to different timelines, their experiences vary significantly.
Poster for "The General's Order Doesn’t Listen to Young Ladies"
Qiao Jingwen’s character is lively, and the series of comedic chain reactions brought on by time travel adds to the fun. The chemistry with Cheng Yufeng is decent.
If you’re interested in stories involving multiple time travels, this might be worth a watch.
[In Case You Missed It]
Only Her
Xiao Hong and Dai Gaozheng, considered as quality guarantee in the world of short dramas.
Miss Wallflower Ji Chan undergoes a face change and rebirth, using herself as bait to get closer to the seemingly impenetrable Song Sipu. The mature mutual testing between the two characters creates a compelling dynamic.
Still from "Only Her"
It must be said, Dai Gaozheng is a master of romantic scenes in short dramas! Emotional tension is a plus!
The Bride of Convenience
The forgetful little assassin, Yue Yao, receives her first task to assassinate the leader of the Fourteen Yamen, He Yunxing. Unexpectedly, she drops her weapon and gets saved by the leader.
Poster for "The Bride of Convenience"
This drama follows the popular "suspense + romance" style of the past two years— the protagonist’s mother was brutally murdered years ago, and to find the true killer, Yue Yao decides to live as He Yunxing's bride, only to become embroiled in a bizarre murder case and be framed as the killer herself.
The pacing of the series is more compact than the usual romantic historical dramas, with gradual plot development involving a case and some sparks igniting between Lin Siyi and Li Junchen.
Redemption
Having lost close relatives, Jiang Tong (played by Zhang Bo Jia) is reborn and gradually unveils the crimes, bringing down the mastermind while getting trapped in the deep emotional turmoil created by her old flame Gao Xiuyu (played by Jin Ze). The return of old acquaintances (played by Li Zhuoyang and Wang Siyi) also brings a new chapter of fate due to her arrival.
Poster for "Redemption"
The style of this series resembles the dramatic mainstream dramas aired by Mango TV in its earlier years. The lead actors deliver solid performances, the filming quality is excellent, and the background music is pleasant. The only downside is that the plot is quite harsh on the female lead, and immersing oneself in it can be a bit painful.
Zhang Bo Jia, who plays the female lead, was previously seen as the maid of the heroine in "Jinxiu Anning." She graduated from the drama department and is a classmate of Guo Xiaoting. She’s also appeared in "Love at First Sight," "Criminal Case Investigation," "The Way Home," and "Love is Beautiful," showcasing her impressive skills.
[Statistics]
According to Yunding Data, as of October, the top three series with the highest effective playback market share are: "It's Not Easy Being the Lady of the House," "Original Sin (2024)," and "Born a Thousand Gold."
Data Source: Yunding Data
