Starter Dramas
New to dramas and looking for a good place to start? Something light and fun? Heavy and dark? Historical? We've got our recommendations. By no means exhaustive. Just a few ideas to get you started :)
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1. Máquina de Escrever Chicago
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
Want to learn more about the Japanese occupation period? This drama has a great insight into that time coupled with comedy and mystery and romance. Make sure and have a box of tissue on hand.
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2. O Jogador
Korean Drama - 2018, 14 episodes
Do you love a good con job story? This drama has fun action and thrilling escapades coupled with a solid found family trope. Warning: no romance to speak of
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3. Cidade Cruel
Korean Drama - 2013, 20 episodes
Great place to start if you love crime dramas
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4. Mr. Sunshine: Um Raio de Sol
Korean Drama - 2018, 24 episodes
A deep look into the beginning of the Japanese occupation.
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5. Still 17
Korean Drama - 2018, 32 episodes
Sweet romcom about first loves and growing up
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6. Amor ao Luar
Korean Drama - 2016, 18 episodes
An easy way into the historical drama genre
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7. Rei das Compras, Louie
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
It's just a fun and easy watch
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8. Vamos, Atreva-se
Korean Drama - 2015, 12 episodes
Great little high school drama. Bonus: Jisoo!
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9. A Fada do Levantamento de Peso, Kim Bok Joo
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
College, friendships and family.
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10. Cinderela e os Quatro Cavaleiros
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
Chaebol politics plus romance
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11. Chefe Kim
Korean Drama - 2017, 20 episodes
Office politics with a comedic tone.
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12. Amor ao Redor
Taiwanese Drama - 2013, 21 episodes
Great starter for Taiwanese dramas
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13. Série U-Prince: O Rockeiro Louco
Thai Drama - 2017, 4 episodes
The U-Prince series is a great way to start Thai dramas. Divided up into individual stories on MDL, it appears at a complete season on Netflix. Some "princes" are better than others. We strongly recommend the artist, the baker and the geologist. Cowboy is not for everybody, but is more true to the typical lakorn style while keeping it all a little lighter.
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14. Acordem, Mulheres: A Série
Thai Drama - 2018, 13 episodes
Great starter for thai series style dramas. Crazy antics and solid friendships. Sort of like Sex in the City: Thai Edition
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15. My Dear Boy
Taiwanese Drama - 2017, 20 episodes
Excellent friends to lovers noona romance. The friendship is literally so good that we didn't even care if it never got to lovers.
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16. Me Beije
Thai Drama - 2015, 20 episodes
One of the many variants of the Playful Kiss story. The thai version is one of our favourite versions.
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17. Amor O2O
Chinese Drama - 2016, 30 episodes
Ignore the horrible kiss scenes, this Chinese story of a couple who faces all their troubles head-on and together is a great starter college drama
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18. Amor Eterno
Chinese Drama - 2017, 58 episodes
Many people's favourite xianxia style Chinese drama. Beautiful sets and costumes, epic romance. Widely known as 10 Miles of Beach Blossoms.
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19. Bem-vindos a Waikiki
Korean Drama - 2018, 20 episodes
If you love slapstick comedy and sitcom-style storylines, this drama is for you. Not the usual romcom, it's still fun and easy to watch, and Baby Sol is adorable.