Dramas, or Asian dramas, have gained a loyal fan base around the world due to their engaging stories, captivating characters and high-quality production. Whether you're new to this universe or a longtime fan, this guide will help you explore the best dramas, highlighting popular categories and where to watch. Plus, you'll find tips on how to choose the perfect drama for you.

1. What are Doramas?

Dramas are Asian television series, especially popular in South Korea, Japan, China and Taiwan. These dramas cover a wide range of genres and are known for their exciting and engaging plots. Below, we'll explore some of the most popular drama categories.

2. Popular Drama Categories

2.1. Romance

Romance is one of the most popular categories of dramas, with love stories ranging from modern fairy tales to more realistic and moving romances. Some notable examples include:

• “Descendants of the Sun” (South Korea): A love story between a soldier and a doctor amidst conflict scenarios.
• “Itazura na Kiss” (Japan): A romantic comedy about an awkward student and her unrequited love for the most popular boy in school.
• “Meteor Garden” (China): A remake of the classic Japanese drama “Hana Yori Dango”, centered on an ordinary girl who becomes involved with four rich and popular boys.

2.2. Comedy

Comedy dramas are perfect for those looking for light and fun entertainment. These dramas often combine humor with elements of romance and school life. Popular examples include:

• “Strong Woman Do Bong-soon” (South Korea): The hilarious story of a young woman with superhuman strength and her job as a CEO's bodyguard.
• “Nodame Cantabile” (Japan): A series that mixes classical music and comedy, centered on an eccentric pianist and his relationship with a musical prodigy.
• “My Little Happiness” (China): A romantic comedy about a budding lawyer who finds herself working with her childhood friend.

2.3. Historical Drama

For those who enjoy stories set in the past, historical dramas offer rich, detailed plots, often based on real events. Examples include:

• “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” (South Korea): A time travel that takes a young woman to the Goryeo period, where she becomes involved with royal princes.
• “Rurouni Kenshin” (Japan): Based on the popular manga, it follows the story of a former assassin trying to live a peaceful life.
• “Nirvana in Fire” (China): An epic drama about revenge, politics and friendship in ancient China.

2.4. Fantasy and Science Fiction

For fans of supernatural and futuristic stories, fantasy and science fiction dramas offer imaginative, action-packed worlds. Notable examples include:

• “Goblin” (South Korea): The story of an immortal goblin in search of a mortal bride who can free him from his immortality.
• “Erased” (Japan): A time travel mystery where a man tries to prevent a tragedy that occurred in his childhood.
• “Love O2O” (China): A university romance that mixes reality and a virtual reality game.

3. Where to Watch Dramas

3.1. Streaming Platforms

There are several streaming platforms where you can watch dramas with subtitles in different languages. Here are some of the most popular:

• Netflix: Offers a wide selection of Korean, Japanese and Chinese dramas. Popular titles include “Crash Landing on You”, “Kingdom” and “Alice in Borderland”.
• Viki: Specializing in Asian content, Viki has a vast library of dramas with subtitles in several languages.
• Prime Video: Mainly focused on Chinese dramas, it also offers some Korean and Japanese titles.
• WeTV: Another popular platform for Chinese dramas, with a growing selection of Korean dramas.

3.2. TV Channels and Official Websites

In addition to streaming platforms, many dramas are broadcast on Asian TV channels and are available on official broadcaster websites, such as:

• KBS, SBS and MBC: Major television networks in South Korea that broadcast a variety of dramas.
• Fuji TV and TBS: Japanese networks known for their high-quality productions.
• Youku and Tencent Video: Major video platforms in China that broadcast popular dramas.

4. Tips for Choosing the Perfect Drama

With so many options available, choosing the perfect drama can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you:

4.1. Know Your Favorite Genres

Identify which genres you like most – whether romance, comedy, historical drama or fantasy – and start exploring dramas in those categories.

4.2. Read Synopses and Reviews

Read synopses and reviews from other viewers to get a better idea of the drama's plot and quality.

4.3. Follow Recommendations

Follow recommendations from friends, influencers or online communities dedicated to dramas to discover new titles.

4.4. Watch Trailers

Watching trailers can give you a good impression of the drama's style, production and actors.

5. Conclusion

Dramas offer a world of fascinating stories and captivating characters that can hold your attention for hours. With so many categories and streaming platforms available, it's never been easier to fall in love with these Asian dramas. Use this guide to explore the best dramas and find your new favorite series.