Favourite CDramas with meaningful relationships
Looking for female leads that have strength, relationships in which they support each other, good resolution of conflicts, and no significant plot holes.
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1. The King’s Avatar
Chinese Drama - 2019, 40 episodes
ESports. ML is good, three strong FLs. (No romance.) Great graphics and structure to the story. Web novel is excellent too. One of only two CDramas my spouse got into as well.
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2. Mysterious Love
Chinese Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
Actress + Body guard. Strong backstory. Well-written script. Good side characters.
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3. Put Your Head on My Shoulder
Chinese Drama - 2019, 24 episodes
Recent university graduates. Supportive relationship, e.g. ML lets FL figure out on her own that she's just not into her crush. Cute awkward relationship moments.
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4. The Rational Life
Chinese Drama - 2021, 35 episodes
Business Woman + Jewelry Designer. Woman who knows what she wants and won't compromise for the sake of society.
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5. Medical Examiner Dr. Qin
Chinese Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
Two medical examiners + Cop. Funny comedy over crime solving and dead bodies. Three are amazing buddies. (No romance.) Spouse enjoyed this too.
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6. You Are My Hero
Chinese Drama - 2021, 40 episodes
Medical doctor + SWAT team. Fabulous main couple chemistry (director used many out-takes instead of original script). Strong relationship growth.
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7. Bromance
Taiwanese Drama - 2015, 18 episodes
Reformed gangster + assistant. Assistant acts male (hiding female identity). Good story about loving the person inside.
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8. Chef Hua
Chinese Drama - 2020, 36 episodes
Female chef and bodyguard husband. One of very few ancient-setting dramas I've liked. Relationship is mature and supportive, relationship includes meeting, dating, and marriage. And the shots of the food are *incredible*.
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9. Love Scenery
Chinese Drama - 2021, 31 episodes
Famous Singer + University student. Supportive relationship; main challenge is her status as celebrity.
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10. Don't Disturb My Study
Chinese Drama - 2021, 24 episodes
High school students learning that people each have different strengths. Great characters and character growth.
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11. Love of Summer Night
Chinese Drama - 2020, 24 episodes
University students playing basketball. Intended for younger audience, but enough strength in story to keep me interested.
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12. Go Go Squid!
Chinese Drama - 2019, 41 episodes
eSports. FL is computer scientist / online vocalist, ML is eSports captain. This one grew on me... first viewing he seemed too controlling & weird, and flashbacks annoying. But second pass I noticed her capabilities more and his vulnerabilities became more understandable. I go back to this one often.
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13. The Imperial Coroner
Chinese Drama - 2021, 36 episodes
Female coroner & male prince/investigator. Well done crimes, good acting.
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14. Arsenal Military Academy
Chinese Drama - 2019, 48 episodes
Female disguised as male to enter soldier academy. Good snapshot of history, well portrayed relationships,
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15. The Perfect Match
Taiwanese Drama - 2017, 22 episodes
Chefs. Amazing FL -- one of the strongest I've seen in any Chinese drama. Great chemistry between main couple. ML+FL each independently two of my favourite actors.
This would have been my favourite drama, except that it jumped the shark around episode 19 [last scene to watch has bowls of apple-peel flowers].
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16. Love O2O
Chinese Drama - 2016, 30 episodes
University students and online game world. Great story, good acting. FL unfortunately watered down in latter half.