My 2026 PTW
This is my shortlisted PTW list for the year, the dramas I genuinely plan to watch and experience. I’m usually an impulsive picker and often end up watching something completely different from what I planned, but this year the challenges are keeping me in my lane. This list is my attempt to stay focused on stories that truly interest me.
Let’s see how well I stick to it this time.
2026 Alphabet Drama Challenge -A 27-letter alphabetical challenge, also split into drama, mini drama, and vertical drama categories.
D remaining(Q), S Remaing(V,X,Z)
2026 BACK TO THE PAST WATCH CHALLENGE -The goal is to watch at least two dramas that of past 10 years or older.
Remaining(2018,2016,2014,2013)
Offbeat Watch Challenge-challenge is to step out of the comfort zone and try something out of the ordinary.
https://mydramalist.com/list/LQJjKvv3 ->ultimate guide to lost tomb series
https://mydramalist.com/list/3EExWvn3 for some recommendation of old and other than chinese
Want to watch dramas from other countries as well
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My Liberation Notes🇰🇷 —love changes who you areFirst Love 🇯🇵 — the love you never completely forget
One Spring Night 🇰🇷 — adult love that has consequences
Just Between Lovers 🇰🇷 — two broken people healing together
silent 🇯🇵 — love, communication and letting go
The Midnight Romance in Hagwon 🇰🇷 — adult chemistry
We Made a Beautiful Bouquet 🇯🇵 — realistic love and growing apart
Before We Get Married 🇹🇼 — dangerous chemistry / complicated love
Kleun Cheewit 🇹🇭 — angst + intense romance
Secret Love Affair 🇰🇷 — darkest and most complicated
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![A Little Thing Called First Love]()
1. A Little Thing Called First Love
Chinese Drama - 2019, 36 episodes
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![Alice in Borderland]()
2. Alice in Borderland
Japanese Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
- Genres: Action, Thriller, Sci-Fi
- Tags: Death Game, Death, Suspense, Smart Male Lead, Survival, Game, Parallel Universe, Adapted From A Manga, Psychological Manipulation, Mystery
- Offbeat Watch Challenge
- spot survival
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![All about My Romance]()
3. All about My Romance
Korean Drama - 2013, 16 episodes
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![Alliance]()
4. Alliance
Chinese Drama - 2023, 36 episodes
Tags: Age Gap [Real Life], Revenge, Sismance, Adapted From A Novel, Friendship
sismance
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![Be Passionately in Love]()
5. Be Passionately in Love
Chinese Drama - 2025, 24 episodes
- Genres: Romance, Youth
- Tags: Separated Lovers, Student Female Lead, Student Male Lead, Bickering Mains' Relationship, Adapted From A Web Novel, Photographer Male Lead, Single Mother/Father Supporting Character, Healthy Mains’ Relationship, Return From Abroad, Flirty Female Lead
- MDL's 2026 Watch Challenge title passion
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![Bloody Romance]()
6. Bloody Romance
Chinese Drama - 2018, 36 episodes
Tags: Adapted From A Novel, Power Struggle, Matriarchy, Forbidden Love, Survival, Torture, Death, Master-Slave Relationship, Dark Fantasy, Hidden Identity
Title with blood
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![Boyfriend on Demand]()
7. Boyfriend on Demand
Korean Drama - 2026, 10 episodes
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![Chicago Typewriter]()
8. Chicago Typewriter
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
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![Chungking Express]()
9. Chungking Express
Hong Kong Movie - 1994
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Life, Drama
- Tags: Break Up, Heartbreak, Unrequited Love, Police Department Setting, Hong Kong New Wave, Drug Trafficking, Art House Film, Stalking, Eccentric Female Lead, Eccentric Male Lead
- movie before i was born
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![Cinderella Closet]()
10. Cinderella Closet
Japanese Drama - 2025, 12 episodes
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Youth, Drama
- Tags: Ex Comes Back, Crossdresser Male Lead, Co-workers' Relationship, City Setting, Waitress Female Lead, Influencer Supporting Character, Make-up Artist Male Lead, Tomboy Female Lead, Young Adult Female Lead, Young Adult Male Lead
- Offbeat Watch Challenge(ML Pretends to be a woman,SML/SFL end up with the lead )
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![City of Streamer]()
11. City of Streamer
Chinese Drama - 2022, 40 episodes
Genres: Thriller, Historical, Romance, Crime
Tags: Smart Female Lead, Chinese Republican Era, Calm Female Lead, Espionage, Revenge, Older Woman/Younger Man, Student-Teacher Relationship, Conspiracy, Adapted From A Novel, Suspense
Tag: happy ending
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![Doctor on the Edge]()
12. Doctor on the Edge
Korean Drama - 2026, 12 episodes
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![Douluo Continent]()
13. Douluo Continent
Chinese Drama - 2021, 40 episodes
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Wuxia, Fantasy
- Tags: Teamwork, Fantasy World, Friendship, Xuanhuan, Hardworking Male Lead, Competition, Multiple Couples, Cultivation, Childish Female Lead, Hidden Identity
- 2021 drama with good cast
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![Even if This Love Disappears from the World Tonight]()
14. Even if This Love Disappears from the World Tonight
Japanese Movie - 2022
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![Even if This Love Disappears Tonight]()
15. Even if This Love Disappears Tonight
Korean Movie - 2025
- Director: Kim Hye Young
- Genres: Romance, Life, Youth, Melodrama
- Tags: Student Female Lead, Student Male Lead, School Setting, Best Friends' Relationship, Classmates' Relationship, Fake To Real Lovers, Unlikely Romance, Father-Son Relationship, Illness, Amnesia
- MDL's 2026 Watch Challenge (tag illness)
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![First Love]()
16. First Love
Japanese Drama - 2022, 9 episodes
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![Handmade Love]()
17. Handmade Love
Korean Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
Tags: Miniseries, Supernatural, Web Series, Healing, Tailor Male Lead, Deity Male Lead, Slight Romance, Advertisement, Flashback To Past, Supernatural Power
Tag:
Happy Ending, Infidelity,Violence
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![Hotel del Luna]()
18. Hotel del Luna
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
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![Hua Jai Sila]()
19. Hua Jai Sila
Thai Drama - 2019, 27 episodes
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![I Am Nobody]()
20. I Am Nobody
Chinese Drama - 2023, 27 episodes
Tags: Action, Supernatural Power, Martial Arts, Adventure, Physically Strong Female Lead, Physically Strong Male Lead, Weak To Strong, CGI, Multiple Timelines, Skilled Fighter
ML Haou Ming Hao
Tag: Martial arts
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![Joy of Life Season 2]()
21. Joy of Life Season 2
Chinese Drama - 2024, 36 episodes
Tags: Martial Arts, Power Struggle, Transmigration, Eccentric Male Lead, Political, Smart Male Lead, Adapted From A Novel, Political Intrigue, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Historical Sci fi
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![Kleun Cheewit]()
22. Kleun Cheewit
Thai Drama - 2017, 15 episodes
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![Lady Liberty]()
23. Lady Liberty
Chinese Drama - 2026, 37 episodes
Tags: Office Setting, Writer Male Lead, Editor Female Lead, Indecisive Male Lead, Aggressive Female Lead, Cheerful Male Lead, Business Rivalry, Alcoholism, Teamwork, Infidelity
Tag:Alcoholism
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![Live Surgery Room]()
24. Live Surgery Room
Chinese Drama - 2024, 28 episodes
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![Love Destiny]()
25. Love Destiny
Thai Drama - 2018, 15 episodes
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![Love for You]()
26. Love for You
Chinese Drama - 2026, 32 episodes
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![Love in Pavilion]()
27. Love in Pavilion
Chinese Drama - 2025, 36 episodes
Tags: Adapted From A Manhua, Adventure, Action, Fantasy World, Cultivation, Fox Demon, Mask, Xianxia, Immortal, Web Series
Tag:Immortal
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![Love in the Moonlight]()
28. Love in the Moonlight
Korean Drama - 2016, 18 episodes
Genres: Historical, Comedy, Romance, Drama
Tags: Cross-Dressing, Joseon Dynasty, Hidden Identity, First Love, Male Chases Female First, Forbidden Love, Opposites Attract, Royalty, Bromance, Love Triangle
2016
Title: Moon
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![Meet Yourself]()
29. Meet Yourself
Chinese Drama - 2023, 40 episodes
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![My Bias, My Boss]()
30. My Bias, My Boss
Korean Drama - 2026, 12 episodes
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![My Dearest]()
31. My Dearest
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
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![My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday]()
32. My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday
Japanese Movie - 2016
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![Never-Ending Summer]()
33. Never-Ending Summer
Chinese Drama - 2026, 29 episodes
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![Nirvana in Fire]()
34. Nirvana in Fire
Chinese Drama - 2015, 54 episodes
- Genres: Military, Historical, Drama, Political
- Tags: Power Struggle, Smart Male Lead, Scheme, Death, Corruption, Hidden Identity, War, Political Intrigue, Revenge, Sibling Rivalry
- 2026 BACK TO THE PAST WATCH CHALLENGE
- 2026 Alphabet Drama Challenge(Drama)
- MDL's 2026 Watch Challenge(genre military)
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![Nothing but You]()
35. Nothing but You
Chinese Drama - 2023, 38 episodes
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![One Spring Night]()
36. One Spring Night
Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes
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![Parallel World]()
37. Parallel World
Chinese Drama - 2023, 38 episodes
Tags: Desert Setting, Badass Female Lead, Adventure, Action, Teamwork, Slow Burn Story, Monster, Conspiracy, Multiple Couples, Amnesia
offbeat
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![People and Meat]()
38. People and Meat
Korean Movie - 2025
Tags: Friendship
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![Pull Strings]()
39. Pull Strings
Chinese Drama - 2026, 30 episodes
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![Queen of Darkness]()
40. Queen of Darkness
Chinese Drama - 2025, 24 episodes
Tags: Identical Twin Female Lead, Fierce Female Lead, Workplace Violence, Partners' Relationship, Police Inspector Male Lead, Gangster Supporting Character, Criminal Supporting Character, Short Length Series, Adopted Female Lead, Skilled Fighter
Spot: Fertility
Letter: Q (short format drama)
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![Rain or Shine]()
41. Rain or Shine
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
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![Regeneration]()
42. Regeneration
Chinese Drama - 2024, 10 episodes
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![Riverside Code at Qingming Festival]()
43. Riverside Code at Qingming Festival
Chinese Drama - 2024, 26 episodes
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![Secret Love Affair]()
44. Secret Love Affair
Korean Drama - 2014, 16 episodes
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![She Was Pretty]()
45. She Was Pretty
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
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![Somewhere Only We Know]()
46. Somewhere Only We Know
Chinese Movie - 2015
Tags: Interracial Relationship, Office Worker Female Lead, Cellist Male Lead, Musician Male Lead, Intercountry Romance, Naive Female Lead, Multi-Generational, Death, Filmed Abroad, Music
Interracial relationship between the leads
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![Space Sweepers]()
47. Space Sweepers
Korean Movie - 2021
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi
- Tags: CGI, Outer Space, Future, Robot, Badass Female Lead, Friendship, Poor Male Lead, Family Relationship, Teamwork, Android
- MDL's 2026 Watch Challenge spot a trip to space
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![Spring Fever]()
48. Spring Fever
Korean Drama - 2026, 12 episodes
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![The Bond]()
49. The Bond
Chinese Drama - 2021, 36 episodes
- Genres: Life, Drama
- Tags: Multiple Mains, Time Skip, 2000s, 1980s, 1970s, 1990s, Adapted From A Novel, Domestic Crime, Violence Against Children, Selfish Parent
- a non romance 2021 drama
- Good Cast
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![The Early Spring]()
50. The Early Spring
Chinese Drama - 2026, 24 episodes
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![The Killer Is Also Romantic]()
51. The Killer Is Also Romantic
Chinese Drama - 2022, 18 episodes
Genres: Historical, Comedy, Romance
Tags: Web Series, Hidden Identity, Married Life, Assassin Female Lead, Assassin Male Lead, Blind Supporting Character, Doctor Male Lead, Short Length Series, Skilled Killer, Historical Fiction
Letter k: short
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![The Lament of Autumn]()
52. The Lament of Autumn
Chinese Drama - 0000, 38 episodes
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![The Midnight Romance in Hagwon]()
53. The Midnight Romance in Hagwon
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
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![The Princess]()
54. The Princess
Chinese Drama - 2024, 40 episodes
Genres: Historical, Mystery, Romance, Drama
Tags: Difficult Adulthood, Short Length Series, Hidden Agenda, Historical Fiction, Scheme, Strong Male Lead, Reverse-Harem, Opposites Attract, Chinese Republican Era, Smart Male Lead
Letter P: Short length series
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![The Rain in Espana]()
55. The Rain in Espana
Filipino Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
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![The Road to Splendor]()
56. The Road to Splendor
Chinese Drama - 2026, 36 episodes
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![Threads of Destiny]()
57. Threads of Destiny
Chinese Drama - 2025, 26 episodes
Genres: Historical, Romance, Fantasy
Tags: Reincarnation, Short Length Series, Smart Female Lead, Sibling Rivalry, Sisters' Relationship, Conspiracy, Domestic Violence, Corruption, Arranged Marriage, Domestic Crime
2026 Alphabet Drama Challenge(Short) (alt name from c,z,j)
Domestic Violence (spoiler)
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![To the Moon and Back]()
58. To the Moon and Back
Thai Drama - 2023, 21 episodes
Tags: Healthy Mains’ Relationship, Family Relationship, Playful Female Lead, Supportive Parent, Nice Male Lead, Nice Female Lead, Abusive Parent, Doctor Male Lead, Cheerful Female Lead, Flirty Female Lead
Thai drama with moon title
Title: Includes Heavenly/Celestial Bodies
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![Visage and Soul]()
59. Visage and Soul
Chinese Drama - 2026, 24 episodes
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![Weakest Beast]()
60. Weakest Beast
Japanese Drama - 2018, 10 episodes
Tags: Friendship, Clingy Ex, Workplace Setting, Office Setting, Accountant Male Lead, Office Worker Female Lead, Lovers To Friends, Immature Male Lead, Accounting, Slight Comedy
Offbeat: Lovers to friends romance between the leads (tag)
Tag:Infidelity
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![When Destiny Brings the Demon]()
61. When Destiny Brings the Demon
Chinese Drama - 2025, 33 episodes
Tags: Xianxia, Revenge, Cheerful Female Lead, Calm Male Lead, Transmigration, Star Crossed Lovers, Fantasy World, Save The World, Adapted From A Novel, Demon
MDL's 2026 Watch Challenge(star crosssed lovers.
calm lead)
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![When the Weather Is Fine]()
62. When the Weather Is Fine
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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![Where Does the Sea Begin]()
63. Where Does the Sea Begin
Japanese Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
Tags: Parenting, Father-Daughter Relationship, Family Relationship, Death, Single Father Male Lead, Separated Family, Mother-Daughter Relationship
Main dynamic is between parent
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![Xiao Fang]()
64. Xiao Fang
Chinese Drama - 2026, 18 episodes
Genres: Psychological, Romance, Drama
Tags: Unexpected Pregnancy, Family Pressure, Herbalist Female Lead, Adapted From A Web Novel, Businesswoman Female Lead, Rural Life, Web Series
Letter:X (long format drama)
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![Your Sunshine]()
65. Your Sunshine
Chinese Drama - 2025, 27 episodes
Genres: Historical, Mystery, Romance
Tags: Blood, Brothers' Relationship, Violence, Criminal Organization, Gun Violence, Death, Gang, Revenge, Crime, Death Of A Sister
Title: Includes Heavenly/Celestial Bodies
