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,N), V Remaing(K,V), S Remaing(J,M,N,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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![A Beautiful Mind]()
1. A Beautiful Mind
Korean Drama - 2016, 14 episodes
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![A Date with the Future]()
2. A Date with the Future
Chinese Drama - 2023, 36 episodes
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![A Little Thing Called First Love]()
3. A Little Thing Called First Love
Chinese Drama - 2019, 36 episodes
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![A Splendid Match]()
4. A Splendid Match
Chinese Drama - 2026, 40 episodes
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![Alchemy of Souls]()
5. Alchemy of Souls
Korean Drama - 2022, 20 episodes
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![Alice in Borderland]()
6. 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]()
7. All about My Romance
Korean Drama - 2013, 16 episodes
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![Ashes to Crown]()
8. Ashes to Crown
Chinese Drama - 2026, 24 episodes
Screenwriter: Li Min, Xia Meng Ying
Genres: Historical, Romance, Fantasy, Political
Tags: Political Intrigue, Adapted From A Web Novel, Courtier Female Lead, Soldier Male Lead, Age Gap [Real Life], Web Series, Second Chance, Revenge, Reincarnation, War
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![Back for You]()
9. Back for You
Chinese Drama - 2025, 12 episodes
- Genres: Action, Historical, Mystery, Romance
- Tags: Chinese Republican Era, Detective Fiction, Age Gap [Real Life], Detective Male Lead, Cold Case, Fictional World, Dream World, Investigation, Violence, Workplace Violence
- Apparently for no reason i decided to watch it
- MDL's 2026 Watch Challenge (detective lead)
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![Be Passionately in Love]()
10. 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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![Before We Get Married]()
11. Before We Get Married
Taiwanese Drama - 2019, 13 episodes
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![Better Days]()
12. Better Days
Chinese Movie - 2019
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![Boss & Me]()
13. Boss & Me
Chinese Drama - 2014, 34 episodes
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![Boyfriend on Demand]()
14. Boyfriend on Demand
Korean Drama - 2026, 10 episodes
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![Bromance]()
15. Bromance
Taiwanese Drama - 2015, 18 episodes
Tags: Cross-Dressing, Hidden Identity, Boss-Employee Relationship, Mafia, Bromance, Fate, Nice Male Lead, Rich Man/Poor Woman, Tomboy Female Lead, Female Lead Saves Male Lead
bojojoti Recommendation
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![Cambrian Period]()
16. Cambrian Period
Chinese Drama - 2017, 24 episodes
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![Chicago Typewriter]()
17. Chicago Typewriter
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
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![Chungking Express]()
18. 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]()
19. 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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![Dear X]()
20. Dear X
Korean Drama - 2025, 12 episodes
- Genres: Thriller, Romance, Crime, Melodrama
- Tags: Actress Female Lead, Manipulative Female Lead, Sociopath Female Lead, Antisocial Personality Disorder, Domestic Violence, Revenge, Abusive Parent, Unhealthy Mains' Relationship, Gore, Noir
- Offbeat watch challenge
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![Douluo Continent]()
21. 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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![Dream of Golden Years]()
22. Dream of Golden Years
Chinese Drama - 2026, 36 episodes
- Genres: Business, Romance, Fantasy
- Tags: Entrepreneur Female Lead, 1980s, Time Travel, Return To Past, Adapted From A Novel
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![Echoes of Gang City]()
23. Echoes of Gang City
Chinese Drama - 2026, 28 episodes
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![Eternal Love of Dream]()
24. Eternal Love of Dream
Chinese Drama - 2020, 56 episodes
- Genres: Romance, Wuxia, Drama, Fantasy
- Tags: Xianxia, Cold Man/Warm Woman, Older Man/Younger Woman, Nine-tailed Fox, Female Chases Male First, Adapted From A Novel, Age Gap [Drama Life], Mythical Being, First Love, Age Gap [Real Life]
- For Acotrs and Director
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![Even if This Love Disappears from the World Tonight]()
25. Even if This Love Disappears from the World Tonight
Japanese Movie - 2022
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![Even if This Love Disappears Tonight]()
26. 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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![Glory]()
27. Glory
Chinese Drama - 2025, 36 episodes
- Genres: Historical, Business, Romance, Drama
- Tags: Amnesia, Power Struggle, Cunning Male Lead, Scheme, Hidden Identity, Slow Burn Romance, Master-Servant Relationship, Cold Female Lead, Battle Of Wits, Smart Female Lead
- Hou Ming Hao
- MDL's 2026 Watch Challenge Spot: Gold
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![Handmade Love]()
28. Handmade Love
Korean Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
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![Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha]()
29. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
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![Hotel del Luna]()
30. Hotel del Luna
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
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![I Am Nobody]()
31. 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
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![In Your Radiant Season]()
32. In Your Radiant Season
Korean Drama - 2026, 12 episodes
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![It's Okay to Not Be Okay]()
33. It's Okay to Not Be Okay
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
- Genres: Psychological, Comedy, Romance, Drama
- Tags: Independent Female Lead, Possessive Female Lead, Successful Female Lead, Healing, Melodrama, Selfless Male Lead, Badass Female Lead, Childhood Connection, Trauma, Mental Illness
- Offbeat Watch Challenge
- 2026 Alphabet Drama Challenge(Drama)
- someone finding something or someone
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![Just to Meet You]()
34. Just to Meet You
Chinese Drama - 2026, 24 episodes
Genres: Romance
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![Kill Me, Heal Me]()
35. Kill Me, Heal Me
Korean Drama - 2015, 20 episodes
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![Kill My Sins]()
36. Kill My Sins
Chinese Drama - 2025, 30 episodes
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![Light to the Night]()
37. Light to the Night
Chinese Drama - 2026, 28 episodes
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![Love & Bid Farewell]()
38. Love & Bid Farewell
Chinese Drama - 2024, 24 episodes
- Genres: Historical, Romance
- Tags: Revenge, Palace Setting, Prince Male Lead, Hidden Identity, Physically Strong Female Lead, Physically Strong Male Lead, Short Length Series, Hidden Agenda, Obsessive Male Lead, Hidden Personality
- 2026 Alphabet Drama Challenge(Short) alt anme from ,q and y
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![Love in Between]()
39. Love in Between
Chinese Drama - 2020, 43 episodes
- Genres: Mystery, Romance, Wuxia, Political
- Tags: Badass Female Lead, Martial Arts, Hidden Identity, Childhood Connection, Smart Male Lead, Weak Male Lead, Revenge, Political Intrigue, Power Struggle, Web Series
- Offbeat Watch Challenge (ml is femining)
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![Love in Pavilion]()
40. Love in Pavilion
Chinese Drama - 2025, 36 episodes
- Genres: Romance, Wuxia, Drama, Fantasy
- Tags: Adapted From A Manhua, Adventure, Action, Fantasy World, Cultivation, Fox Demon, Mask, Xianxia, Immortal, Web Series
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![Love in the Moonlight]()
41. Love in the Moonlight
Korean Drama - 2016, 18 episodes
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![Love's Ambition]()
42. Love's Ambition
Chinese Drama - 2025, 32 episodes
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![Lovers of the Red Sky]()
43. Lovers of the Red Sky
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
- Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama, Fantasy
- Tags: Fated Love, Demon, Adapted From A Novel, Age Gap [Real Life], Painting, Blind Male Lead, Protective Male Lead, Hidden Identity, Nice Male Lead, Double Identity
- Wanated to dive in korean historical dramas so i picked it for its rating and casting
- 2026 BACK TO THE PAST WATCH CHALLENGE
- MDL's 2026 Watch Challenge(Protective Lead)
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![Master Devil Do Not Kiss Me]()
44. Master Devil Do Not Kiss Me
Chinese Drama - 2017, 23 episodes
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![My Heroic Husband]()
45. My Heroic Husband
Chinese Drama - 2021, 36 episodes
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![My Little Lover: Minami-kun no Koibito]()
46. My Little Lover: Minami-kun no Koibito
Japanese Drama - 2015, 10 episodes
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Youth, Supernatural
- Tags: High School, Cohabitation, Childhood Friends' Relationship, First Love, Supernatural Phenomena, Student Female Lead, Student Male Lead, Cold Male Lead, Adapted From A Manga, Transformation
- MDL's 2026 Watch Challenge (spot rainbow in epi1 )
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![My Page in the 90s]()
47. My Page in the 90s
Chinese Drama - 2026, 24 episodes
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![Nirvana in Fire]()
48. 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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![No Other Choice]()
49. No Other Choice
Korean Movie - 2025
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![Nothing but You]()
50. Nothing but You
Chinese Drama - 2023, 38 episodes
- Genres: Romance, Drama, Sports
- Tags: Age Gap [Drama Life], Athlete Male Lead, Hardworking Female Lead, Older Woman/Younger Man, Sport Club, Tennis, Tennis Player Male Lead, Nice Female Lead, Hardworking Male Lead, Multiple Couples
- 2026 Alphabet Drama Challenge(Drama)
- MDL's 2026 Watch Challenge (athlete lead)
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![Oh My General]()
51. Oh My General
Chinese Drama - 2017, 60 episodes
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![Parallel World]()
52. Parallel World
Chinese Drama - 2023, 38 episodes
- Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Romance, Fantasy
- Tags: Desert Setting, Badass Female Lead, Adventure, Action, Teamwork, Slow Burn Story, Monster, Conspiracy, Multiple Couples, Amnesia
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![People and Meat]()
53. People and Meat
Korean Movie - 2025
Tags: Friendship
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![Perfect World]()
54. Perfect World
Japanese Drama - 2019, 10 episodes
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![Pinocchio]()
55. Pinocchio
Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes
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![Rattan]()
56. Rattan
Chinese Drama - 2021, 30 episodes
- Genres: Mystery, Romance, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Tags: Adapted From A Novel, Interspecies Romance, Badass Female Lead, Warm Man/Cold Woman, Nice Male Lead, Flashback To Past, Rich Male Lead, Emotionally Strong Female Lead, Loyal Male Lead, Slow Burn Story
- Familiar Actors and Snowfall's Director
- loyal ml
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![Rebirth]()
57. Rebirth
Chinese Drama - 2026, 40 episodes
Genres: Action, Historical, Romance, Political
Tags: Martial Arts, Power Struggle, War, Fight For Justice, Heir Male Lead, Slave Female Lead, Prince Male Lead
Martial Arts
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![Return of the Queen]()
58. Return of the Queen
Chinese Drama - 2025, 24 episodes
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![Rider]()
59. Rider
Thai Movie - 2024
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![Rise from the Ashes]()
60. Rise from the Ashes
Chinese Drama - 2024, 24 episodes
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![Riverside Code at Qingming Festival]()
61. Riverside Code at Qingming Festival
Chinese Drama - 2024, 26 episodes
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![Romantics Anonymous]()
62. Romantics Anonymous
Japanese Drama - 2025, 8 episodes
- Genres: Psychological, Comedy, Romance, Drama
- Tags: Phobia, Social Anxiety Disorder, Scopophobia, Mysophobia, Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD), Soulmates' Relationship, Mentor-Mentee Relationship, Chocolatier Supporting Character, Chocolatier Female Lead, Teammates' Relationship
- 24 Asian Drama Recommendations Challenge by dani
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![She Was Pretty]()
63. She Was Pretty
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
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![Skate Into Love]()
64. Skate Into Love
Chinese Drama - 2020, 40 episodes
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![Something about 1 Percent]()
65. Something about 1 Percent
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
-
![Space Sweepers]()
66. 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]()
67. Spring Fever
Korean Drama - 2026, 12 episodes
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![Still 17]()
68. Still 17
Korean Drama - 2018, 32 episodes
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![Story of Yanxi Palace]()
69. Story of Yanxi Palace
Chinese Drama - 2018, 70 episodes
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![Summit of Our Youth]()
70. Summit of Our Youth
Chinese Drama - 2025, 23 episodes
- Genres: Romance, Youth, Fantasy
- Tags: Student Supporting Character, Student Female Lead, Student Male Lead, School Setting, Adapted From A Web Novel, Classmates' Relationship, Office Worker Female Lead, 2010s, Return To Past, High School To Working Life
- Offbeat Watch Challenge(extreme-Reverse Time-Skip)
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![The Bond]()
71. 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 Cross-Dressed Union]()
72. The Cross-Dressed Union
Chinese Drama - 2025, 24 episodes
- Genres: Historical, Comedy, Romance
- Tags: Crossdresser Female Lead, Crossdresser Male Lead, Married Female Lead, Married Male Lead, Government Official Female Lead, Gender Role Reversal, Adapted From A Manhua, Web Series, Cross-Dressing, Political
- Offbeat Watch Challenge(ML Pretends to be a woman)
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![The Epoch of Miyu]()
73. The Epoch of Miyu
Chinese Drama - 2026, 38 episodes
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![The First Jasmine]()
74. The First Jasmine
Chinese Drama - 2026, 40 episodes
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![The First Shot]()
75. The First Shot
Chinese Drama - 2024, 32 episodes
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![The Glory]()
76. The Glory
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
- Genres: Thriller, Drama, Melodrama
- Tags: Revenge, School Bullying, School Violence, Sexual Content, Social Issues, Doctor Male Lead, Antiheroine Female Lead, Nonlinear Narrative, Time Skip, Psychological
- antihorine
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![The Hidden Heir Ye Chen]()
77. The Hidden Heir Ye Chen
Chinese Drama - 2026, 32 episodes
- Tags: Adapted From A Web Novel
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![The Inanimate World]()
78. The Inanimate World
Japanese Drama - 1999, 11 episodes
Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Psychological, Romance
Tags: Investigation, Suspense, Death, Difficult Adulthood, Insurance Industry
1999 Movie
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![The Killer Is Also Romantic]()
79. The Killer Is Also Romantic
Chinese Drama - 2022, 18 episodes
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![The Maid]()
80. The Maid
Chinese Drama - 2025, 26 episodes
- Genres: Historical, Romance, Melodrama
- Tags: Short Length Series, Cunning Female Lead, Scheme, Hidden Identity, Death, Revenge, Death Of A Mother, Cunning Male Lead, Courtesan Female Lead, Concubine Female Lead
- 2026 Alphabet Drama Challenge(Short) alt name y
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![The Princess]()
81. The Princess
Chinese Drama - 2024, 40 episodes
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![Threads of Destiny]()
82. 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)
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![To the Moon and Back]()
83. To the Moon and Back
Thai Drama - 2023, 21 episodes
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![To the Wonder]()
84. To the Wonder
Chinese Drama - 2024, 8 episodes
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![Turbulent Love]()
85. Turbulent Love
Chinese Drama - 2026, 20 episodes
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![Twinkling Watermelon]()
86. Twinkling Watermelon
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
- Genres: Romance, Youth, Drama, Fantasy
- Tags: Time Travel, Child From The Future, Deafness, Sign Language, Father-Son Relationship, 1990s, Music, Coming Of Age, Friendship, Comedy
- MDL's 2026 Watch Challenge Happy Ending
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![Unmet: A Neurosurgeon's Diary]()
87. Unmet: A Neurosurgeon's Diary
Japanese Drama - 2024, 11 episodes
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![W]()
88. W
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
Tags: Crossworlds Traveler, Attempted Murder, Rich Male Lead, Character Development, Murder, Gun Violence, Revenge, Smart Male Lead, Violence, Competent Male Lead
Clear out from on hold
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![Warm on a Cold Night]()
89. Warm on a Cold Night
Chinese Drama - 2023, 36 episodes
Genres: Historical, Mystery, Romance, Fantasy
Tags: Detective Female Lead, Investigation, Shapeshifter Male Lead, Murder, Interspecies Romance, Comedy, Action, Age Gap [Drama Life], First Love, Age Gap [Real Life]
Ml Bi Wen Jun
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![When Destiny Brings the Demon]()
90. When Destiny Brings the Demon
Chinese Drama - 2025, 33 episodes
- Genres: Romance, Wuxia, Drama, Fantasy
- 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 Life Gives You Tangerines]()
91. When Life Gives You Tangerines
Korean Drama - 2025, 16 episodes
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![Where Does the Sea Begin]()
92. Where Does the Sea Begin
Japanese Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
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![Will Love in Spring]()
93. Will Love in Spring
Chinese Drama - 2024, 21 episodes
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![Within the Grip]()
94. Within the Grip
Chinese Drama - 2026, 24 episodes
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![Your Sunshine]()
95. 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
