10 Underrated Chinese Dramas That Are Great, Perfect for a Saturday Night Marathon

Underrated Chinese dramas can be a choice for viewers who want to enjoy quality stories outside the list of currently popular series. Although the Chinese drama industry routinely presents many titles each year, there are quite a few series with interesting plots, strong acting, and good production quality that receive little attention.

Many of these dramas offer diverse stories, ranging from romance, family, mystery, to everyday life with approaches different from popular series. Because they are not widely discussed, some of these titles often surprise viewers who discover them for the first time.

For those of you looking for new viewing options, KapanLagi has successfully summarized 10 underrated Chinese dramas worth adding to your watchlist. Read more, presented on Thursday (23/7).

1. Nothing But Thirty

Nothing But Thirty - image by My Dramalist

The first underrated Chinese drama titled Nothing But Thirty, released in 2020, stars Tong Yao, Jiang Shuying, and Mao Xiaotong. This series tells the dynamics of the lives of three women in a big city who face various crises related to their careers, marriages, and self-existence as they enter their thirties. The reason this work deserves a spot on your weekend watchlist is that it presents social realities honestly without the excessive romantic embellishments that often become boring.

The story focuses on the struggles of the main characters to maintain their life principles amidst the social pressures of modern metropolitan society. Each character brings a different perspective on the meaning of success and happiness within certain age limits. Household conflicts and workplace intrigues are portrayed deeply through sharp dialogues among the main characters.

Viewers will experience a rollercoaster of emotions as they follow each episode, which flows consistently until the end of the story. The viewing duration feels just right to accompany a weekend evening with a warm drink at home. The tidy production quality makes this series a must-watch for those seeking high-quality storytelling.

2. Reset

Chinese Drama Reset - image by Mydramalist

The second title is Reset, which was released in 2022 featuring Bai Jingting and Zhao Jinmai as the main cast. The story centers around two strangers who are trapped in a repeating time loop after experiencing a fatal bus accident on a city bridge. They must solve the mystery behind the tragedy to stop the cycle of death that repeats every time an explosion occurs.

The concept of time travel is packaged in a fresh way through tense independent investigations in each rescue scene. The main characters use logic and teamwork to gather clues from the bus passengers before the time resets again. The tension is consistently present from the first minute, making it difficult for viewers to look away from the television screen.

The main factor that places this work in the hidden category lies in the lack of international promotion despite receiving positive reviews domestically. The strong puzzle elements are perfect for a Saturday night for viewers who enjoy the mystery genre full of surprises. The storyline progresses quickly without filler scenes that waste the time of loyal viewers.

3. Someday Or One Day

Chinese Drama Someday Or One Day - image by Mydramalist

The third work titled Someday Or One Day aired in 2019, starring Alice Ko, Greg Hsu, and Patrick Shih. The main plot follows a woman who is still grieving over the death of her boyfriend through a time travel journey to the past via an old music cassette. She finds herself inhabiting the body of a high school student who looks similar while meeting a man who resembles her late boyfriend.

The complexity of the time-crossing relationship is neatly presented through a murder mystery involving several characters from different eras. The audience is invited to think critically to piece together memories of the past and future to change the tragic fate of the main character. The strong chemistry between the main cast brings a touching atmosphere throughout the episodes.

Although it has a brilliant story premise, the popularity of this series was overshadowed by big-budget colossal titles of its time. The quality of the mature script provides a unique satisfaction for fans of psychological romance-themed dramas. This show offers a deep emotional experience when enjoyed on a holiday evening.

4. Meet Yourself

Meet Yourself (2023) - image by Mydramalist

The fourth series is Meet Yourself, which aired in 2023 with Liu Yifei and Li Xian as the main cast. The story follows Xu Hongdou, a career woman who decides to take a long leave after losing her close friend to cancer. During her recovery, she temporarily stays in a village in Yunnan Province and meets Xie Zhiyao, a young man who is trying to develop tourism while rebuilding his hometown.

The plot highlights the process of healing emotional wounds through warm interactions with villagers from diverse backgrounds. Rural life, local traditions, and natural scenery play an important role in creating a calm atmosphere throughout the story. The conflicts presented are more related to life journeys, family, friendship, and the search for life's meaning rather than complicated intrigues.

In addition to presenting a warm story, Meet Yourself also introduces the culture and life of rural communities in Yunnan. The gentle pace of the story makes this drama suitable for viewers who enjoy tales of self-healing, human relationships, and everyday life with a touch of romance that develops naturally.

5. Hikaru no Go

Hikaru no Go - 2020 (image by imdb)

The fifth choice is Hikaru no Go, a 2020 Chinese series starring Hu Xianxu, Zhang Chao, and Hao Fushen. The story follows Shi Guang, a teenager who discovers an ancient Go board belonging to his grandfather and begins to interact with the spirit of Chu Ying, a Go master from the past. Since that meeting, Shi Guang gradually immerses himself in the game of Go, changing the direction of his life.

The development of the main character is shown through a long learning process to become a professional Go player. The relationship between Shi Guang and Chu Ying becomes the emotional core of the story, while healthy rivalries with other players add to the excitement of each match. Viewers who are unfamiliar with the game of Go can still enjoy this story as its main focus lies on friendship, maturity, and the spirit of pursuing dreams.

Despite raising the theme of a traditional board game that is not common, Hikaru no Go has received much appreciation thanks to character development, a consistent storyline, and strong direction. This series is worth considering for viewers looking for an inspirational drama with a touch of friendship and the journey to achieve aspirations.

6. The Bad Kids

The Bad Kids - image by mydramalist

The sixth work is The Bad Kids, a crime drama that aired in 2020 starring Qin Hao, Wang Jingchun, and Rong Zishan. The story follows three children who accidentally record a murder while in the mountainous area. This discovery traps them in a dangerous game as they try to use the footage to blackmail the perpetrator.

The psychological tension is the main strength of this series. As the story progresses, various secrets begin to unfold, dragging the characters into an increasingly complicated web of crime. The complex family backgrounds also shape the personalities of each character, while the gloomy cinematography enhances the atmosphere of mystery and tension.

The Bad Kids received much praise from critics for its storytelling, the actors' performances, and solid direction. Although it features a crime theme that is not as popular as romantic dramas, this series is worth considering for viewers who enjoy mystery stories with surprising plot twists and deeply developed characters.

7. The Long Night

The Long Night (2020) - image by mydramalist

The seventh series is The Long Night, a crime drama that aired in 2020 starring Liao Fan and Bai Yu as the main cast. The story begins with the discovery of a suitcase containing a corpse at a subway station, which leads investigator Yan Liang to revisit an old case. The investigation uncovers the struggles of Jiang Yang, a prosecutor who has spent years trying to uncover a major case while facing pressure and sacrifices in his personal life.

The plot employs a flashback technique to show the relationship between past events and the ongoing investigation in the present. Each piece of the story gradually reveals new facts about a case involving abuse of power and attempts to cover up the truth. The well-structured narrative keeps the tension alive until the end.

The Long Night has received much acclaim for its scriptwriting, acting quality, and strong direction. Although it addresses serious legal and investigative themes, the storyline remains easy to follow, making it suitable for viewers who enjoy crime dramas with gradually unfolding mysteries.

8. The Corner of Love

The Corner of Love (2023) - image by mydramalist

The Corner of Love has become one of the lesser-known Chinese dramas among international audiences, despite offering a warm story of family and romance. This drama, which aired in 2023, stars Jiang Wenli and Ming Dao as the main characters, focusing on the lives of two single parents brought together by unexpected circumstances.

The story begins when Fang Ling and Chen Juyi both fall victim to a real estate scam, forcing them to live in the same house. This situation gives rise to various conflicts, ranging from differences in habits, responsibilities as parents, to life issues they must face. Over time, their relationship develops into a warm and meaningful story.

Instead of relying on excessive conflict, The Corner of Love emphasizes family dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and the process of understanding each other amidst life's pressures. Its realistic and emotional storytelling makes this drama feel close to everyday life. Although it does not receive as much attention as other popular Chinese dramas, this series deserves a spot on the watchlist for those who enjoy heartwarming family romance stories.

9. Burning Ice

Burning Ice (2017) - image by mydramalist

The ninth selection named Burning Ice was released in 2017, starring Qin Hao and Deng Jiajia. The story is set in a perpetually snowy industrial city in the northern region, shaken by a series of mysterious serial murder cases. A veteran police detective must collaborate with his ex-brother-in-law to uncover the perpetrator behind the terror.

The cold ambiance of winter beautifully blends with the darkly intriguing criminal investigation of the characters' pasts. Every clue leads to a high-level conspiracy involving corrupt officials in the border region of the country. The tension remains constant through chase scenes amid extreme snowstorms.

The obscurity of this work is due to its relatively old release year and the lack of global broadcasting platforms at the time. The storytelling quality of this noir crime genre is on par with international feature film production standards. This viewing experience provides a thrilling sensation that is perfect for accompanying a cold Saturday night.

10. Ultimate Note

Ultimate Note - image by mydramalist

The tenth series is Ultimate Note, which aired in 2020 featuring Zeng Shunxi, Xiao Yuliang, and Cheng Fangxu as the main cast. The story follows Wu Xie along with Zhang Qiling and Wang Pangzi as they explore various ancient tombs to uncover secrets related to the past, a mysterious organization, and a series of events that have unfolded over the years. Along the way, they must face dangerous traps and various mysteries hidden underground.

The tomb exploration scenes are presented with a fast pace and filled with puzzles that the characters must solve. The friendships and cooperation among the characters become one of the main strengths of the story, while the backdrop of ancient ruins and the atmosphere full of mystery keep the tension alive from beginning to end.

As part of the The Lost Tomb franchise, Ultimate Note offers a richer experience for viewers who have followed the previous series. Nevertheless, the main plot can still be enjoyed by new viewers who love adventure dramas, mysteries, and the exploration of ancient sites with a story full of puzzles.

11. Questions and Answers About Underrated but Good Chinese Dramas

Why are hidden series suitable for a Saturday night marathon?

This choice offers a compact, consistent storyline, as well as deep emotions that can be completed in a short time without leaving viewers at home with a lingering sense of curiosity.

Where can I watch these recommended series?

Most of the selected titles can be watched through various international legal streaming service applications that provide official Indonesian subtitles with clear image quality.

Are these titles easy for beginners to understand?

All recommendations have standalone storylines that do not require in-depth knowledge of local culture or history, making them friendly for viewers from various backgrounds.

How to choose the right Saturday night watch?

Viewers can adjust their choices based on their favorite genres, ranging from thrilling mysteries, realistic life dramas, to light adventure stories that relieve stress.

(kpl/rul)