6 Recommendations for Doctor Dramas with Comedy Elements, All Exciting and a Must-Watch

The medical drama genre is often known for its high tension and emotional scenes. However, some titles have successfully proven that the world of medicine can also be packaged with fresh humor and warm life stories. This blend of serious storytelling and funny moments is what makes doctor dramas with comedy elements increasingly popular among viewers.

Year after year, more and more Korean dramas with medical themes are adding comedy elements without reducing the depth of their stories. From stories of doctor friends who play in a band, doctors possessed by spirits, to dynamic trauma teams, all are packaged in a delightful yet touching style.

If you are looking for a show that can make you laugh while also touching your heart, here are 6 recommendations for doctor dramas with the best comedy elements that you shouldn’t miss.

1. HOSPITAL PLAYLIST (2020)

HOSPITAL PLAYLIST (credit: mydramalist)

HOSPITAL PLAYLIST is one of the doctor dramas with comedic elements that has captivated audiences since its first episode. This drama follows the story of five doctors who have been friends since medical school in 1999. Now they work at the same hospital and regularly play music together in a band, showcasing the warm and entertaining dynamics of their friendship.

Each episode features seemingly simple stories, yet they are touching as they take place in a hospital—where life and death coexist. Their diverse characters, ranging from aloof to serious to humorous, make their interactions feel very natural. This drama not only touches on emotional aspects but also successfully weaves in humor amidst the hustle and bustle of the medical world.

Directed by Shin Won Ho, this drama has achieved a rating of 9.0 on MyDramaList, proving the quality of its story and the performances of its cast. If you enjoy doctor dramas with light yet meaningful comedic elements, HOSPITAL PLAYLIST is definitely worth adding to your watchlist.

2. GHOST DOCTOR (2022)

GHOST DOCTOR (credit: mydramalist)

GHOST DOCTOR combines the medical world with fresh and unusual supernatural elements. The story centers on Cha Young Min, an arrogant genius surgeon, who after experiencing an accident, has his spirit possess the body of Seung Tak, a wealthy young resident who lacks the passion to be a doctor. The conflict between the two characters becomes the focus of many funny and touching moments.

Although set in a hospital environment, this drama is not always serious. Instead, the interaction between Young Min's spirit and Seung Tak's body creates absurd situations that are entertaining. With a fast-paced story and interesting character development, GHOST DOCTOR has become one of the most unique doctor dramas with comedic elements in recent years.

This drama received a rating of 8.6 on MyDramaList, a achievement that reflects positive responses from viewers. For those of you looking to watch a medical drama with a magical touch and full of humor, GHOST DOCTOR is definitely a must-try.

3. DOCTOR CHA (2023)

DOCTOR CHA (credit: mydramalist)

DOCTOR CHA presents a new perspective in the doctor drama genre with comedic elements, told from the viewpoint of a housewife who decides to pursue her dreams in the medical field again. Cha Jung Sook, after 20 years of being a wife and mother, decides to return as a medical resident, even though she is no longer young.

Her new life at the hospital is full of challenges and conflicts, especially since she has to work with her own perfectionist and indifferent husband. However, behind the pressure, there are many funny moments that arise from Jung Sook's unpreparedness to face the working world after being absent for so long. The combination of the realities of adult women's lives and light humor makes this drama feel relatable to the audience.

This drama has achieved a rating of 8.1 on MyDramaList, making it one of the beloved doctor comedies in 2023. For those of you who enjoy stories about the courage to start over, DOCTOR CHA can be a delightful inspiration.

4. BEHIND YOUR TOUCH (2023)

BEHIND YOUR TOUCH (credit: mydramalist)

BEHIND YOUR TOUCH tells the story of a veterinarian named Bong Ye Bun who lives in a small village and has a magical power: he can see a person's past just by touching their butt. Although the premise sounds ridiculous, this drama is packaged very cleverly and humorously.

He collaborates with detective Moon Jang Yeol, who is stranded at the village police station, and together they solve case after case. However, when a serial murder case shakes the village, they must work together seriously while facing their mutual attraction. Additional characters like the mysterious Kim Seon Woo add to the story's appeal.

This drama scored an 8.1 on MyDramaList, and is perfect for those looking for a doctor-themed drama with comedic elements set in a refreshing village backdrop and light mystery elements. The story is funny, a bit absurd, but still touching.

5. THE TRAUMA CODE: HEROES ON CALL (2025)

THE TRAUMA CODE: HEROES ON CALL (credit: mydramalist)

THE TRAUMA CODE: HEROES ON CALL is one of the latest medical dramas with comedy elements that presents a strong story about a trauma team at a university hospital. Baek Gang Hyeok, an experienced trauma doctor from war zones, comes with a blunt style and uncompromising leadership. He is assigned to lead a trauma team that was previously only symbolic.

The story develops as he recruits people with unique backgrounds such as a former proctology expert, a brave nurse, and an awkward anesthesiology resident. Behind the conflicts and seriousness of medical cases, many funny moments arise from the dynamics of these characters. This drama highlights the importance of teamwork and dedication in the medical world without losing its entertaining aspect.

With a high rating of 9.1 on MyDramaList, this drama has become one of the best medical comedies of the year. For those of you who enjoy a blend of serious medical drama and strong character comedy, THE TRAUMA CODE is a must-watch.

6. RESIDENT PLAYBOOK (2025)

RESIDENT PLAYBOOK (credit: mydramalist)

RESIDENT PLAYBOOK is a spin-off of HOSPITAL PLAYLIST that focuses on obstetrics and gynecology residents amid a crisis in birth rates in Korea. Although they have chosen a less popular field, their passion and determination prove that this profession is very meaningful. The story is touching but still interspersed with many funny moments.

This drama showcases the daily lives of young residents facing work pressure, conflicts among friends, and also slowly developing love stories. There are many funny and natural interactions that make the audience feel close to the characters. This makes RESIDENT PLAYBOOK one of the refreshing medical dramas with comedic elements this year.

Although it is still airing, this drama has already recorded a temporary rating of 8.3 on MyDramaList. If you enjoy touching and light medical stories, RESIDENT PLAYBOOK is a choice you should follow from the beginning.

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