Streaming Picks (ft. Cheating & Makjang)
Love is a new Korean drama on Netflix that follows the ups and downs of relationships. With cheating spouses and a slightly lackadaisical approach, you may find yourself itching for more after watching this one. ..
Here are our top 10 picks for alternate viewing for the 2017-2018 season:
- Fox Sports 1
- ESPN
- TBS
- TNT
- NBCSN
- FOX Sports 2 (formerly FS1)
- Eurosport 1 (formerly ETV)
- BBC America (formerly BBC World Service)
- C-SPAN2 (formerly C-SPAN)
- Univision Deportes
The similarities between these two articles are that they both focus on the life of a single mother. They also both mention the importance of family. However, the main difference between these two pieces is that one focuses on the struggles and joys of being a single mother while the other focuses on the struggles and joys of being a family member.
We’ve added a link to our full thoughts on that series so you can check it out and see if it’s something you want to invest your time with.
- The Crown
- Stranger Things
- The Good Place
- Black Mirror
- Game of Thrones
- The Mindy Project
- Veep
- Silicon Valley 9. The Office 10. Master of None
The Lady in Dignity
Similarities – Deception & Lying
The Lady In Dignity is a dark and dramatic show that follows Ah Jin, a beautiful woman who enjoys her luxurious life married into a rich family. Through her wits, she gains the truth of President Ahn, who happens to be her Father-in-law and the head of the house. The show is split across 20 episodes and is full of suspense and excitement.
When the pair look for a caregiver, they stumble upon Bok-Ja, who seems like the perfect fit for her family. However, Bok-Ja has other plans and after seducing President Ahn, aims to take over the household.
The story is okay, but the main draw here are the characters. They all do a great job in their respective roles, keeping the story enthralling. ..
Sky Castle
Similarities – Characters & Mystery
Sky Castle had a long-standing reputation for being one of the highest rated channels in the UK. This was especially true after it held that title for many years until it was beaten by rival channel BBC One in 2020. It’s a remarkable feat, especially when you look back and see how much drama there was on Sky Castle with its opening episode.
The women are desperate to get their kids into university no matter the cost, even if it means sacrificing their own happiness. They are determined to make the best of their situation, even if it means going against the grain. But as they all try to figure out how to make the most of their unique lives, they quickly realize that there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Sky Castle is a show that takes a look at class and culture in Korea. Alongside this, the show has many thought-provoking discussions around parental pressure. This combination makes Sky Castle one of the best Korean dramas out there.
Reply 1988
Similarities – Slow-Burn Storytelling
Reply 1988 is a nostalgic and heartwarming drama that is perfect for cleansing the palate after watching Penthouse. The story follows a group of friends as they revisit their past and experience all the joys, sorrows, and love that comes with growing up. The characters are well written and have a lot of dramatic moments, making Reply 1988 an engaging watch. ..
The film is full of surreal and hilarious moments, mixed in with more heartfelt and touching segments. The film is a mix of funny and heartwarming moments that will keep you entertained from beginning to end.
This 20 episode series is split into feature-length episodes as we follow a dozen or so characters from 1988 up to 1994. There’s a blend of romance, comedy and drama here too, meaning fans of Firefly Lane should love this one.
Our thoughts on Reply 1988 in our full season review: Reply 1988 was a great show that we enjoyed watching this year. The acting was top-notch and the story line was interesting. We would definitely recommend this show to others!
Lie After Lie
Similarities – Lying, Cheating & Characters
The show is set in a small town in South Korea that is constantly being rocked by political and social upheaval. The characters are all struggling to find their place in the world, as they try to make sense of the changes that are happening around them. Lie After Lie is a makjang drama that provides a unique perspective on the Korean society and its politics.
Ji Eun-Soo is a woman who has everything–a beautiful home, a loving family, and a successful career. However, her own life takes a turn for the worse when she’s accused of murdering her abusive husband and sentenced to ten years in prison. While there, she gives birth to a baby girl but is heartbreakingly forced to give her up. Ji Eun-Soo’s story is one of resilience and hope, as she continues to fight for her daughter-in-law and try to make things right for herself and her child.
Suspecting foul play in this case, Eun-Soo and her Father reach out to journalist Kang Ji-Min to get to the bottom of what’s happened. As the plot thickens, Eun-Soo is killed in a hit and run accident.
This is one crazy drama and to give away too much would be a disservice to the twists and turns along the way. Suffice to say, this is one amazing drama you should definitely check out. ..
The World of the Married
Similarities – Characters & Deception
The World of the Married is a show that is loved by many Koreans for its well written characters and its evolving plot. The show has been praised for its ability to balance well written characters with an evolving plot over time.
The World of the Married is a gripping show that follows a married couple who are betrayed by one another and go on a wild revenge spree. The story is full of suspense and heartache, making it an excellent choice for viewers looking for an intense show to watch.
The Baeksang Arts Awards (Korean: 박사학생대회) are an annual award ceremony that rewards excellence in the arts in South Korea. The show, “It’s also worth noting”, won Best Actress at the Baeksang Arts Awards, and the show bagged itself the Best Director award too. It’s certainly one of the best Korean dramas of 2020 and well worth watching if you haven’t already.
My Mister
Similarities – Drama & Healing
The story follows the lives of three middle-aged men, their wives, and Lee Ji-An, a strong and cold woman who is in charge of the hospital where they work. The drama is based on the true story of a group of doctors and nurses who worked at a hospital in South Korea during the 1990s. ..
Dong-Hun is a married man who is struggling to keep his world together as his wife Yoon-Hee wants a divorce. Even worse, she wants to marry this man, Joon-Young. Dong-Hun has to figure out how to keep his family together while Yoon-Hee tries to fix everything.
Dong-Hun, the eldest brother, is unemployed and has to care for his two younger brothers. Sang-Hoon, the oldest brother, is separated from his wife and has to care for his two younger brothers. Gi-Hoon, the youngest brother, has dreams of becoming a movie director. Together, all these characters come together where drama obviously ensues. ..
The series has been full of mystery and it seems like Yoon-Hee’s affair with Ji-An is the main reason for it. The acting from IU as the cold Ji-An really helps to ignite this drama.
Big Little Lies
Similarities – Characters Keeping Secrets
The first season of Big Little Lies is a perfect example of storytelling. The acting is incredible, the mystery is slow burn, and the revelations are well-done. This miniseries is definitely one of the best in recent memory.
The three main characters are Boisterous Madeline, her children, and Ed. Boisterous Madeline struggles with her children growing up and not needing her anymore whilst simultaneously dealing with conflicted emotions toward current husband Ed.
Nathan and Bonnie’s relationship is complicated by Jane’s move to town and her son Ziggy’s accusation of biting Renata. Their feud is the glue that holds everything together, but there’s a much darker central mystery at work.
Celeste has a perfect life with her twin sons and good looking husband Perry. Unfortunately, under this sickly veil of smiles and laughter is a volatile relationship built on violence and fear. This one is a must watch.
Big Little Lies is an excellent show that is well worth your time. Our full season reviews can be found here! ..
The Penthouse
Similarities – Soapy Drama
The show is full of action, suspense, and excitement. It’s also full of hot, naked women who are always on the move. The show is a pure Makjang experience that Koreans love.
Penthouse’s main storyline surrounds a girl called Seol-A who’s pushed off the 49th floor of a luxurious apartment complex called Hera Palace to her death. Who pushed her? And why?
The murder mystery is a big part of this crime drama, but it’s the various affairs, relationships and scandalous twists that make it such an enthralling watch.
There are a lot of different characters in this show, and the villains are very easy to hate. If you’re looking for a solid binge-watch, this one has more drama in one episode than Love (ft. Marriage & Divorce) does in the whole season.
Our thoughts on The Penthouse this season are here!
Desperate Housewives
Similarities – Characters, Romance & Mystery
If you haven’t watched Desperate Housewives, you’re missing out on a great show. On the surface, this looks like a simple, trashy soap opera with little in the way of redeeming features. However, under the hood is an absorbing and engrossing show that weaves numerous secrets and truths through the lives of female friends in one suburban neighborhood. ..
The neighbor who committed suicide is a fascinating character who inspires much gossip in the community. However, the compelling ways in which he progresses and the secrets he begins to keep are what make this story so compelling.
Sex And The City
Similarities – Girl Power
The Sex and the City series is a funny, raunchy, well-paced series that spans 6 seasons and 2 movies. The main crux of drama revolves around four (mostly) single female New Yorkers who mix romance, sex and relationship woes with a constantly evolving narrative about belonging in a rapidly changing world. ..
Carrie Bradshaw and her infamous romance with Mr Big have helped to drive much of the storyline for the show, while Samantha Jones plays up the comedy relief of the team. Miranda Hobbes is the more sensible member of the group while quiet Charlotte York slowly comes out of her shell across the seasons.
The showrunners have crafted a story that is both compelling and satisfying, one that never lets up. From the first episode, Sex and the City has you invested in its characters and their predicaments. The show never lets up from its emotional journey, culminating with an emotionally satisfying ending.
- “The Crown” – This show is about the British monarchy and its history. It’s a bit dry but well worth watching.
- “The Good Place” – This show is about a group of people who go to the “good place” after they die. It’s funny and light-hearted.
- “The Crown” – This show is about the British monarchy and its history. It’s a bit dry but well worth watching.
- “Veep” – This show is about the presidency of the United States and its politics. It’s funny and well-written.
- “House of Cards” – This show is about the life of Frank Underwood, a congressman in Washington D.C., from 2003 to 2015. It’s dark but also has some interesting plot lines that make it worth watching. 6.“The Crown” – This show is about the British monarchy and its history. It’s a bit dry but well worth watching 7.“Veep” – This show is about the presidency of the United States and its politics 8.“House of Cards” – This show is about the life of Frank Underwood, a congressman in Washington D .C., from 2003 to 2015
Our picks for the best laptops for students are based on our research and personal experience. We took into account features, performance, and price to come up with our recommendations. Do you have any other suggestions? Let us know in the comments below!
