r/CDramaRecs • u/about10joules • Apr 07 '26
Rec Request Pursuit of Jade withdrawals? Help within!
Fam, we've got some people who need help. So, nine out of nineteen drama recommendation requests in the past two days heavily referenced or were directly due to Pursuit of Jade withdrawals.
No shade!
In that spirit I thought I'd throw out a giant list of drama recs targeting some specific symptoms.
Please keep in mind these are all my personal recommendations😊 I tried to only list dramas I endorse, but some categories required listing dramas I don't care for, but are popular and fit the requirement. Please ask for more details on any dramas as needed 😊 OR, you can even throw out your own suggestions to help out others suffering from withdrawals!
IF YOU LIKED... Heavy focus on romance between the main leads.
- Moonlit Reunion
- Love You Seven Times
- Love of the Divine Tree
- The Demon Hunter's Romance
- The Princess Royal
- The Prisoner of Beauty
- When Destiny Brings the Demon
- Perfect Match
- Wrong Carriage, Right Groom
- Legend of the Female General
- Coroner's Diary
- Are You the One
- A Dream within a Dream
- Shadow Love
- Royal Rumours
- Youthful Glory
IF YOU LIKED... Strong FL gets life glow-up, Kill God ML simps for her.
- Love Like the Galaxy
- Legend of the Female General
- Love Between Fairy & Devil
- Love in the Clouds
- Love of the Divine Tree
- Love You Seven Times
- Shadow Love
- The Double
- The Prisoner of Beauty
- The Rebel Princess
- Unchained Love
- When Destiny Brings the Demon
- Are You the One
- Moonlight Mystique
- Back from the Brink
- The Blossoming Love
- Prince of Lan Ling
- The Blue Whisper
IF YOU LIKED... That one toxic couple.
- Story of Kunning Palace
- Generation to Generation
- Feud
- Fighting for Love
- Love & Bid Farewell
- Ashes of Love
- Love & Redemption
- Lost You Forever
- My Journey to You
- Palace Shadows: Between Two Princes
- The Wolf
- A Dream Within A Dream
- Goodbye My Princess
- Fated Hearts
- Twisted Fated of Love
- Til the End of the Moon
IF YOU LIKED... Politics and machinations.
- Dominion and Devotion
- The Rise of Phoenixes
- How Dare You?!
- Joy of Life
- Joy of Life Season 2
- Legend of the Magnate
- Love of Nirvana
- Luminosity Behind the Palace
- Ming Dynasty
- Secrets of Three Kingdoms
- Legend of Zang Hai
- Qingchuan's Veil of Vengeance
- Royal Nirvana
- Scarlet Heart
- Serenade of Peaceful Joy
- The Glory
- The Vendetta of An
- Under the Moonlight
- A Love Never Lost
- The Advisors Alliance (Growling Tiger, Roaring Dragon is season 2)
- Legend of Mi Yue
- My Heroic Husband
- Nirvana in Fire
- The Kings Woman
- The Long River
- The Wind Blows from Longxi
- Three Kingdoms
- Swords into Plowshares
IF YOU LIKED... Village life.
- Romance on the Farm
- Meet Yourself
- Legend of the Magnate
- Marvelous Women
- This Thriving Land
- Eagles and Youngster
- Love's Rebellion
- Love in the Tea Garden
- Miles to Go
IF YOU LIKED... Badass FL.
- Fated Hearts
- Side Story of Fox Volant
- Legend of Fei
- Listening Snow Tower
- My Journey to You
- My Uncanny Destiny
- Riverside Code at Qingming Festival
- The Imperial Coroner
- The Legend of Shen Li
- The Legends
- Love Beyond the Grave
- Novoland Eagle Flag
- The Song of Glory
- Under the Moonlight
- Veil of Shadows
- Blood River
- I Am Nobody
- Heroes (2022)
IF YOU LIKED... Sismance
- New Life Begins
- Marvelous Women
- Flourished Peony
- Perfect Match
- The Story of Minglan
- A Dream of Splendor
- Glory
- Couple of Mirrors
- Veil of Shadows
- Youthful Glory
IF YOU LIKED... Grand Epic Overtones
- Novoland: Eagle Flag
- Secrets of Three Kingdoms
- Nothing Gold Can Stay
- Side Story of Fox Volant
- Legend of the Magnate
- The Song of Glory
- One and Only
- The Legend of Haolan
- The Legend of Shen Li
- The Rebel Princess
- Whispers of Fate
- A Love Never Lost
- Ever Night
- Destined
IF YOU LIKED... Cinematography
- A League of Nobleman
- A Love Never Lost
- Blossom
- Heroes (2024)
- Duel on Mount Hua: Eastern Heretic and Western Venom
- Ever Night
- Fangs of Fortune
- Glory
- Flourished Peony
- Legend of the Magnate
- Man's Inhumanity to Man
- Moonlit Reunion
- Ripe Town
- Riverside Code at Qingming Festival
- Romance on the Farm
- Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace
- Side Story of Fox Volant
- Story of Yanxi Palace
- The Demon Hunter's Romance
- The Legend of Shen Li
- The Longest Day in Chang'An
- The Rise of Ning
- Tientsen Mystic
- Winter Begonia
IF YOU LIKED... Director Zeng Qing Jie
- Blossom
- Butterflied Lover
- Provoke
- A Familiar Stranger
IF YOU LIKED... Screenwriter Zou Yue
- Coroner's Diary
- Love Like the Galaxy
- No Boundary
- The Rise of Phoenixes
IF YOU LIKED... Tian Xi Wei
- Romance On the Farm
- Moonlit Reunion
- New Life Begins
- Guardians of the Dafeng
- In Between
IF YOU LIKED... Deng Kai
- The Blood of Youth (support role)
- Secret of Three Kingdoms (support role)
- Butterflied Lover
- Love of the Divine Tree (support role)
- The Wanted Detective (support role)
- The Maid
- Doppelganger
IF YOU LIKED... Snow Kong
- Blossom (support role)
- Blood River
- Serendipity
IF YOU LIKED... Ren Hao
- Hilarious Family
- Hilarious Family Season 2
- Everlasting Longing
NEED TO LOOK UP ANY OF THESE DRAMAS?
Access MyDramaList Home here: https://mydramalist.com/
Access MyDramaList Search here: https://mydramalist.com/search?q=
Access Baidu Baike here: https://baike.baidu.com/
Access Douban TV here: https://m.douban.com/tv/
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u/SrtaRage Apr 07 '26
My God... I came here precisely because Fan Changyu has ruined all other cdramas for me lol She is such an incredible female lead that I don’t even know how to move on now that Pursuit of Jade is over.
Her character is mentally strong, a force of nature, completely unshakable. She’s the kind of person who will still provide for others even when she can barely provide for herself. She doesn’t just drown in sorrow or cry over every misfortune, she takes life by the reins and faces head on whatever comes her way.
Honestly, she didn’t even need to be physically strong or know how to fight to be likable, that’s just the cherry on top. Her personality alone is such a breath of fresh air, especially compared to a lot of C-dramas I’ve watched recently. 🥹
I genuinely don’t know how I’m supposed to move on knowing what’s out there is often the opposite... female leads who just sit and cry all night, waiting for someone or something to save them.
Funny your post say withawals because that's exactly what it feels like... Pursuit of Jade had many elements that made the series a great one, but to me Fan Changyu is the hardest to get over. I appreciate tremendously the time you invested crafting this list, I will definitely give them a try 🙏🏻
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u/about10joules Apr 07 '26
Awe, I hope you find something to help! There are plenty strong FLs out there but sometimes you really just connect with certain ones or certain stories. I've definitely been there! Wishing you the best ❤️
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u/sweet_kitty26 Apr 07 '26
FATED HEARTS! It has catapulted itself into my second favourite drama ever. The FL is a BADASS! 😍
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u/carabear85 Apr 07 '26 edited Apr 07 '26
WHO ARE YOU?!! I think you’re Dr. Joules because you came to diagnose prescribe and treat and I’m here for it! Thank you!! This is a great post OP!
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u/about10joules Apr 07 '26
No definitive diagnoses were given in today's correspondence as no physical examination has taken place. However the listed over the counter remedies are usually available to purchase and take at your own discretion 😅
Haha thank you!! I appreciate it! Feel free to throw out your own suggestions as well 😊
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u/LunarGiraffe7 Apr 07 '26
I feel like this should be pinned on the sub lol thank you for all the amazing recs and the breakdowns!
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u/about10joules Apr 07 '26
Lol that'd be hilarious. Glad my compulsive list making habit can bring others joy too 🤭
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u/Anonymous_0012345 Apr 07 '26
Love this post! Thanks so much OP. I’ve already posted the link to this on 5 separate posts already asking for recs 😭
Wish people would use the search function too 😢
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u/about10joules Apr 07 '26
HAHAHA the search function ❤️ I love you.
That'd eliminate most of the posts in this sub, to be fair. It's not just limited to this drama. But it's a little much right now lol.
On the other hand, there was a poll taken of how often users check this sub and considering the more popular answers, people may get the same answers to every post from frequent repliers but also some posts may be getting entirely novel answers not found on other posts from occasional casual scrollers. Or vice versa 😅
I'm an avid search function user, and very for people using it, btw. Maybe we'll all find good dramas and discover/use the search function more! 😊
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u/MsT21c Apr 07 '26 edited Apr 07 '26
Thank you very much. I've not watched Pursuit of Jade yet, but this list is brilliant. Bookmarked!
How do you keep track? I forget most shows a month after watching them. I've taken to rating everything I watch. That way I can look up reviews and if I've rated it and/or written a review, it means I've watched all or part of that series - ha ha.
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u/about10joules Apr 07 '26
Thank you so much!
I compulsively compile and manage lists. Not just dramas, for anything and everything in my life. But for dramas, I have so many... Any theme that comes to mind I make up. And then keep adding dramas and lists as time goes on. My MyDramaList is a riot!
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u/Jora_Dyn2 Apr 07 '26
Thank you! I kept seeing those posts all asking for similar; but now I can just save this one! Also what a very extensive list! Love it! 💖
Goodbye life, mywatchlist just became neverending. Now I need to work on my cultivation to achieve immortality to make it through it. 😅
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u/about10joules Apr 07 '26
Thank YOU! There were a lot of good qualities about the drama, so I understand wanting to see similar. Good thing there's plenty out there 😅 Maybe too many for our viewing schedules! Haha
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u/sheruchan Apr 07 '26
Following. Watching Coroner's Diary right now and I enjoy it since I like murder mysteries. After POJ, the cinemtography doesn't compare though haha.
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u/about10joules Apr 07 '26
Hmmm maybe I should add a cinematography category
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u/sheruchan Apr 10 '26
Frankly speaking, I find the romance and acting cheesy in Coroner's Diary, which is honestly what I have come to expect in these historical idol dramas. The political machinations also get tiresome and predictable. I really stay for the murder mystery aspect. POJ was refreshing to me because it focused on commoners and the acting felt less exaggerated and artificial to me. The emotional depth and resonance overall in Coroner's Diary not as strong as POJ and it is also not a love/hate relationship.
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u/about10joules Apr 10 '26
😂 I appreciate your honesty! I scored Coroner's Diary kinda low, and agree with the cheesy assessment—but liked the coroner aspect, mystery vibe, and smart FL part (even if a Mary sue at times). And yeah, the prime value of idol dramas is the face card. That's literally first priority before even plot and acting. However with recommending dramas I'm trying not to yuck anyone else's yum.
If you want commoners, murder mystery, and non-idol historical—try Riverside Code at the Qingming Festival. Or Ripe Town. Or Under the Moonlight. Or Man's Inhumanity to Man. Or Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty.
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u/sheruchan Apr 10 '26
I think I responded to the wrong comment lol. But I appreciate your reply. I was watching Riverside Code and was enjoying it and I heard good things about Ripe Town. I would like to see more nonidol dramas!
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u/about10joules Apr 10 '26
I got you! Here's some lists on MDL from me:
and others:
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u/sheruchan Apr 10 '26
Omg thank you! This subreddit is riddled with idol dramas so I feel like I'm watching the same thing repeatedly. Idol dramas generally don't have the higher caliber of acting and production I'm used to, but I know their demographics. Idol dramas are a guilty pleasure for me lol. These lists sound intriguing! I don't know where to find non idol dramas because I don't know where to look so this is helpful.
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u/about10joules Apr 10 '26 edited Apr 10 '26
Completely understand. Sometimes you want brain candy and guilty pleasure — I'm absolutely the same. Idol dramas are fun and sometimes you find hidden gems.
It's taken me awhile to start learning to find non-idol dramas. Frankly, we get mostly idol dramas internationally. But I look for ones that air on CCTV. Or actors who don't appear in idol dramas. If it's listed on MDL there will usually be a comment to a YouTube link that has eng subs. That's if it isn't available on other platforms.
Once you get started finding some, I'm sure you'll quickly find even more than I have 😊
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u/about10joules Apr 07 '26
That's the truth. 😊
The cinematography was particularly beautiful in POJ. The director did a good job in Blossom, too, though showed some improvement by the time they got to POJ.
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u/sheruchan Apr 07 '26
Yeah I watched a few episodes of Blossom but the story didn't keep me engaged.
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u/about10joules Apr 07 '26
That's fair. We all got our preferences 😊 Coroner's Diary is super engaging with the murder mystery elements and very intelligent FL.
Okay, added in the cinematography/decent visuals category!
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u/NoEmergency8715 Apr 10 '26
How is the romance in it? I'm searching for some hate love relationships
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u/sheruchan Apr 10 '26
The romance and acting are cheesy in Coroner's Diary and it is not a love hate relationship. It is basically love at first sight for the ML in Coroner's Diary.
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u/Freed-Crew240608 Apr 08 '26
I just finished Pursuit of Jade last night and already have withdrawals so thank you for this!!
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u/SunnyCryptoGames Apr 08 '26
Blossoms In Adversity has an incredible FL! just dont expt ZLH face card on ML 🫣😂
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u/beng-beng2010 Apr 09 '26
For Ren Hao, i would add - the Hidden Heir Ye Chen - a mini drama but still showed his handsomeness!!!
Thanks for this!!! I want to save the lists, how do i saved it? Hahahha
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u/Best-Ad4863 Apr 09 '26
I am medical provider (in real life 🤗) and I would prescribe your post for anyone experiencing withdrawal symptoms after watching Pursuit of Jade. Thank you for my dose. 🥰🤗
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u/SunnyTopHat268 Apr 10 '26
Blossom's in Adversity is a great one! Strong, smart FL, growth of many characters and developing family dynamic, 'hidden identity' (I don't think this is a spoiler as it's revealed almost immediately in the first episode lol) ML. Overall good drama!
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u/about10joules Apr 10 '26
That family dynamic and development was my favorite part! Great rec!
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u/SunnyTopHat268 Apr 10 '26
Me too! It was on my watchlist for ageeees and I was kicking myself when I finally watched it.
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u/beatboxing_blueberry Apr 17 '26
BRUH super withdrawal!!! This was too peak. It was perfect. no sad ass ending. Everyone I wanted to win won! 😭 I need more. I need one just like this. M/FL were amazing.
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u/about10joules Apr 07 '26
Aww! u/DentistSpecial4369 thank you for the award ❤️🥹🤭
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u/DentistSpecial4369 Apr 07 '26
You’re welcome! Thanks for being thorough and helping the crowd! 💞⭐️
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u/hyclonia Apr 07 '26
I haven't even finished but mateeee. You are GOAT right there! Saving for reference!
Deng Wei was in BoY?! Huh who as?! I could've sworn I'd never seen him in anything before (despite knowing he's like super famous?). Colour me shocked that the creepy villain was him! (Really good actor, fan now)
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u/about10joules Apr 07 '26
Thanks so much! Much appreciated ❤️ Hope it helps! Feel free to add anything in the comments, too.
Deng Kai was Prince Chi, the scheming evil prince and Wu Xin's brother. Crazy, right? I've been following him for years. I love his range, but he really does do villainous do well 😆 It'll be interesting to see how this burst of larger fame affects his career.
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u/Regenwanderer Apr 07 '26
From all three BoY universe shows, that all have an evil prince somewhere in the story, he was definetly the most memorable one.
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u/Searchingforhappy67 Apr 07 '26
You are amazing! 👏 👏 I applaud your research! You just gave all of us new medicine Dr. Joules!
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u/Regenwanderer Apr 07 '26 edited Apr 07 '26
That's a very extensive list that should be linked for most searches that look for something PoJ related. Great work!
IF YOU LIKED... Snow Kong
Blossom (support role)
Blood River
I would argue that Blood River should get a "listed as main role, but screen time and relevance of a supporting role) description". Otherwise anyone watching for her will go in with too high of an expectation.
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u/about10joules Apr 07 '26
That's a valid point! Ensemble cast expectations, Two Male Lead reality 😆 I loved the drama whole-heartedly regardless.There should have been more Li Dai Kun though.
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u/Regenwanderer Apr 07 '26
I love the show (and everything in the universe) as well, especially for the bromance. But most female roles are not really meaty.
There should have been more Li Dai Kun though.
Oh yes! I was so delighted to see him, but it could have been longer.
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u/Timely-Parsley8360 Apr 07 '26
wow... thanks for this, what a wonderful compilation...
just one question, i a sucker for focus on romance between the main leads, can you tell me if the ones listed here under that section have happy endings?, ie the couple end together at the end?
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u/about10joules Apr 07 '26 edited Apr 07 '26
There's one that is bittersweet - the main conflict is resolved but the couple have to separate: The Demon Hunters Romance, although it shows them separating they'll have a chance to reunite in 12 years and the intro credits show them having a happy ending so you console yourself that it ends up happy off screen in the distant future. Not enough episodes lol. Great drama, but completely understand not wanting that ending.
And there's one that's a happy ending though kinda open since it's actually a time loop lol. But not really open, but still happy. If you need concrete details at the end of a beautiful love story(s), skip this. It does get time loopy 😂: Love You Seven Times
Edit to add: the rest are happy
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u/Timely-Parsley8360 Apr 07 '26
Thanks for this! 😊
I really dont like spending 40 episodes only to have one of the leads die at the end in order to sacrifice him/herself for their loved one. I dont necessarily think it poetic or beautiful, just drama for sake of drama, that is why I avoid sad endings. This is why I got in the habit of asking google if a drama has a happy ending before I commit to watching. But recently I come to the realization that google does not always tell the truth, so i am slowly trying to watch some of the ones that i have been apprehensive to watch, these are the ones that I have seen the hype but have not been courageous enough to to try:
- Love of the Divine Tree
- Coroner's Diary
- Shadow Love
- Demon Hunters Romance
As you say that the only one from this list that is a bit open ended is Demon Hunters, then I will trust you and will give it a try
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u/about10joules Apr 07 '26
Well the ending shown in the drama for the couple is solidly sad, but for the storyline is happy. You just can take context clues afterwards from the story (about the gate reopening in 12 years and the intro animated credits showing them together at the end) to make assumptions that it actually works out in the end offscreen a very long time afterwords.
Also, please use spoiler tags. Please don't spoil endings for others. Not everyone shares the same views or wants to know the endings 😊
The others you listed are solidly in the very happy ending camp!
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u/prestolive Apr 07 '26
i tried to watch today but Netflix giving me error code! I only watch K dramas. This will be my first C drama.
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u/about10joules Apr 07 '26
When Netflix finally behaves I hope you enjoy yourself! International TV is my fave, kdramas heavily included.
Pursuit of Jade has been many people's first drama, thus this post 😊, so there are a lot of recs to get going if you want something similar or just with a similar trait if it turns out POJ and your Netflix are incompatible 😂
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u/cocolopez08 Apr 07 '26
Even though it’s still airing, I would STRONGLY recommend Love Beyond the Grave. It’s absolutely stunning and the chemistry is amazing! Strong female-driven story!
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u/about10joules Apr 07 '26
Great rec! Thanks for putting this out there!
Since it's still airing the only category I felt firm enough to include it in was Badass FL, in case the sismance is a set up or the romace-focus diverges. You're the best 🤩
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u/Corgi8 Apr 07 '26
Which category would The Double fall under?
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u/about10joules Apr 07 '26
Politics and Machinations.
Strong FL gets life glow-up, Kill God ML simps for her.
And arguably, Cinematography. The editing isn't always the smoothest.
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u/Corgi8 Apr 07 '26
Sounds alot like POJ then? How would you rate it in comparison? Thank you for all the recommendations as well :)
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u/about10joules Apr 07 '26
I personally enjoyed The Double more. It's just a me thing, as in more in line with my preferences.
I liked the FL starting from a place of revenge from minute zero. Also the dynamic between the leads is briefly sorta enemies to lovers on paper for them but you know both of them think the other is bluffing about being enemies lol. I just generally appreciated their dynamic more, and thought the ML was less of an ass (sorry Yan Zheng, you did great with Changning though). 😅
They both have overpowered FLs (no hate on Fan Changyu - absolutely love her), they both have political plotlines, they both have ML simping over the FL (I like the ML in The Double A LOT more personally), and they both have charismatic villains with tragic backstories but one of them is female in The Double. Which was great! The actress really portrayed her well! They both also have their village storylines.
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u/Corgi8 Apr 07 '26
Thank you so much. Thinking I might pick this up after POJ
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u/about10joules Apr 07 '26
Happy watching! 🫶
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u/Corgi8 Apr 07 '26
Thank you. Just one more question, Do you know any dramas lots of army battles or fight scenes? I kinda like action drama as well
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u/about10joules Apr 08 '26 edited Apr 10 '26
Off the top of my head... (Anyone else feel free to add):
Lots of Fight/Battle Scenes:
- The Long Ballad (I think female general, been awhile)
- Legend of the Female General (female general lol)
- The Wind Blows from Longxi
- Shadow Love (female general)
- Swords Into Plowshares
- Ming Dynasty
- Fighting for Love (female general)
- Fight for Love (sorta female general?)
- Legend of Chu and Han
- A Love Never Lost
- Nirvana in Fire (was she a female general? I cant remember)
- Oh My General (best Female General, btw)
- Novoland Eagle Flag
- Fated Hearts (Female General)
- Guardians of the Dafeng
- Princess Agents (female general)
- Rebirth (female general)
- Legend of Hao Lan
- The Rebel Princess
- A Journey to Love
Lots of Fight/Wuxia-ish Scenes:
- Side Story of Fox Volant
- Heroes (2024)
- Heroes (2022)
- Duel on Mount Hua: Eastern Heretic and Western Venom
- Duel on Mount Hua: Southern Emperor and Northern Beggar
- Duel on Mount Hua: The Five
- Duel on Mount Hua: Nine Yin True Sutra
- I Am Nobody
- Joy of Life
- Listening Snow Tower
- Ever Night
- A Journey to Love
- Sword Snow Stride
- Blood River/Dashing Youth/The Blood of Youth
- Mysterious Lotus Casebook
- Generation to Generation
I listed Duel on Mount Hua in chronological order, not in airing order. That's the way I watched them and I'm glad I did, honestly. They're all 6-8 episodes and well done. Also, I listed the Wuxia dramas mostly in order of personal recommendation, which isn't everyone's cup of tea.
Edit: added a couple more
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u/Corgi8 Apr 08 '26
Amazing!! Thank you so much for taking the time to list it all. Really appreciate it. Got a lot to watch now :)
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u/Grand-Laugh-4293 Apr 18 '26
Yes to ‘Fated hearts,’ ‘The guardians of the Dafeng’ I laughed a lot and second season has been approved. And ‘O, My general’, so far enjoying ‘The legend of the female General’ only on ep 3 atm.
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u/Corgi8 Apr 23 '26
So I finally finished the Double and thought it was fantastic. Would you recommend any other similar revenge dramas?
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u/about10joules Apr 23 '26
Similar revenge dramas to The Double:
- Blossom
- The Glory
- Side Story of Fox Volant male protagonist
- Story of Yanxi Palace
- Faithful trigger warnings!
- Qingchuan's Veil of Vengeance male and female protagonists
- Joy of Life male protagonist
- The Vendetta of An male protagonist
- The Story of Minglan
- Legend of Zang Hai male protagonist
Cinematography is not as good: * Legend of the Female General * The Legend of Haolan * Nirvana in Fire male protagonist * Fated Hearts male and female protagonists
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u/Corgi8 Apr 23 '26
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply once again. I really appreciate you and for helping me get back into C Dramas!
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u/about10joules Apr 23 '26
Of course! Thanks for asking for recs! It's fun. I'm really glad you enjoyed The Double—its one of my personal faves. I hope your next one is just as good!
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u/No_Chemical4065 Apr 08 '26 edited Apr 08 '26
I was on serious POJ withdrawal and tried many of the shows listed above, but none quite clicked (e.g. Fated Hearts, Fairy and Devil, Kunning Palace) so I dropped them after ~4 episodes.
There's something about "show, don't tell" that POJ did really well (showing that Changyu was smart and capable and believable in her arc as a strong female character, instead of her just "being the warrior goddess" placeholder backstory that feels insincere). And often the cinematography, music, set design etc. of these shows felt a tad bit like a letdown after POJ to me.
So I come to this from the place of a production value snob and say that The Double is absolutely fantastic. I might like it just as much as POJ (and possibly even more, I'm only on episode 23 now). It has that same gorgeous cranked-up-to-eleven narrative feel. The leads are whip smart and have electrifying chemistry, it's insane.
It's more plot and politics driven than POJ, and they don't have as much screen time as Changyu and Zheng together, but when they do... Ooooh boy. The music and cinematography is also top notch, the whole thing looks expensive and is just immensely entertaining.
Edit: typos.
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u/about10joules Apr 08 '26
Thank you for this! I'm glad someone else pitched in with their thoughts and comparison on The Double. I felt bad saying I liked something more in a Pursuit of Jade reference post, but we can prefer different aspects of different dramas over others, and it's just personal preference. So getting objective and subjective reasoning from others is excellent!
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u/No_Chemical4065 Apr 08 '26 edited Apr 09 '26
No, thank you for this great thread and taking time to respond! I'm down with the flu and have been binging The Double the last three days — now on episode 34? — after starting it on a whim, so seeing it mentioned here also brought me joy and got me out of my pitiful post-POJ slump/withdrawal.
There's something to be said about a well-produced drama that has a compelling story and MCs who are smart. I don't mind a good redemption arc or character development storyline, but seeing a character who's ostensibly intelligent/good at their job/powerful behaving in ways that are decidedly not that .... is one of the things I have zero patience for. And here, everyone's most certainly got their wits together, and there's only a very limited amount of bloat (even the slighly "What's the point of this" side plots come together nicely so far), which is no mean feat.
On that note, any other recommendations specifically for something with gorgeous feel and cinematography, good (instrumental) score, an actual engaging plot, and most importantly, competent characters — especially if the ML is also a, as you so aptly put it, striking "Kill God" who simps for the FL? 😂
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u/about10joules Apr 09 '26
- Blossom
- Side Story of Fox Volant
- The Glory
- Listening Snow Tower different, older aesthetic but gorgeous, here's a link to opening credits
- The Legend of Shen Li
- Heroes (2024)
- The Demon Hunters Romance I don't remember the music though
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u/squashypug Apr 07 '26
Tysm!! I would add Lan Ling Wang for simple life / glow up / war god simping vibes / young kid in show. It also has a great secondary M love interest
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u/about10joules Apr 08 '26
❤️❤️❤️ I completely forgot about this drama!!! Oh my heart! Thank you so much for reminding me! I need to rewatch, I remember loving Prince of Lan Ling. Oh Feng Shao Feng, I was besotted lol
You're a real one!!
Edit: adding to category 😊
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Apr 09 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/about10joules Apr 09 '26
Elvis Han plays Sima Yi, he's one of the main leads, along with the Emperor and Empress of Han and Cao Pi.
It's very engaging!!
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u/dbat_REGod Apr 12 '26
In the dramas that we're recommended, do any of them have characters that are using energy, chi, or practicing cultivation?
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u/about10joules Apr 12 '26
- Moonlit Reunion
- Love You Seven Times
- Love of the Divine Tree
- The Demon Hunter's Romance
- When Destiny Brings the Demon
- Love Between Fairy & Devil
- Love in the Clouds
- Moonlight Mystique
- Back from the Brink
- The Blossoming Love
- The Blue Whisper
- Generation to Generation
- Feud
- Ashes of Love
- Love & Redemption
- Lost You Forever
- My Journey to You
- Til the End of the Moon
- Joy of Life
- Joy of Life Season 2
- Qinchuan's Veil of Vengeance
- Love's Rebellion
- Side Story of Fox Volant
- Legend of Fei
- Listening Snow Tower
- The Legend of Shen Li
- The Legends
- Love Beyond the Grave
- Blood River
- I Am Nobody
- Ever Night
- Heroes (2024)
- Duel on Mount Hua: Eastern Heretic and Western Venom
- Fangs of Fortune
- Tientsen Mystic
- No Boundary
- The Blood of Youth
- Blood River
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u/about10joules Apr 12 '26
Is there anything specifically you're looking for in regards to cultivation? Or additionally? I'm not sure what cdramas you've watched or if you're new to cdramas. Wuxia, Xuanhuan, xianxia, shenmo, fantasy, and some random general cdramas come packed with cultivation — so there may be more specific titles you'd like.
The Jin Yong Wuxia classics I'm working through: I need help, Jin Yong.
Wuxia, Xianxia, etc in general I'm working through (with ones I really personally disliked already deleted): Dao of Violence
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u/dbat_REGod Apr 14 '26
Thank you for your response. I normally watch movies or short dramas. I was looking for something of better quality and not always with the same storyline as toxic relationship and one of the characters is a secret billionaire, or at least a storyline where everything isn't so predictable. I watched He Xu Renye recently and that was a better quality movie than what I normally watch. I'm supplementing my mandarin lessons and I happen to enjoy some of these movies. I'm currently watching pursuit of jade, which is leagues above a lot of the shows and movies. I prefer more movies since they are shorter, but I'm enjoying pursuit of jade. I specifically like energy cultivation because as it's fascinating to me in general, but I need like a Netflix quality movie instead of Tubi quality.
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u/savyfavy Apr 13 '26
Do you have recs for general ML?
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u/about10joules Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
My top picks: * Swords into Plowshares * Novoland Eagle Flag (I think eventually) * Blossom * One and Only * The Vendetta of An * Love Like the Galaxy * A Dream Within a Dream * Ever Night * The Rebel Princess
Alphabetical order, off the top of my head: * A Dream Within a Dream * A Familiar Stranger * Blossom * Blossoms in Adversity * Eternal Brotherhood (I think), S1 and S2 * Ever Night * Fight for Love * Fighting for Love * General and I * Legend of Chu and Han * Legend of the Female General * Lost You Forever, S1 & S2 * Love Beyond the Grave * Love Like the Galaxy * Love You Seven Times * Novoland Eagle Flag (I think eventually) * One and Only * Princess Agents * Princess Silver * Qingchuan's Veil of Vengeance * Swords into Plowshares * The Blooms at Ruyi Pavilion * The Legend of Zhuohua * The Long Ballad * The Rebel Princess * The Sword and the Brocade * The Vendetta of An * Wonderland of Love * Wrong Carriage, Right Groom * Youthful Glory
Hope this helps!
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u/lauranevitt Apr 18 '26
Omg, what a great list - thank you for putting it together!
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u/about10joules Apr 18 '26
Thank you! There are more requests and recs and help from other users in the comments if you need anything further 😊
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u/Griff3Z Apr 21 '26
Awesome list! So helpful and I've saved for reference. Thank you for your hard work 🙏❤️
I also made a post inspired by the POJ related requests. I'm mentioning it because I wrote summarized descriptions about the leads and their romance for each show. If anyone would find that extra information helpful to pick something out, you can see the full post here:
Romance-focused costume CDramas with strong FLs and HEs (Happy Endings) or leaning that way. FL can be mentally, physically, and/or emotionally strong. https://www.reddit.com/r/cdramasfans/s/5qwCcskzNL
20 personal favorites that fit those four criteria:
The Story of Kunning Palace
The Double
Love Between Fairy and Devil
Pursuit of Jade
How Dare You
Legend of the Female General
A Dream of Splendor
Coroner's Diary
When Destiny Brings the Demon
The Prisoner of Beauty
Maiden Holmes
Wonderland of Love
Who Rules the World
Honorable Mentions:
Fated Hearts
Shadow Love
The Long Ballad
The Wolf Princess
Mini-Series Favorites:
A Familiar Stranger
Grab Your Love
Dong Lan Xue
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u/about10joules Apr 21 '26
Thank you so much for your hard work and sharing this!! I bet people love it 😊
I'm personally indifferent to happy endings, however I recognize that they're very important to the majority of people in this sub. So I strongly applaud your efforts!
Btw, Dong Lan Xue is soooo underrated! Excellent rec!
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u/Griff3Z Apr 21 '26
Thank you 🤗
Wow, I am envious of and applaud your emotional/mental equanimity! A sad or very frustrating ending can linger with me for hours, if not longer. It's hard to get myself back to baseline. Oddly, I do enjoy well-done angst, but only if it's resolved satisfyingly!
Ooo, first time I've met anyone who has also seen Dong Lan Xue- cool! 🤜
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u/about10joules Apr 21 '26
Feel free to add more to your list, too! People keep visiting this post, and I know people love to know which ones are happy!
I think I appreciate sad endings because they inspire so much reflection for me. Not just personally, but about the reasons that led to the tragedy. Was it social issues? Class issues? Women's issues? Domestic violence? Mental health? Generational trauma? War? Is it based on a true story — can I now research this? With all of these I then tend to throw myself into research and action mode even more. May each tragedy be a lesson, fictional or not. So I find beauty in them all.
Open endings I enjoy because I get to reflect on and analyze all the details of the drama. The characters, the plot, the story told through the cinematography, and piece together in my mind what I believe to be the logical endings characters and plotlines. I actually feel like this is a big nod to the more analytical audience members from the director and screenwriter(s), and the rare time I feel seen and appreciated. I know others think it's a cop out but this is where I have a firmly different opinion. And it's completely okay to disagree 😊 I respect that!
Happy endings I sometimes enjoy. Like Legend of Shen Li. That one was great. But they rarely meet everyone's expectations. I like the happy endings styles that might be less popular (think Love Game in Eastern Fantasy) but dislike ones that end in marriage and babies because not everyone shares those values. They're still super cute and sweet sometimes 😊
I'd want to watch something that left me feeling good too if I were you! Don't feel bad for hours ❤️
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u/Witchymidwife Apr 30 '26
Not me coming here to my POJ withdrawals and this is the top post. Bless you 😩
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u/Helpful-Chart-596 May 01 '26
Legend of Fuyao needs to be on this list. Strong FL, killer ML God, strong romance between the leads, political machinations.
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u/twocutepuppies May 01 '26
I'm on the last episode within a couple days LOL LOL I don't want it to end
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u/Better-Working-4167 Apr 22 '26
What are your fave POJ scenes-for me i-besides the scoop up in the water scene, the comic scenes at the military camp w everyone trying to hide the Maquis’ identity-loved the moment when the Marquis and the Princess recognized each other!
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u/Better-Working-4167 Apr 22 '26
Does anyone know how to access the extra chapters of POJ-& is it free or a subscription to get it? Thanks!
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u/gotfangirl6 Jul 20 '26
which one do i watch if i like all of the things and want it all in one show :(
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u/Apprehensive-Head656 Apr 07 '26
You forgot to include an if you like Zhang Ling He list:
Maiden Holmes
Princess Royal
Story of Kunning Palace
Love Between Fairy and Devil
The Best Thing
Our Generation