A genre Chinese dramas excel at – or at least, they’re doing it while others aren’t

I watch mostly modern dramas aligned with my personality and core interests, which usually stay away from under-30s and romance-focused stories. In that sense, Cdramaland has opened a gate to a new world of stories around topics that have been hard for me to find in Western productions – and I couldn’t be happier.

Besides the classic genres like thrillers (cops, drugs, murder), medical, legal or firefighters – which are just as common in the West – what I really appreciate is how Chinese dramas often dive into the most unpredictable subjects, professions and industries, creating compelling stories around people who may be talented but aren´t perfect. These stories feel grounded, often relatable at a general level, and they manage to teach you something while keeping you entertained.

Lately, I’ve been thinking: how do we even label this genre? Sometimes they lean toward slice-of-life, other times they’re more business- or character-driven. Romance isn’t off the table, but it’s usually shown within the natural course of life – it’s not the spotlight, and when it’s there, it often explores more mature or realistic dynamics...with great chemistry.

I’m talking about dramas centered around insurance, robotics, construction, archaeology, the mechanical industry, volunteer rescue teams, finance, banking, the entertainment industry, and so on. I’m purposely leaving anti-corruption dramas out, because those have already carved out their own defined category.

These shows do have main leads, but they often feel more like ensemble casts – giving space and weight to different characters, their arcs, their points of view. That also means the acting tends to be solid, usually handled by actors who make it easier to stay invested in the characters, their stories and the role they play in the overall picture.

The scripts are often more layered too, simply because the topics demand it, and the storytelling can be totally different from one drama another. Of course, you might enjoy some more than others - that’s normal – but the point is that they bring something different to the table. Sure, they might feel slow or too "dry" for audiences who prefer idol-driven content – I don´t mean to put it down, but point out the different structure and traits it has -, but if you’re looking to step out of the costume/fantasy and romance-focused realms, these might be a great option when the long-tail key word is “looking for diversity and new things”. Even if I still don’t quite know what to call them.

Are you part of this gang? How do we call these type of dramas?

Here’s a list for anyone who wants to dig deeper. Some I loved, some I dropped, some I haven’t watched yet – because let’s be honest: at the end of the day, there’s a lot at stake when watching a drama.

• The Ideal City
• Lost National Treasure
• A Better Life
• Light Chaser Rescue
• Created in China
• Bank on Me
• City of Cities
• The City of Youth
• The City Makers (not aired yet)
• We Are All Alone

 Edit to add some more dramas left in the comments:

• Are you safe

• Flight to you (with Song Tang)

• Storm of Roses

• Hi Producer!