Joy of Life

Though very different in some aspects, some themes and the protagonists' characters felt very similar to me.

- both stories highly revolve around royal politics
- both stories' romance is linked with the royal families
- both protagonists come from outside the palace but come to play a huge part in it
- both protagonists are smart, strategical thinkers and often way ahead on what steps others take
- both stories shed light on thoughts about their origins, be it their ethnicity or family, and what that means to them

Both MLs are Smart, Charismatic, and Witty
Both MLs go from Weak to Strong
Both contain elements of Romance, Political Intrigue, Wuxia, Adventure, Time Travel
In ASITP Hong Siu Long who is from 21st century-Hong Kong travels back into the past during the Warring States Period in China.
In JOL Fan Xian is born in the ancient empire of Southern Qing with memories of the 21st century.
ASITP is Darker than JOL
Overall ASITP is a fun and entertaining drama on par with JOL

Both have Wuxia elements, a lot of action, and humor.

BoY is more of a fast watch and youth-centric. JoL is much more grown-up, cerebral, and with complex characters and plot twists. Though JoL is less accessible, as so much of the show's hilarity are not fully captured in translation.

If you like adventures and unconventional historical dramas mixed with lots of humour, Joy of Life does it on a more polished scale with a much larger budget. Both have a super strong, talented lead.

Both dramas are played by Xiao Zhan. Although Xiao Zhan was not a chief actor in Joy of Life, I was very impressed by him. I like Xiao Zhan's various roles very much. I hope he can try other different types of roles. I will always support him!!!

these two dramas have similarities, in terms of story and character, watch it and you will understand

- Modern ML in historical setting (different circumstances)
- ML is quirky and doesn't fit in historical times
- ML becomes successful using modern knowledge
- ML gets tangled with the political situation and fight for the throne
- Fighting against fate
- Themes of friendship
- Both dramas are interesting and well-crafted

This series is one of the few cdramas I have loved a lot as especially its fantasy genre my favourite even though I don't usually watch dramas this long. It had similar settings as AOS different fantasy kingdoms, power levels, supernatural nd also the protagonist was also kept hidden for a long time similar as jang UK he had tragic events happened to him too since he was a child similar to jang UK

Same Writer. The actual plot differs a lot between the two dramas, but they have very similar vibes. Somehow they mix comedic moments into a very serious plot

Entertaining big families that come close to heart.
The way both dramas deal with family-only dynamics is peaceful.
Full of comedy.
Heart-filling romances.
Double in-law couples.

Has the same famed screenwriter in Wang Juan who writes his shows with dimensional and intelligent characters, plenty of humor, and touching moments. Both have good actors and plot that defies the tropes of idol dramas.

JoL is the granddaddy of Wang Juan shows. I actually recommend watching this last, after his other shows for a more climatic experience. This is the most polished delivery of Wang Juan's signature style. Everything--from the acting, plot twists, production, to humor (though half may be lost in translation)--is exquisitely choreographed in this ambitious, action and laugh filled, big budget drama.

Very good chinese historical drama. Intensity, mystery, palace, smart skillful male lead. Little romance. Investigation.

Both FIL and JOL have smart and resourceful ML that are kind in nature but who might resort to evil scheming. In both dramas viewer is waiting to see what ML is going to do next.

The male lead has an attitude similar to the ML in Joy of life. Similar approach to romance, loyalty etc. Also has a childhood that is mysterious.

-Fun and funny time travel drama with a twist. (Although due to censorship joy of life's time travel was hidden)
-seemingly lighthearted and then the pain attacks you at random points
-secrets and plots
-interesting side character plotlines
-joy of life had more adventure than romance.