From Now On, Showtime! (2022)

Isn’t very magical X(

Created by ‘Viu’ and produced by ‘Samhwa Networks’, “From Now On, Showtime!” is fantasy plus romcom Kdrama which bases on horror comedy. Written by Ha Yoon Ah and jointly directed by Lee Hyung Min and Jung Sang Hee, the drama was originally broadcasted on MBC.

Cha Cha Woong (Park Hae Jin) is a handsome and popular magician who has been able to create a name for himself in the industry with the spectacular magic tricks he does. But little do the public knows about his secrets about being helped by a group of employed ghosts in performing. Upon meeting Ko Seul Hae (Jin Ki Joo), a passionate police officer, he joins the civil police unit to gain some attention but soon they fall in love. Together they try to solve a 10 years old case that involved their family members and meanwhile discovers stories of their past lives that connected them for eternity.

Choi Geum (Jung Joon Ho), Nam Sang Gun (Jung Suk Yong), Ma Dong Chul (Go Gyu Pil) and Kang Ah Reum (Park Seo Yeon) are the employees of the magic factory. Lee Yong Ryul (Kim Hee Jae) is a junior cop and Chun Ye Ji (Jang Ha Eun) is a young shaman. Other familiar actors in various supporting roles are Kim Won Hae, Lee Dong Ha, Cha Mi Kyung, Kim Jong Hoon, Ahn Chang Hwan, Jung Jae Sung and Yang Joo Ho. There are also other known faces in guest roles.

Plot development wasn’t steady though it remains constant for quite a while. Pilot episode wasn’t impressive at all and the furtherance from there didn’t improve at all. Many elements and technical aspects bugged me from the very beginning and there seemed no effort to rectify them on the maker’s part. So, I did struggle for a long time to digest whatever was happening. As a story, it wasn’t really going forward in the same acceleration, because from character introduction to establishing the base of the story, everything made sense. From 3rd, I had already decided to watch at 1.5x, but unexpectedly, I started to like the way things were turning up, midway from the 5th episode, which made me bring back the speed to normal. Honestly, it kept growing on me and I almost fell for it because of smooth and consistent growth, which which which, lasted only till the 11th episode. Introduction of typical Seora-era past life connection trope and painting it with a lousy and funny plotline, is what again ruined the show. The execution of it wasn’t really bad but then the way the current story was plotted it made the entire thing shoddy. The show becomes dragged and exaggerated a lot from 12th episode, albeit its not entirely unbearable. The finale was too rushed. The ending sequence was quite not impressive at all and the "last episode break-up followed by rushed patch-up" trope was so unnecessary, lmao. The stupidest fanatsy was the retrogressive time travel by Hae Jin.

Han Yoo Ah jakkanim had hit the spot with her debuting script “Mystic Pop-up Bar”, which wasn’t really great but had lived up to expectations and was qualitatively acknowledged. However, this show, as her 2nd work failed to keep up in the graph of consistency. I agree the low budget and poor promotion took a toll on the outcomes, but judging from the story, execution and everything else, this isn’t really worth of high results, so whatever hype it has received, it has earned it well. The plot development is average, the character arcs are unexceptional with ordinary growth curves and the elements were randomly choosen; adding to it, the 2000 yo choppy plotline.

Lee Hyung Min PDnim, who’s been working over 2 decades have created many hits and popular dramas and have also seen some of his works getting flopped. While I can’t say it’s one of his worst works, it wasn’t really anything memorable or even a decent piece, given the fact that half of it couldn’t even reach the average expectations. In FACT, It’s the direction that made the drama worse, which is very unlikely and idk what exactly went wrong. The camera work wasn’t very good and to add to the pile was the job of screen and sound editing, which was of substandard quality. The frequent face close-ups and unsuitable sound incorporation was the biggest offs.

There are 7 OSTs in total and I like 3 of them and don’t like the others. They are: “FALLIN’” by Kim Hee Jae, “DANDELION” by Zitten and “YOU YOU YOU” by Floody. The other 4 are “FREAK SHOW” by Jeon So Yeon (I like its instrumental though), “I’LL BE THERE” by An Da Eun, “TIME” by paulkyte and “EHERADIYA” by Bae Gi Sung.

What I liked…

# The way of utilizing shamanism as a tool and incorporating magic in was interesting the idea couldn’t be properly executed and presented; simply, it fell short.

# Park Hae Jin always aces the comedy roles in Kdramas and is essentially one of the best when it comes to playing a comic male lead character. Such was the case here; he simply was wonderful as Cha Cha Woong, though the name is unattractive. His real sense of humor did really reflected in his comic scenes.

# The ghosts working together during the magic showcase scenes were extremely funny. Similarly, their way of helping the leads in various face-offs or dire situations was wisely sketched. They were actually cute.

# The General’s obsession for the idol Aris was very funny and the scenes involving that were entertaining though it lasted very short.

# The casting of an actual trot star Kim Hee Jae as debutant and having scenes where he sings a trot song was very delightful for me as a fan of K-trot music.

What I didn’t like…

# Except for the concept, there is not really anything fresh. I wasn’t gonna complain about it but the fact that they forgot their own theme, turning the show into something else, made it an absolute mess. So, this is just another ghost-relieving drama with intertwined past.

# The comedy is bland for most of the parts, as the editing doesn’t contribute to the overall humor. Also, the pacing of individual scenes are inconsistent, sometimes slow and sometimes fast, though the plot progression speed is okay.

# The romance line started earlier than expected and then turned into cringey fillers which is something I hate a lot in Kdramas. It wasn’t maturely handled.

# The 2000yo old mystery plot wasn’t required in the first place, but they couldn’t even write or execute it well. This is more of personal preference, and I believe that without it, the drama could have been smoothly wrapped up within 12 episodes, or even 10.

# It seemed like the writer themselves was confused about what the direction of the story should be; for first few episodes it was only supernatural, then it turned into only romance and then to only comedy, finally tuning into some history shit and then fantasy.

Final Remarks… I won’t really recommend the drama to anyone, not even who watches everything. For me, it was below the level you call decent. I would have rated it lower if not for the things that I really liked and thought would be foolish not taking into consideration. While Park Hae Jin and the comedy elements remaina source of inspiration to watch this, all other things aren’t that noteworthy. I have loved the FL and her acting the past but she didn’t seem to be able adjust to the role even so her performance was good. Overally, the drama is moderately average, nevertheless entertaining to a limited extent. If you have time and patience, then go ahead.

Read More

Unique and absolutely the best

This show is a must-see! From the chemistry between Cha Woong (the ML) and Seul Hae (the FL) to the absolutely gorgeous friendship between Cha Woong and his ghost employees who never stop roasting their boss. Thanks to that, the show is absolutely hilarious with beautiful aesthetics. The last two episodes (especially episode 15) were so heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The finale, overall story, and the graphics of the last episode were top tier.

While watching, we got to see how past lives affect the lives now, as the drama showed Cha Woong's and Seul Hae's past relationship from 2 00 years ago. The plot was written very nicely and the flow didn't feel too rushed or out of place. The transition between only being able to see ghosts into a more supernatural plot looked natural. Great friendship-oriented drama. It's definitely a 10/10.

Read More

First step is out, now, it's showtime~

This drama has such an interesting plot.
When it comes to fantasy dramas, there is just something about them that pulls and lures you in because of the creation of new world, new story lines and even new creatures.
Fantasy dramas tend to be complicated but this is pretty simple, and it sticks with fun, light, a little bit of romance and heartwarming comedy.
I've been looking forward to this since it's written by the same person who wrote Mystic Pop-up Bar.
As much as there is crime related stuff and law involved in this drama, it didn't fail to amaze me that they brought in magic and magicians into this.
Sure, the ML mainly had help from his ghosts that he would see for the most of this time but just the concept and plot of this drama kept me watching.
The leads have such a fun dynamic and are slowly falling into the 'chaotic iconic couple' list.
There are some fun tactics sprinkled with some thrilling crime and the whole cast has such great chemistry with each other, in my opinion.
As much as the leads are extremely fun to watch, so are the supporting roles and the ghost gang. There will definitely be lots of buckets of tears once they leave to the other world.
I like that they're weaving in cases left and right; it gives the leads more things to talk about and bond together and we get to see how the ghost world works.
As a person whose favorite drama is Hotel Del Luna, this one is right up my alley and I hope everyone has lots of fun watching it.

Read More

This PROVES ya'll will do anything for a check.

I have so many issues with this show, but its not the worst thing ever.

Main couple had no real chemistry, and I keep wondering if PHJ is even really suited to these regular romcoms.

I felt nothing by the end but I didn't feel as if my time was completely wasted.

Whole thing REEKS of weekly production. Nothing feels linear or cohesive. Character plotlines are either nonexistant or get tied up SUPER quick. I kept thinking about little things. Hyejin's dynamic with her BF's mom would have been more intresting with earlier and frequent scenes. If she had been offending her BF's mom slowly and consistantly for the length of the show think of how much funnier it would have been.

Such an obvious lack of planning.

Does have a traditional HEA tho. Its alright. Won't ever watch it again tho.

Read More

The show is a hit

Because of other dramas that were airing around the same time, this drama was overlooked. It certainly wasn't on my radar. I just happened to be wondering what drama to start to replace one I had finished when I saw one of those currently watching articles about FNOS on here. So, I began watching & the first couple of minutes had me thinking "umm, I'm not sure if this is something I want to watch" but I continued watching & I'm so glad that I did. I think it's one of the best ghost related dramas that I've watched & it ended up being one of the best & one of my favorite dramas aired this year.

The drama begins with a shaman ritual happening & I wasn't in the mood for something dark so that's why I thought maybe this drama isn't for me right now. However, that scene didn't last too long &, although this is a ghost & crime drama, the tone doesn't get too heavy. For those that don't like horror & are wondering if this is scary, I guess there are a few ghosts that can be creepy but nothing that will give you nightmares. Overall, I would describe this drama as fun. The writer did a great job in finding a balance between fantasy, mystery, comedy, & romance. (It gave me the same vibes as Mystic Pop-Up Bar, which is a great drama I feel is underrated, & I learned that they are both works of that writer. So, if you enjoyed MPUB, then I would greatly recommend this & vice versa.)

I'm not sure if it was the same for others, but since the start it was easy for me to sympathize with ML given his past & how he was being pushed to embrace a destiny that he didn't want. He came off as cold but in reality he was scared to open up to others. But, it was a nice thing to see when he eventually did. (I wont spoil what happens but one of my favorite moments is when he plans a surprise for FL's birthday lol) As for FL, she was cute & eager in her work. Something that I appreciated about her (that bugs me about similar police/detective/etc. characters in other dramas) is how, although she was searching for the truth behind her father's death, she wasn't overbearing nor did anything too dangerous or reckless to find the answer she was looking for.

Some felt as if the episodes focusing on the past made the drama lose its steam but I would greatly disagree. If anything, seeing their backstory made me more invested in the leads & the story. &, without giving too much away, it was necessary to have those episodes as they help to completely tie the past & present in a way that allows the end, & everything that happens in between, to make sense & be satisfying. For those wondering about their love story, I liked how the story developed their feelings - it wasn't rushed but it also didn't feel slow. There is a small breakup period but FL is quick to shut that down & work through the problem together. Aside from the leads' backstory, I really liked the ghost trio. They had great chemistry with the leads but it was their own personal stories that made them endearing. You couldn't help but root for them to achieve their peace but be sad when they did, as it meant saying goodbye to them.

There was a moment or so when the acting felt a bit much but it was nothing that took away from the overall story. & I wasn't too fond of the actor who played the second male lead & the young police guy but that was more based on my own personal preferences for looks. So, those were the reason why I gave the acting a 9. About my 6.5 for the music, to be honest, aside from the theme song, I had forgotten about the rest of the songs, because I was too invested in the actual story, so I went to go listen to the ost. Out of 7 songs, I think I will skip 2. However, although I like 5 songs, only freak show (the theme song) & eheradiya stand out. When I see the titles, I'm able to remember how they sound while for the rest I need to play the song to vaguely remember them in the drama. I rarely rewatch dramas but I can see myself rewatching this sometime in the future & it's a drama I won't think twice about recommending to others.

Read More

Why u can't watch this drama at 6x speed and why the historical scenes exist

This is drama has lots of hdden clues and the script is writen in away that we hv to read them carefully understand it. If u view it at the speed of light will make u missed some important points.
1. Its a combination of genres. So it wont focused on just a genre. It woven together to make a story. Thats why it is called showtime
2. There is flashback to the historical scenes to give justication of the shaman power, the devil, choi gum and the main couple. Its stated earlier on and viewers eagerly wanted to know about it. But it was brief in 60 minutes and not dragging. So cutting it wont make the drama much shorter.
3. There is life quote in every episode from the story of the crime victims and the ghost themselves
4. It cant be 12 episode by cutting the historical scenes. The flasback that made the story.it linked together to the last pieces
5. For those who hate the FL early on she has huge character development in later episodes.
6. Its weird if they make the couple dating earlier since she has a huge crush on her sunbae or many years. So the romance is slown but jusificable.
7. My personal view:yes , it is not perfect, but by giving it below 8 is not acceptable. This drama itself is so low promoted by MBC and underrated.

Read More

Middle-of-the-road for me

I love actors Park Hae Jin and Jin Ki Joo. Park Hae Jin normally plays a pretty stoic character, he was a lot warmer (and smiled a lot more in this one). Jin Ki Joo is just sweet and easy to watch.

I didn't find it to be an original storyline and it suffered from lack of direction. Is it a comedy? Is it a mystery? Is it a thriller? Is it a romance? All of the above, but it doesn't do any of the genre's justice. The pacing was pretty uneven and too quickly tried to slide from one thing to another. The romance was developed quickly and quickly became boring, possibly because there is so much other stuff going on. I'm gonna be honest, romance is normally the most important aspect for me in the things that I watch, and I could not really understand how these two got together, other than the fate aspect.

I'm going to say that I really enjoyed the ghosts. They were my favorite part of the whole thing. It wasn't a bad watch by any means, but I did fast forward through quite a bit of it.

Read More

a complete package drama with anti-mainstream humor

I watched this drama without high expectations. The story turned out to be interesting and entertaining. The early episodes made me laugh with the comedy that was presented. The humor in my opinion is quite creative, freak, and out of the box. The main character's job as a magician and is a descendant of a shaman family is also a fresh plot for me.

In my opinion, From now on showtime is a complete package drama. It includes romance, comedy, mystery, fantasy, thriller, friendship, and sad story. Every aspect is quite balanced. I always laugh and wonder when I watch each episode. I like the development of Chawoong's character, who was indifferent to his employees and hated his grandfather, finally he accepted his destiny and really cared about his employees. The past life stories of Seul Hae and Cha Woong are also beautiful. a story about princess Chunhwa (SeulHae) who fell in love with Poongbaek (Chawoong), a monk/shaman who can control rain. I also like Seulhae's character who is kind, tough, has a high social spirit, brave, and upholds justice. Even when she became princess Chunhwa, she was generous and respected by her people.

I like the loyalty of the ghost employees of the magic factory. Nam Sanggun, Ma Dong Chul, Kang Areum, Choi Geom they have unique characters and always help Cha Chawoong both in work and in love matters. They are employees and friends who are supportive of Cha Chawoong. I was also felt emotional when I knew the stories of the ghost employees during their lifetime. And feel sad when they finally get to the afterlife in peace.

In conclusion I really enjoy watching this drama, I like everything in this drama except the Evil Spirit who causes problems for years. Thank you From Now on showtime for making me laugh until the last episode.

Read More

A partir de agora, hora do show!

Esse dorama é um exemplo de história leve e divertido, mas também com muita ação. O roteiro foi bem construído, os personagens tiveram um bom desenvolvimento e os protas uma química incrível! O drama terminou perfeito, entregou um roteiro redondinho, além de trazer drama, suspense, ação e muita fofura!
Foi tudo para mim o pedido de namoro ele fazendo a mágica, foi umas das melhores declarações que já vi, tão romântico 🥺💘
Vou sentir falta do Cha Woong e da Seul Hae, dos fantasmas e do casalzinho fofo do policial com a neta da xamã, era muito bom poder assistir eles todo fim de semana.
E também eu simplesmente amei o fato do filho dos dois ser o conselheiro Choi e os fantasmas serem os amiguinhos dele, genial!

Read More

The first ever Korean drama that had me literally crying from laughing so hard...

I enjoyed this drama (though I'm not sure yet if its a "love" versus "like," [my other rankings are "meh," or "nah"]).

You'll laugh, you'll cry--or at least I did. I enjoyed the ghost angle, I also enjoyed the idea of a magician who did all his 'tricks' using ghosts--such a clever approach! I liked the love/hate relationship between the leads that burgeoned into love. I liked the historical flashbacks--especially getting to see Park Hae Jin in historical costume. I enjoyed all the characters, I did not feel that anyone was too one-dimensional (except, perhaps, for the demon who seriously, had only met the FL like once before becoming totally obsessed for 2000 years....). The person I felt most bad for was the SML--especially after he was possessed--I'm so glad they did not have him arrested or anything at the end! I would have totally cried to see that pure-hearted boy go to jail for something he did not do, but that everyone else had proof he did. But I also never really shipped him with the FL (and believe me, I almost ALWAYS get SMLS) because he just waited to long (you snooze, you lose, buddy).

I have few complaints. I do wish the costume designer had put the FL in clothes that fit her--she always seemed to be wearing clothes that were several sizes too big for her. Contrasted against the sleek ML, she always looked a bit unkempt in comparison (unless she was in historical dress or her police uniform). But that is really minor.

I would recommend this one to those who like supernatural but modern K-dramas. Believable relationships and characters, sweet love story, coherent plot, exciting action, hilarity, interesting look into Korean shaman culture (assuming its an accurate representation)--all in all, its a worthy watch if that is a genre that appeals to you! :)

Read More

Fun and mysterious but not enough magic

For a drama about a magician, there isn't much magic shown in this drama so if that's what is attracting you to it, then you might be disappointed. However, that is not to say that From Now On, Showtime isn't worth the watch. On the contrary, it's a lovely, fun and lighthearted drama. That is partly why I'm having a hard time picking an apt rating. 8 - 8.5 would be accurate.

The reason for the less amount of magic is because Cha Cha Woong is not a real magician. His tricks are performed by 3 ghosts, Ma Dong Cheol, Nam Sang Gun and Kang Ah Reum, who are his employees. He still manages to perform some tricks as does his rival which I wish there was more of. He meets an officer Go Seul Hae one day and when his secret is revealed to her, she requests him to help her fight crime as her partner. Little do they know that their meeting is more than a coincidence.

From Now On, Showtime is such a mixed bag of genre that there is a chance you'll find something to enjoy. The characters are sweet. The 3 ghost employees are an oddity but they work well together. The humour of this show is light. The actors have done a pretty decent job and there are several emotional moments that catch you off-guard.

There are other characters as well that are sweet and add to the comedy in a positive way.

Let's get to the negatives. The story at one point slows down in order to explain some connections. And the ending was a little cheesy to say the least. I would say a character referred to as 'The General' was my least favourite. But all in all, the show is still a good watch.

Read More

I confess that I tried to watch this drama several times and didn't get past the first episode, but I saw so many positive comments that I insisted on watching it.

The first episode really isn't very good, it doesn't hold you back, but this drama is a box of surprises, it improves with each episode and improves a lot, the closer it gets to the end the better it gets, so much so that you think "wow, what a good drama How have I not watched this before?"

Regarding the actors, you fall in love with each one of them, the main ones are wonderful and the secondary ones too.

The story is very well put together, even the flashbacks to the past fit perfectly with the time and the story of the drama, and at no point do you lose interest in the story or it becomes tiring.

Final:
And the ending folks?, what a wonderful ending, that ending that makes you sigh, this drama was beautiful and I'm still completely in love with it!

Read More