2026 Most creative Drama
Refreshing story line meets perfect casting = me binging through 18 episodes in 2 days.This drama is the perfect way to "decompress from the real world" especially if you've ever lived through a 9‑9‑6 type of grind.
The characters are all great, even the minor ones, each with their own distinct personality.
Beyond the quirky humor, the show delivers real emotional depth and sheds light on the everyday struggles of modern salaried workers.
Casting is perfect. There are so many seasoned comedic actors.
I can't say the ending was truly satisfying. I wished for more happiness but overall a great watch!
Mikah's song "Shadows Dancing" as ending song is just icing on the cake!
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Beyond my Daily Dose of Laughter
What a fun drama! Each day, I look forward to it’s airing episode.The plot is simple - Pei is a game programmer who loses his job at a typical exploitive company who slaves their employees away b/c he wrote a document to help employees advocate for themselves. It reminds me of Jerry Maquire (1996 film). Penniless, unemployed, discouraged, he is approached by a tycoon who offers him a job - to start his own company. The goal is to lose $$. If his company makes $, he only get paid a low base salary. This leads to some very fun, outrageous scenerios and makes for excellent comedy.
Acting:
The cast is fantastic - everyone from main actors to even side characters, like the twin receptionists. You can’t help but notice them. Everyone character is quirky and funny in their own unique way. No sure how they manage that but it’s just so funny. And each of them carry their character so well. Even the lackey of the baddie. They all work together so well to make you laugh, sometimes a chuckle and other times RFTL.
Music and sounds:
Perfectly complements the story. I do enjoy the pop songs.
Directing / storytelling:
The set up for the comedy is so well done you just can’t help but laugh. However, what’s great is that the story is deeper than just laughs. Characters are developed and we care for them. The pacing never drags. We are left always wanting to know what’s going to happen next. What is Pei going to come up next? How is this failure idea possibly going to turn around? It also pokes fun at the various industries - entertainment industry, gaming industry, and more. It even stimulates our intellect with word play, riddles, poetry, puns, etc. It’s lighthearted with an underlaying theme that looks at the value of a human being. Very touching. I even shed some tears. So, many layers to enjoy and absorb this drama.
So, is this a romantic drama? NO, but there are a few hints of romance. Is it good? DEFINITELY. It is so worth my time compared to so many other dramas I’ve watched over the years.
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Its a must watch!
As I watched the first few episodes and the storyline, I found the idea of losing money in a business to earn bonuses really ridiculous and interesting at the same time. Since it was unsual and healthy to see the employees treated well, I found solace and comfort by seeing them doing well. Though it was all happened in the virtual reality than in real life. It felt good.I really like the story premise. Instead of focusing on profits and earning salary for each month, if we could find a way to inspire employees to do what they want and bring out best results without worrying about budget costs, then the real world would be a better place to live.
I also found the line very comforting when Pei Qian says to Mr Ma that in Tengda, we fullfill everyone’s dreams and help them achieving it through financial means.
It was a really good line because so many people give up on their dreams mostly because of money and financial support.
If they had someone they could rely on, so many people would have bring out something beautiful and great onto the table.
I wish Tengda was a real company. I really liked this series. The story's purpose and message has been engraved in my heart. I will never forget such a wonderful story made me feel alive after such a long time.
Thanks to the author who created this masterpiece and the screenwriter/director as well to bring out it in live action version.
God bless them all. It was a great fulfilling time for me.
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This review may contain spoilers
Such an underrated gem of a show!
I wish this show was longer than 26 episodes. The humour was golden and tastefully used everytime. Nothing ever got old! I never thought I'd laugh so hard at a scene about an old man getting rolled into hospital (ep 25), but there is a first for everything, I guess. 😂The actor that played Pei Qian did phenomenal job at developing his character throughout the show, from becoming a hopeless one-dimensionally thinking character to a benevolent and thoughtful one. He brought out the potential in all his previously misunderstood colleagues and rooted out toxic work practice. Everyone watching this show definitely had this thought cross their minds at least once; "I wish I worked at Tengda!" How nice it would be to work in such a carefree environment with such amazing benefits. 🥲
An unexpected surprise was also the amazing OSTs, I didn't expect to like them so much but they were great. All in all, a 10/10 show from me and one that I will definitely miss! ☺️
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THAT DRAMA THAT EVERYONE SHOULD MUST WATCH ✨
10000000000000000000000000000000000/10This was the first drama I reviewed while I was still watching it (and I was only on episode 4) and now I've finished it and WHAT AN INCREDIBLE DRAMA, I BEG YOU TO WATCH IT IF YOU LIKE TO SMILE A LOT. 🫶
It's incredible from beginning to end, there isn't a bad episode, on the contrary, it only gets better with each episode, you smile until your stomach hurts (in my case 🤣) it's that comfort drama and now that I've finished it I'm so devastated, I think I'll have to watch it again in a while.
More than 200 dramas watched and I can say with certainty that this was the best I've ever watched (it sounds like an exaggeration, but it's really very good).
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MUST WATCH DRAMA
No Pain No Gain is such a wonderful drama to start the year with. I really enjoyed it. It’s the kind of comedy I’d love to rewatch as a comfort drama. The humor feels fresh and genuinely entertaining.The story also makes us question which side we should take — Pei Qian, who deliberately tries to make the company lose money for his own benefit, or the employees, who pour their hearts into their work and unintentionally help the company earn more profit, which goes against Pei Qian’s goal.
For the last episodes, I feel like some scenes were a bit dragging, while others felt rushed. Or maybe it’s just my feeling? I’m not sure. It seems like something was missing, but I can’t quite explain what it was.
ANW THIS IS DEFINITELY MUST WATCH DRAMA!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
Better finish the novel
The 1st half was really enjoyable than the 2nd half of the drama. It has comedy in it but halfway through it lost its main theme. Specially the last few episodes, THOSE EPISODES, I just didn't get the meaning behind adding all those plots.It might be because i finished the novel first but the way they changed the main core of the plot, it was a bit la-cking? Maybe i was expecting a bit too much. Still, overall the drama was good.
I loved the mc in the 1st half more.
Talking about acting. It is 10!! I loved all the actors acting specially the actor who played Ma Yang.
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This drama it's really good
I really love this drama because of its strong storyline. Even though it’s adapted from a webcomic, the live-action version is executed very well. Peng Yungchan’s acting is outstanding — I never doubt his skills. The chemistry between the actors is incredible, and everything blends together beautifully with the story.Was this review helpful to you?
reluctant hero takes center stage
This drama has topped my list as one of my favorite stories that have come out in recent years. With relatable comedy, quick witted dialogue, and likeable characters this show carries itself through with laughter at its core and life lessons genuinely expressed. A fun and silly take on the reluctant hero that is out to make money for himself but ends up creating a village around himself that gives back sincerity. In a world of bosses only looking for profit Pei Qian becomes the boss that cares for his employees and forms a formidable team of misfits to rival the biggest companies; all by accident.Pei Qian is the type of main character that is easy to watch and root for. He is funny and relatable in the way that makes him feel realistic. The people around him are often the most ridiculous characters but every one of them grow on you as the watcher really quickly. This is the type of show that brings you joy by watching and leaves a lasting impression on occasion with its unexpected life lessons. In an effort to do the opposite of what is 'profitable' Pei Qian often ends up creating an innovative way to give others exactly what they didn't know they needed. From a game that tests your sanity but makes you ponder where you spend your time to a gym that instead of forcing body image and insecurity creates a place for rest and recharge. His wacky ideas become innovation and often have the opposite effect he was wanting but for his employees he becomes this revered and approachable person that is their protector and safe haven.
This silly show is fun and heartwarming and I highly recommend it. My only complaints are in the latter episodes that slow down the pace but it is necessary for the growth of Pei Qian's character. That and the FORCED romantic story line that is completely unnecessary.
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Losing Money to be a Tycoon
Well, since I’m the first one here, let me be the guiding light as someone who has read the manhua, watched the donghua, and read all 1,674 chapters of the light novel.Let’s start with what’s different and what’s straight-up bad.
1. The SYSTEM
In the original, Pei Qian had a system, and the system was basically the personality of Mr. Pei himself. What made it hilarious was the constant misunderstanding. The system provided him with funds, sure, but it actually made sense why Pei Qian was trying to lose money while no one else knew about it.
Now? We get this Mr. Sima nonsense. It makes everything feel cheap, outright disgusting, and lowers Pei Qian as a character.
2. Absolute control over Tengda
One of Pei Qian’s core personality traits is that he never relinquishes even an inch of control over Tengda. This is one of the spines of the novel. One of the things that made Pei Qian… Pei Qian.
Secretary Xu was an employee of Tengda. Pei Qian didn’t report to anyone. His word was absolute.
3. The “polymath” misunderstanding
Because of that absolute control and his absurd Midas touch, a massive misunderstanding arose: everyone believed Pei Qian was a polymath. This misunderstanding dragged in the employees, then subtly the entire world.
That’s how he was able to portray himself as a genius without actually trying. Remove this, and the entire illusion collapses.
4. Character origins are butchered
Lv Ming, Lin Wan, Hao Qiong, Huang Sibi, etc. — their origins and personalities are way different. Their original character traits are basically nonexistent. They feel like completely different people who just happen to share the same names.
5. Lin Wan
In the novel, she’s optimistic, capable, and actually useful. Here? The forced romance subplot is honestly killing me.
All in all, these five points summarize everything that’s different. And make no mistake: even though this looks like a “summary,” these points are the backbone of the original. Once you change them, no amount of linear storytelling can ever reach the same destination.
Now, let’s talk about what’s actually good.
1. The humor stands out, especially because the show fully commits to silliness instead of pretending to be serious.
2. The wordplay, poetry, and layered jokes are genuinely clever and make the dialogue feel smart and distinctive.
3. The writing feels refreshing and unpredictable compared to the usual formulaic dramas, and it doesn’t rely on romance to carry itself — the story and comedy do the heavy lifting.
4. It has a clear personality and tone that separates it from mainstream, crowd-pleasing shows.
5. The comedy feels intentional and confident, trusting the audience to keep up instead of over-explaining every joke.
In the end, this isn’t a bad show, but it’s not a faithful one either. It’s fun, it’s clever, and it definitely has its moments but it’s built on the wrong foundation. If you’ve never touched the original, you’ll enjoy it to no end. If you have, you’ll feel exactly where and why it went wrong, and once you see what was lost, no amount of polish can fix it.
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Fell off towards the end
Premise is hilarious; it was funny to watch nothing go according to plan for our main character in the first half of the show. The second half kind of fell off. I think what made the second half weak was that it became too serious: trying to present a greater meaning to a completely ridiculous situation. It's easier to overlook the plot holes when it's just a comedy; but when you start getting serious, the plot holes are harder to ignore.Was this review helpful to you?
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A Resplendent Utopia of Satire Comedy
Truth to be told, I totally have no slightest idea of this drama’s existence until I personally see Tencent’s February watchlist on Weibo. I tried every single endeavor to absorb myself in the OG source, to no avail as I’m not that overzealous of spending a generous amount of time to complete the whole 2000 chapters in one go. Nevertheless, the drama still gives me a memorable experience and I must say it’s one of the most meticulous drama ever produced in C-drama land. Let’s get down and see my take on it, shall we?Disclaimer: As I’d said in the comment section before, I have no single penny to pay for neither express package nor VIP subscription, which means I have to wait the illegal sites to upload those videos. Per this day, I’ve only watched until ep 21 and will be waiting for the rest of the episodes in the following days. But I’ve decided to write this review while I’m having a ton of spare time (it’s Chinese New Year LMFAO).
The story is centered around the freshly-sacked corporate worker Pei Qian, who was a game designer in his previous company, Fuhui. He was kicked out because of writing a self-help guide for fellow workers on how to fighting for their rights in a ruthless working place. After being made redundant for several days, Pei Qian is suddenly invited to be a CEO for a startup company under the financial aid of the enigmatic billionaire Mr. Sima. However, there is a special clause where Pei Qian must make sure his company is going bankrupt so that he can earn some remuneration for himself. Thinking that losing money is as easy as a piece of cake, he establishes Tengda Corporation in a whim and recruits slackers and job-losers instead of high-end professionals. Joining his comrade are his goofy BFF Ma Yang, the unknowingly hardworking novelist and screenwriter Huang Sibo, the couch potato Bao Xu, the eccentric coder Lv Mingliang, the cat lover Li Yada, the clumsy yet kind-hearted accountant Hao Qiong, the intellectual and stubborn-as-a-mule chaebol heiress Lin Wan, the no-nonsense special assistant Xin Hailu, the wacky frenemy and Fuhui’s heir Li Shi, and more on the go. Nonetheless, things never go according to Pei Qian’s wish as Tengda’s income keeps shooting up in every sector including gaming, internet café, private restaurant, fitness center, web novel platform, film production, and real estate business (through Sibo’s lover Hu Yue’s effort by creating a vlog to promote the Four Wall Apartment). Despite knowing that he won’t get a lot of money as he expects, he feels proud for his workers who have all worked hard to prove their worth to him even when he demands nothing from them.
So, “No Pain No Gain” becomes the maiden avant-garde in C-drama world to utilize satire comedy as a means to convey a deeper emotional message related to our daily life, which involves the grueling vicissitudes of life, the rat race within every single blue-collar worker (visibly shown in SkyFire Studio arc), and the delight of watching the employees wholeheartedly devoting their time to please their boss. Furthermore, “No Pain No Gain” isn’t afraid to embrace the cruel reality of life, which has been avoided by most dramas, to connect more seamlessly with the watchers young and old alike. At first, it’s all about comedy, laughter, joyous moment of the life. But, as the drama keeps rumbling on and on, it starts to lean more to a melancholic phase as we see how Pei Qian is portrayed as an ordinary person with a little money to fend for himself (which he spends for his apartment mortgage), instead of a ruthless domineering CEO we’ve always seen in mini dramas before.
For the acting department, I want to say that all of the casts’ performances are laudable especially for Peng Yuchang. It’s been a while since I last saw him in “The Outcast/I Am Nobody”, but he still has the similar charm as back then, being able to embody Pei Qian’s character flawlessly as well as portraying his micro-expressions to the point of exceed expectation. I’m looking forward to his new drama “Wan Gu Zui Qiang Zong” too. As for Jelly Lin, I’m not sure what to say, but I suppose her acting as Lin Wan is kind of lacking a bit or perhaps the forced romance vibes makes me troubled. The rest of the casts do an absolutely good job and I’m surprised to see several names as supporting characters as well (namely Wu Junting, Chang Long, and He Ruixian).
OSTs, background settings, costumes are mesmerizing and depict the urban life of China accurately, to the point that I have no more complaints to yap about.
Overall, it’s a big 10/10 for me. It’s such a shame that “No Pain No Gain” is a super-duper underrated hidden gem buried beneath those high-profile dramas. I hope that one day, it can gain a strong foothold in the C-drama world and be the best of the best. I’m not sure if this drama is your cup of tea or not but do try several episodes if you’re that curious. I bet you’re going to be hooked sooner or later. Okay, time to end my review here, good luck and happy watching!!! Happy Chinese New Year in advance too!!!
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