Role Reversal (RR) Drama Lovers Club

 Simi_Tutu:

You always seem to pick the best series! The female leads look absolutely stunning. 

Awww, thank you! ^^ I watched a lot of RR dramas this year, so it was nice to be able to go through all of them and find the best picks

 Simi_Tutu:

have you begun compiling a list of RR titles scheduled for release in 2026? 

Yup! I have a section in the index at the bottom of the airing titles that's for upcoming titles! Of course, it's hard to say if these will air in 2026 since a lot are cdramas and those don't announce they'll air until they're literally already airing xD If you know of any that I missed, let me know and I'll add 'em

 potatocouch:

I'm here!

Hello, it's great to have you. Are there any RR dramas you're currently watching that you find interesting?

 potatocouch:

I'm also waiting for the drama "Sweetest Rebellion"

Haha, I really enjoy that title; it certainly makes it clear what the drama will be about. I sometimes struggle with web series but the series you mentioned sounds like it could be quite humorous.

OOOH , you're speaking my language —a male Cinderella? Count me in!

As for me, I'm currently experiencing a bit of a slump. I think I've exhausted myself with dramas lately, and I've been trying to finish the A to Z Watch Challenge before the year ends, so I've been watching a lot of movies. However, if you know of a drama that begins with the letter V and fits into the RR tag, I would be grateful for your recommendation. I can't seem to locate any. 

PS I noticed your profile and saw that you're currently watching "Shadow Love" . Although it's not an RR title, I wanted to take a moment to express my love for Ryan Cheng. I just discovered him this year, and I'm completely smitten. How are you enjoying the series up to this point?

 potatocouch:

The male lead is played by Wu Tian Hao. He’s pretty famous in the C-drama shorts world, so his projects usually get a little more of a budget.

 Interesting; I don't believe I've encountered any of his dramas yet, but I should definitely give them a shot. This year, I've been leaning more towards shorter dramas. This club seems to suggest them frequently. I think it's due to their brief run times and fewer episodes. I've been diving into a lot of J dramas for this reason—they're quick to watch, and I genuinely enjoy the romance in several of them. However, Chinese dramas have also caught my attention. There's just something charming about them.  Low-budget dramas tend to be hidden gems.

 potatocouch:

Love in the Clouds

This one is certainly popular on MDL, and although it's on my PTW list, the number of episodes is intimidating. I find that lengthy dramas tend to lose momentum around the tenth episode; they start off strong but then lose my interest midway through. I believe I will give this one a shot next year, as there are so many series released this year that I haven't had the chance to watch. 

my C-Drama PTW list  keeps expanding. HELP LOL

 potatocouch:

he has adorable puppy dog looks, but the beauty marks on his face and his full lips make him look sexy.

No need to say anything else; I'm convinced! What else could we possibly want? Haha!

 potatocouch:

a male Cinderella with a rich female lead that comes to his rescue.

This is somehow evoking nostalgic feelings from the early 2000s, and I absolutely love it!

 potatocouch:

that A to Z challenge seems fun, but also like work!

Honestly, for me, it doesn't feel like much work. I usually watch a lot of dramas, so it's pretty simple to just add the titles I've already seen to my list. However, I do find it challenging to watch movies. This year, I've been enjoying stepping out of my usual comfort zone regarding genres. I participated in a few challenges, but I completely forgot about this one until I checked my profile. Now I'm hurrying to finish it before the year ends, but I believe I can manage it. I have around 14 titles left to watch, most of which are movies, so it shouldn't be too hard. I only have one drama remaining, which is the one that starts with the letter V, so wish me luck!  Lol, and yes, I think everyone would enjoy trying out different drama challenges.

 potatocouch:

This is my first drama with Ryan Cheng

I’ve actually seen both of his dramas released this year, including "Legend of the Female General." And to be honest, I found that series quite disappointing, not due to his acting, which I really enjoyed, but because the pacing of the writing and the female lead's personality just didn’t resonate with me.

 However, "Fated Hearts" was a different story. Oh my goodness, I absolutely adore the chemistry between Sui Ge and Yi Xiao; they give me so many butterflies! I didn’t even mind that the villains in that show were completely ridiculous and rather annoying, because the steamy enemies-to-lovers dynamic was executed so well. 

Now, regarding "Shadow Love," yes, it starts off slow, but the payoff at the end is definitely worth it. I absolutely love this series! I love the couple, the outfits, and the magical elements—love, love, love! Ryan Cheng is the ultimate golden retriever; he makes my cheeks hurt!

 potatocouch:

Yes, it's a Chinese short called "Sugar Mommy And Her Kept Man"

That title sure sounds promising! I'll have to check it out sometime! 

 potatocouch:

Wu Tian Hao

The icon, the legend, the moment!

 potatocouch:

He’s been in a lot of jiejie shorts because he has adorable puppy dog looks

Agreed! Love that he does so much RR and/or noona content. It really does suit him so well xD But he has quite some range too cuz he also played the batshit insane brother in Secrets of the Shadow Sect.

 potatocouch:

I'm also waiting for the drama "Sweetest Rebellion"

Me too! It sounds very promising! Hoping they deliver on the premise! 

 Simi_Tutu:

However, if you know of a drama that begins with the letter V and fits into the RR tag

Maybe Viva Femina? I haven't watched it personally, but it has the noona tag, so it might be somewhat RR. Voyage to Haihun had a veeeeeryyyy subtle girlboss x malewife & cold woman x warm man dynamic. Vow of the Phoenix seems like it might be RR, but it isn't released yet :( That's all I got. V titles are rlly hard to find, tbh T_T 

Sorry, if this is confusing to follow, but I don't have permission to quote yet since my account is new:

Short form dramas have definitely exploded in popularity this year. Social media has been advertising them pretty aggressively, especially if your algorithm knows you enjoy Asian dramas. Some are awful, but some are a fun, easy watch. I've been having a lot of fun with them.

My friend has also gotten into J-dramas recently! She said the same thing as you—they're easy to knock out in a few sittings. Unfortunately, I haven't found an enjoyable J-drama in, like, 10 years. They don't seem to have many RRs, and their regular relationship dynamics are...😬 If you've seen any decent Japanese RRs or a drama with an interesting relationship dynamic and a strong FL, I'd love recommendations. 

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I have the same issue with historical C-dramas. That's why I don't like many of them. Fated Hearts was definitely an exception though. Ugh. I'm so in love with Yi Xiao and Sui Ge individually and together. I can't stop thinking about them. You're right about it being enemies to lovers done right. 

I started "Love in the Clouds" hoping for the same feeling, but...I don't know if I'll end up liking it. I think I'm on episode three or four, but I'm not invested at all. Meanwhile, with Fated Hearts, I was invested immediately. 

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I wish I could help with your list, but we are drowning in the same ocean, my friend hahaha. I see Zhang Gong Zhu Zai Shang is on your list. Have you watched it yet? If not, do yourself a favor and start. It is one of the most PERFECT role reversals I've ever seen. The chemistry and visuals are insane! The drama made me absolutely feral. And Zhang Gong Zhu Zai Shang's MDL page is where I met the wonderful Arclei <3

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Sugar Mommy And Her Kept Man is definitely a good place to start when it comes to Wu Tian Hao short dramas. A Season of Love has a solid beginning, but goes off the rails later. The first fifteen minutes are still worth it though ;) He begs so pretty. 

I can try and message you both links if you're interested. 

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Aww man, are you serious? Legend of the Female General is also on my list of historical dramas to try. What's up with the female lead? Is she too soft or too harsh? 

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I'll definitely try and stick with Shadow Love. 

 potatocouch:

I'll DM you the link! It was super cute and funny!

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Ooh, I've never seen Shadow Sect. Is it RR? 

Aside from jiejie shorts, I've only seen Wu Tian Hao in "Love in the Clouds" (our boy is movin' on up!) 

I started another one of his shorts last night where he's essentially the human sacrifice for a very dommy Goddess. I'd definitely call it a RR. It's weird, but interesting so far lol. 

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I desperately hope they deliver on Sweetest Rebellion too! The last half of 2025 has been disappointing when it comes to jiejie romances/RRs (aside from short dramas). 

Although, now I'm wondering if the actress can play a boss chick. I just realized she's from The Best Thing, and even though her character in that was tough when she needed to be, she didn't really have a confident or intimidating aura. 

Wait, I’m also interested lmao. Send the links please cause that man is amazing…😩

I’ve been in a small slump lately and currently picked The royal princess  up for the second time, but im really In need of some good short rr.