Firefly88

There are other dramas of this quality. The most similar one is Story of Minglan, but it has a more realistic, slice of life vibe. To this day, I think this is still one of the best C dramas ever made.

I think what LLTG did so well was its balance between comedy and tragedy. It had a feeling of historical authenticity, but not in a documentary way. And the balance of personal and political storylines was perfect.

In terms of other high quality historical dramas with different themes, you can try:
The Rebel Princess
The Longest Day in Chang'an
Rise of the Phoenixes
Story of Yanxi Palace

Also, from most recent dramas, I'd recommend:
The Glory
Flourished Peony

The cliffhanger is at the end of S1, but it is all resolved in S2.

8.9 or 9 is one of the highest rating you will ever see for a drama on here because it's an average. For MDL, 8.5 and up is an exceptional or very popular drama. 8.1-8.4 is good but not perfect, 7.8-8 is average but not that good and anything lower is a waste of time. There are some exceptions of fantastic dramas rated much lower than they should be because they are very mature, docuseries style, have taboo themes or lack an idol cast.

Rewatching this drama. It is such a masterpiece... I just watched Prisoner of Beauty but sadly it really doesn't measure up to LLTG.

If filming has just wrapped, we won't see it for another year.

Oh, a long wait for an air date then that's a shame!

When did filming wrap for this one?

Just ignore the melons. I'm sure some of them are intentionally put out there to generate buzz and build anticipation. In my years as a C drama fan, I don't pay attention to them anymore unless it's been a year or more since the filming wrapped.

Yeah unfortunately, they always do this for anticipated dramas. I don't believe them anymore until there's a confirmed air date.

Hope this will be funny! I could use some laughs.

They never air that quickly. Usually a year after it wraps... Especially if it's fantasy because you have all the digital art and effects.

Yes, it is really that good.

This drama is amazing. The plot is like an onion, as the story unfolds, you peel back more and more layers and there are so many unexpected plot twists. The characters are all really unique, and the dialogue is incredibly witty. Imo, Joy of Life has the cleverest writing of all C dramas. It's a must watch.

There is a part 2 and an upcoming part 3.

I just watched POB too. Very strong start, but I have to admit it, it kind of fizzled out for me from the middle to the end. A lot of people are comparing it to Love like the Galaxy, but for me it doesn't measure up. Love like the Galaxy was deeper, and the support characters were all so unique. It had a great mix of light and dark.

I am looking forward to starting Legend of Zhang Hai, but waiting for all the episodes to be released on Viki.

I also need to alternate light and heavy, but I tend to prefer the lighter K dramas. I do love a good K romcom. I'm just about to watch the last episode of Haunted Palace, and First Night with the Duke is airing soon.

I have a few on my watchlist I need to get to... I started Love in Pavillion but I dunno, it's not very engaging. Uncertain whether I want to invest more time in it.

I'm trying to decide between...
Love & Sword
Kill my Sins
The Blossoming Love
Youthful Glory

But I suspect they're all kind of meh.

Are there any major upcoming dramas you are looking forward to? For me, second part of Flourished Peony for sure.

Greetings fellow binge watcher lol. I've watched New Life Begins. Not a bad story, but it's a bit too young-adult for my tastes. Blossoms in adversity is similar, well made drama, fast paced plot, but the support characters lack depth. Still an enjoyable watch though!

No worries! I am a long term C drama fan and I often get asked, so I have a list saved on my phone for 3 categories: historical, historical fantasy and modern.

Btw, Story of Kunning Palace should also be on this list.

That's strange, Story of Kunning Palace was supposed to be on that list. I often get asked, so I have a list saved on my phone for each genre lol.

Ratings are often untrustworthy... They have a lot to do with hype, idol and fan clubs. I've seen fantastic dramas whose ratings are mediocre or low even, and I've seen mediocre dramas with high ratings...

This is my list of recommended historical dramas, if you're looking for something to watch:

The Rebel Princess
The Story of Minglan
Love like the Galaxy
Flourished Peony
Marvelous Women
Princess Silver
Goodbye My Princess
Gone with the Rain
The Sword and Brocade
The Long Ballad
Story of Yanxi Palace
The King's Woman
The Song of Glory (skip the last episode)
The Princess Weiyoung
Blossom
Rise of the Phoenixes
Nirvana in Fire 1 & 2
The Longest Day in Chang'an
Battle of Changsha
Royal Nirvana
A Dream of Splendour
Royal Feast
The Legend of Xiao Chuo
The Rise of Ning
The Wolf
Are you the one?
Si Jin
The Double
The Glory

This is a mix of romances, action thriller, tragedies, political, revenge, slice of life, family etc. Some are more intellectual, some have more pop appeal. Some are historically authentic, some not so much, but great stories.

Typical. This happens so often with C dramas.

Strong start, I was impressed, but went downhill for me unfortunately. Ending felt rushed and anticlimactic. 8.5/10.
Could have been better.