After never ending adaptations of Jane Austen, 10th Kingdom, Star Trek Voyager, The Lord of the Ring and Detective Murdoch Mysteries, I settled into costume/historical/social commentary/mystery genre-as long as it was well, long. Started watching c and k dramas seriously while recuperating from the surgery. Prefer historical productions and cheesy romance with comedy to fantasy or contemporary Chinese propaganda. Fascinated by how the movie industry evolved in Mainland China...
When I watch something interesting as in historical drama, I spend some time researching the period depicted or people portrayed in or used as models for the production characters. If it's a made-up story with an interesting plot or premise, I may go back to the original book and just compare. And if I liked the actors the directing or art creator, I would seek other works by or with them. I do watch a lot of short series, as they move faster, but I am also using discernment for how the drama was made: if I see same sets and decorations or costumes, I will not be vested in it. Likewise, sometimes I am just enjoying the scenery and the way how it was shot or edited to savor the beauty of the pretend world.
Reading more as a lot of themes and tropes are so cliched - I am looking for something fresh!