Dare I say one of the best serie of 2025?
I wanted to start this review by clarifying my personal tastes when it comes to dramas (and really any kind of film) because I don’t think our opinions are ever fully objective.
I’ve always been drawn to plot-driven stories. Acting is obviously crucial, and elements like music, cinematography, and set design matter a lot too. But what truly carries a drama, for me, is the strength and consistency of its narrative and it's the cinema graduate in me talking lol. Before being on screen, any good series is but letters on a piece of paper. And in that sense, Coroner’s Diary was exactly the kind of drama I love because its core was especially good.
It's drama that forces you to use your brain when you watch it and that's exactly what I like.
What surprised me even more than the well-written script, though, was the acting. I had only recently discovered Jelly Lin, and her performance here was outstanding. It was honestly refreshing to watch such a firm, serious female lead for once, where others tend to be childish and well... I'm no longer twenty so I find them boring. After finishing the drama, I even checked out a couple of her other projects to see whether this performance was just a one-time success—but it definitely wasn’t. Her consistency as an actress really impressed me.
Then there’s Ao Rui Peng. He was fantastic as well. And honestly, it felt so satisfying to finally see a true green-flag male lead—someone supportive, loyal, and quietly yearning??? I had also only discovered him recently, though ironically I initially started the drama purely because the plot sounded promising.
As I mentioned earlier, I usually prioritize plot over romance and even over acting, and Coroner’s Diary still managed to meet all my expectations. One thing that often makes me drop dramas is when the romance begins to overshadow the story’s core motivation. That didn’t happen here. Shen Wan’s quest for justice remained the driving force throughout the series, and she never wavered from her goal—even after the male lead discovered the truth. The romance never hijacked the narrative; if anything, it complemented it and made the story stronger.
The investigative arcs and side plots were also incredibly enjoyable. Each case was engaging and well-paced—never dragging on, yet always leaving me wanting more. And seriously… what do you mean we didn’t get more Cai He?? Gimme more of Cai He, please... And I was also soooo into the camera angles and choices of coloring???? It's rare when a drama feels that 'good' visually (like LLTG, The Double, FoF, MJTY, TTEOTM)
All in all, if you enjoy investigation dramas, striking visuals (let’s be honest the leads are serving), strong character dynamics, a satisfying relationship arc, and a happy ending, then Coroner’s Diary is absolutely worth watching.
I’ve always been drawn to plot-driven stories. Acting is obviously crucial, and elements like music, cinematography, and set design matter a lot too. But what truly carries a drama, for me, is the strength and consistency of its narrative and it's the cinema graduate in me talking lol. Before being on screen, any good series is but letters on a piece of paper. And in that sense, Coroner’s Diary was exactly the kind of drama I love because its core was especially good.
It's drama that forces you to use your brain when you watch it and that's exactly what I like.
What surprised me even more than the well-written script, though, was the acting. I had only recently discovered Jelly Lin, and her performance here was outstanding. It was honestly refreshing to watch such a firm, serious female lead for once, where others tend to be childish and well... I'm no longer twenty so I find them boring. After finishing the drama, I even checked out a couple of her other projects to see whether this performance was just a one-time success—but it definitely wasn’t. Her consistency as an actress really impressed me.
Then there’s Ao Rui Peng. He was fantastic as well. And honestly, it felt so satisfying to finally see a true green-flag male lead—someone supportive, loyal, and quietly yearning??? I had also only discovered him recently, though ironically I initially started the drama purely because the plot sounded promising.
As I mentioned earlier, I usually prioritize plot over romance and even over acting, and Coroner’s Diary still managed to meet all my expectations. One thing that often makes me drop dramas is when the romance begins to overshadow the story’s core motivation. That didn’t happen here. Shen Wan’s quest for justice remained the driving force throughout the series, and she never wavered from her goal—even after the male lead discovered the truth. The romance never hijacked the narrative; if anything, it complemented it and made the story stronger.
The investigative arcs and side plots were also incredibly enjoyable. Each case was engaging and well-paced—never dragging on, yet always leaving me wanting more. And seriously… what do you mean we didn’t get more Cai He?? Gimme more of Cai He, please... And I was also soooo into the camera angles and choices of coloring???? It's rare when a drama feels that 'good' visually (like LLTG, The Double, FoF, MJTY, TTEOTM)
All in all, if you enjoy investigation dramas, striking visuals (let’s be honest the leads are serving), strong character dynamics, a satisfying relationship arc, and a happy ending, then Coroner’s Diary is absolutely worth watching.
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