Resident Playbook

Tries to capture the warmth and camaraderie of a hospital drama, but falls short of the emotional chaos and adrenaline of series like Dr. Romantic or Trauma Code: Heroes on Call. While the friendships are undeniably wholesome and the occasional slice-of-life moments land well, the romantic pairings feel mismatched and underwhelming. The chemistry between Du Won and Oh Yi Young, as well as Um Jae Il and Sa Bi, felt forced - in fact, Oh Yi Young and Um Jae Il had more spark than the actual leads. The show had potential, but the lack of intensity and emotional pull makes it a "just okay" watch. I stayed for the friendships, not the love stories.

When I first started watching this series, I had my doubts. While I enjoyed the first few episodes, I found them to be just OK. The acting was great but the story was somewhat plodding. The medical cases were fine but the main characters were rather one dimensional and that doesn't really change until toward the end of the season. Having seen Go Youn-jung in Alchemy of Souls, I know she has a much broader range than what is shown in the first part of this series so I blame the directing. Fortunately, in the second half of the series, the actors are allowed to start showing growth with their characters and the show becomes much more engaging.

A big part of the series are the stories of the patients themselves. Those become very engaging and will take you on a roller coaster of emotions...from joy of a birth to the passing of a cancer patient. The stories cover a wide range of OBGYN cases. The actors for these stories are excellent and bring a great deal of feeling to the show.

Another aspect of the show is the steady stream of cameos. While I wasn't familiar with all of them, the ones I did recognize brought another interesting angle to the show. I especially liked bringing in some of the leads from the predecessor show for guest appearances.

Finally. They did a great job with wrapping up the season appropriately while leaving the door open for a second season to follow the residents thru their second year. I really hope we do see a second season!

Though the first episode of Resident Playlist felt a bit chaotic and overwhelming, Episode 2 manages to pull things together beautifully. The storyline is more grounded, the pace steadier, and the characters begin to show real emotional depth. It's the kind of episode that hooks you in - not through high drama, but with the subtle charm of everyday life in a hospital setting.

One of the biggest strengths of Episode 2 is the acting. The cast delivers layered performances that help us understand their characters not just as residents, but as young people trying to survive an intense, competitive environment. There's vulnerability, camaraderie, and quiet resilience, all of which come through without being overdone. We're beginning to see their personalities unfold - some are awkward and anxious, others overconfident but clearly masking insecurities. It feels authentic.

There's a natural temptation to compare Resident Playlist with Hospital Playlist. For many of us, Hospital Playlist was more than just a show - it was comfort TV, full of warmth, friendship, and slice-of-life moments that made us laugh and cry. The bond between the five friends, their jam sessions, and their steady rhythms made it a favorite.

Resident Playlist, however, is intentionally different. The tone is more intense, the atmosphere more high-pressure, reflecting the brutal realities of residency. Instead of five best friends who already have their lives figured out, we see fresh doctors trying to find their footing, unsure of themselves, often clashing with seniors, and dealing with unpredictable emergencies. It's not as cozy, but it's real. Episode 2 really leans into this - showing us how challenging and emotionally taxing the residency period can be.

That said, the show is slowly building heart. We see glimpses of mentorship, small moments of kindness, and the beginning of bonds forming among the residents. It doesn't rush to make them best friends - which is actually refreshing. The show takes its time to develop relationships, much like in real life. And that's where its strength lies.

The cinematography and background score remain subtle and effective, reminiscent of the calming vibe we loved in Hospital Playlist. While it doesn't have the musical interludes or nostalgic charm yet, it's beginning to create its own atmosphere - one rooted in chaos, but not without warmth.

In short, Episode 2 is where Resident Playlist finds its footing. It's not trying to replace Hospital Playlist, and it shouldn't have to. It's telling a different kind of story - of uncertainty, struggle, and growth. And for that reason alone, it's definitely worth watching. If the coming episodes continue on this path, this might just turn out to be another comforting-yet-real medical drama we'll grow attached to.

This drama is good, and I can't wait to see the other episodes. Actually, this is much more than I expected because you know that a lot of people have been waiting for this because this is a spin-off from Hospital Playlist, and you know how good the Hospital Playlist series is. I can't wait to see the character and more storyline. I know that a lot of people are disappointed by the plot, but again and again this is the story from the point of view of a resident. And this drama is worth watching from my perspective. You can expect more from this drama, and if you know, you know that these dramas only have 2 episodes by now.

I have been waiting for this series since I am a big fan of medical dramas and also a big fan of Hospital Playlist. I was really heartbroken when it was postponed but now that it's here I couldn't contain my excitement and watch the 2 episodes available.

I really like how the main characters are chaotic and messy, really depicts a resident's life, if you are on your first year of residency and you haven't ever thought of quitting, are you even human? HAHAHA. I remember my boyfriend crying to me every night complaining how tired he was and he doesn't want to be a doctor anymore, watching the first and second episodes brings me back to that memory when he was a struggling first year resident, he is the reason why I like watching medical dramas.

I am very excited for their growth but I hope they keep the banters and chaos even in the next episodes, it's what makes the show refreshing and relaxing. You will really see how residents struggle with adjusting and realizing the weight of their responsibilities will somehow scare them but their passion to save will always be there.

Another masterpiece from Shin PD. I can't wait for the next episodes!