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Following what happened in the US during the last decade or so, the quality of Asian dramas has skyrocketed during the last few years, with a significant surge of talent from cinema towards streaming platforms, with Korea definitely paving the way in the regard, and Japan following. The result is quite impressive to watch, since, frequently, the level of these titles is equal to the one of movies.

Without further ado, here are 20 Asian dramas in random order proving the fact in the most eloquent fashion.

1. Cigarette Girl by Kamila Andini

“Cigarette Girl” is not a typical story of two broken hearts crushed by unfortunate circumstances, a trope over-used in the soap opera format. It also has a bit of history to offer alongside a basic insight into the women's hardships in Indonesia not such long time ago. “Your duty is to clean the house and find yourself a husband...

Almost Paradise season 2 delivers exciting crime action mixed with family drama, providing a perfect balance for viewers. The series shines on Amazon Freevee, joining other diverse TV content on the platform. Each episode of Almost Paradise season 2 brings thrilling and self-contained stories, showcasing the show's procedural crime format.

Almost Paradise season 2 picked up right where the first left off, and delivered even more exciting crime action with a mix of family drama for added intrigue. Premiering in 2020, Almost Paradise follows former DEA Agent Alex Walker (Christian Kane) who continues to fight crime despite retiring to the Philippines for a simpler life. Though it debuted on the former WGN America network, Almost Paradise season 2 is available to stream on Amazon Freevee along with the first season. Though it has largely flown under the radar, the series shines because it deftly balances the weekly cop action of the typical crime procedural, while...

One of the leading actors of his generation, Korea’s Choi Min-sik is tackling his first TV role in some 25 years, with Disney+ crime drama series “Big Bet.” Choi says the gamble was a challenge, but ultimately worth the risk.

While he has notched up iconic cinema roles in “Oldboy” “Shiri,” “I Saw the Devil,” Luc Besson’s “Lucy” and all-time Korean box office record holder “Roaring Currents,” Choi’s last significant TV role was in dark comedy “The Moon of Seoul” (aka “Seoul ui Dal”) in the 20th century’s pre-streaming era.

Choi says that the changes in the TV industry are palpable and mostly for the better.

“Dramas are now produced entirely in advance of broadcast. Before, we would have what we call ‘on-the-spot’ scripts. They would be literally written on the day of filming, which left very little time to memorize the lines,” Choi told Variety.

The...