Asian dramas like
The Runner

A collection of individuals facing challenges come together through their shared passion for soccer. At the heart of the group is Renxin, a solitary widower and ex-coach in search of renewed optimism.

Which mother believes that any girl is deserving of her beloved son? Chen Da Ke's mother had already planned the perfect marriage for him until Luo Jia entered the scene and won over Da Ke's heart. Seeing Da Ke completely enamored with Luo Jia, his mother is determined to remove her from the picture to secure her son's future happiness. Despite her efforts to prevent their marriage, Da Ke's mother resorts to making Luo Jia's life as a married woman as difficult as possible. Witnessing her daughter being mistreated by her in-laws, Luo Jia's mother is willing to do whatever it takes to defend her daughter. Will Da Ke and Luo Jia's marriage be able to withstand such a hostile family environment?

The narrative follows Yang Tao, a 30-year-old who is opposed to the idea of marriage. Guo Ran, a civil servant, shares the same sentiment towards marriage. Initially, the two clash due to a misunderstanding but eventually their bond strengthens. Despite their growing relationship, their parents disapprove of each other, posing a significant challenge. Can their love triumph over this obstacle?

Tale of youngsters and their guardians, and familial connections.

The series revolves around the romantic relationship between a flight attendant originating from Taipei, Chen Jia Yu. Her initial romance with a Chinese man named Chen Hau results in a quick marriage. Chen Hau hails from China and comes from a family that owns a restaurant, which he is set to take over in the future.

Three individuals are brought together unexpectedly when a young child enters their lives, adding to the chaos they are already facing. Gao Han, a caring and devoted man, has recently lost a custody battle with his ex-wife over their daughter. Adding to his troubles, his ex-girlfriend Guan Ling Ling, who passed away in a car accident, has entrusted her son to his care. Gao Han, along with his two roommates Wang Dong Yang and YuBo, find themselves unexpectedly caring for the young child, Du Du. Along with the challenges of looking after Du Du, they also have to navigate the presence of Du Du's aunt, Guan Shan Shan. As they all work together to raise Du Du, they must also confront the question of the child's paternity. This leads to a custody battle, complicated further by the return of Han's ex-wife, Liu Min. Amidst all this, feelings begin to develop between Han and Shan Shan, while Yu Bo also finds himself falling for Shan Shan. With the uncle's gentle nature and the cool guy's charm, Shan Shan must ultimately follow her heart and make a choice between the two men she loves.

Xiao Chang Qing, Sun Qian Cheng, and Chen Xin Cheng dedicated themselves to their work for many years. Upon retiring, they joined forces to establish a welcoming retirement community. Together, they addressed challenges commonly experienced by the elderly residents, leading to personal growth and improved relationships with their families and themselves.

"When faced with challenges, Father always offers a comforting smile and a helping hand, reassuring his son that he will be there. Man Tin Chi, a top market research manager known for his expertise in price comparison, lives by the motto of being price-conscious. Despite his desire for early retirement, Chi's dreams are disrupted by the unexpected return of his eight-year-old son. With no experience in caring for children, Chi is at a loss on how to raise his son. Fortunately, his rival Amy Kam Mei-Tsun steps in to support and guide him. As they spend more time together, Chi and Amy develop a strong friendship. Chi reconnects with his godfather Ko Chi Tim and begins to unravel a long-held secret. Meanwhile, Ko Ching, Tim's son, struggles to balance his responsibilities towards his daughter and his neglect towards his father. In the midst of turmoil, Ching finds support from Chi and his girlfriend Joey Law Sei Hei, ultimately uncovering a hidden truth about his father."

The dining table holds significance in a Chinese family, serving as the focal point for family relationships. The Chung family embodies the traditional Chinese family structure. Chung Kwok Chyu, the father, holds the position of assistant chief editor at Ko Jim Daily and is renowned as a food critic. With a passion for exploring food markets, Chyu prioritizes being home for dinner each night. He believes that the finest homemade dishes are crafted using the highest quality ingredient - love.

After retiring from the HK Correctional Services Department, Ma Fu decided to move in with his son. However, Ma Fu's strict and disciplinary nature, shaped by his years of working with offenders, has created a tense atmosphere at home. His youngest son, Ma Chong, often feels like he is living in a prison due to his father's behavior. Additionally, Ma Fu frequently involves himself in his job as a paralegal, causing daily disputes between him and Ma Chong. This constant conflict has put Ma Keung and his wife, Lo Lai Seung, in a difficult position as they try to mediate between the father and son. On top of that, the couple is also responsible for raising their own children. The three generations living together in the Ma family are exposed to various situations, experiences, and sets of values, leading to diverse perspectives within the household.

Renowned yoga and fitness expert Sheung Kin Sun partners with his girlfriend, Wan Sze Sze, to establish a new fitness center. Concerned about potential infidelity, Wan Sze Sze attempts to push Sheung Kin Sun towards marriage, leading to tension within the fitness center. Sheung Kin Sun finds support from yoga instructor Lun Lap Sun, while Wan Sze Sze receives backing from her cousin, sales manager Fong Ga Sheung. The arrival of travel expert Lei Lok Yee further complicates the situation between Lun Lap Sun and Fong Ga Sheung. Eventually, Lun Lap Sun and Fong Ga Sheung end up living with Lei Lok Yee and her brother Lei Lok Tung. Meanwhile, Lun Bak Foon, who had hoped his son would take over the family dried seafood business, is left feeling helpless upon learning of his son's struggles. Thankfully, Lun Bak Foon's sister Lun Ching Man and employee Man Wai Lan have quietly supported him over the years. These interconnected individuals and events illustrate the challenges and opportunities faced by different segments of society.

Renowned writer So Dung Po of the Northern Song Dynasty remains haunted by the memory of his late wife, causing him to overlook the advances of his sister-in-law, Wong Yun Chi. However, his love for food leads him to eventually marry Wong Yun Chi after being won over by her braised pork dish. Expecting marital bliss, So Dung Po instead finds himself dealing with a series of family issues. He is torn between worrying about his sister, So Siu Mui, falling for the charming scholar, Chun Siu Yau, and his other sister, So Dai Mui, still pining for her ex-lover, Chan Kwai Seung. Adding to his troubles, his son refuses to accept Wong Yun Chi as his stepmother, leading to constant conflict. In addition to his family woes, So Dung Po must navigate the political intrigue of the imperial court, engaging in clever battles of wit with rival ministers. Things take a dangerous turn when a Liao spy plots to create discord between So Dung Po and Wong Yun Chi, ultimately leading to Wong Yun Chi's mysterious disappearance.

The storyline depicts the highs and lows of Kristal Tin's character, who ties the knot with Raymond Cho's character when she is 19 years old, accompanied by her niece. Her focus is on her family, but after two decades of marriage, she discovers her husband's love for another woman. This leads to her decision to seek a divorce, resulting in the loss of her job and her daughter moving away. As her life crumbles, the narrative unfolds her uplifting quest to rediscover herself.

Onishi Katsuo, a 35-year-old carpenter and former college football player, views life through the same lens as a football game - filled with courage, honor, and teamwork. When he receives the devastating news that his college football teammate has passed away in a house fire, leaving behind his wife in a coma and their four children homeless, Katsuo steps up to help. He invites the children to stay with him in his small apartment above his boss's house. Despite the children's initial trauma, Katsuo's kind and lively nature brings them hope and comfort during this difficult time.

Following the passing of Mizusawa Yume's mother, she discovers a photograph in her mother's belongings showing a man holding a baby. Written on the back of the photo is "Loving Papa and Yume, at Raku no Yu." Yume, who has never met her father, believes this man to be him. She also finds a lighter with the initials RM in the box. Upon learning that "Raku no Yu" is a public bath in Shibuya, Tokyo, Yume sets off to reunite with her father and seek financial support to cover her mother's debts. Blaming her father for her mother's death, Yume believes her mother would still be alive if not for him. Upon arriving at 'Raku no Yu' in Tokyo, she notices a name plaque reading Mannaka Rokku, confirming she is in the right place.

The story "My Name is Princess" revolves around a family consisting of three sisters and their mother, all of whom lead independent lives without relying on men. The mother desires to always be the center of attention. The eldest daughter, who remains unmarried, is actively seeking a partner as she prioritized her career over traditional domestic roles. The middle daughter, known as the youngest, dreams of living a life akin to that of a princess.

Two young women from separate single-parent households attended the same school together from a young age and later became colleagues at the same workplace. Despite their contrasting looks and personalities, they have been engaged in an ongoing feud for over a decade. Their lives took an unexpected turn when a mob boss emerged, revealing himself as their long-lost father and unveiling the shocking truth that they were actually half-sisters.

This drama portrays the daily challenges and joys of life, as well as the intricate web of family relationships. It kicks off with Ou Da Liang tying the knot with psychiatrist Wu Rui. Da Liang's mother expresses strong disapproval towards her new daughter-in-law and constantly praises Da Liang's previous girlfriend.

In this setting, a young man envisions his future with determination. Despite facing the daily grind to make ends meet, he is driven by his dreams and love. His boundless energy propels him forward, overshadowing his impoverished background. Unfazed by any ridicule from the world, he remains focused on his goals. On the other hand, a confident young woman exudes self-awareness and independence. Failure is a foreign concept to her, as she has always emerged victorious in life. She navigates through challenges effortlessly, discarding anything deemed unnecessary. However, she cannot resist the power of love, which ultimately shapes her destiny. Like an open prairie, she radiates youth and vitality. Their love for each other transforms their lives, propelling them towards an uncertain future.

In Ying Hao Dong's life, two girls with strikingly similar appearances entered one after the other. The first, named after the Epiphyllum flower, faced a tragic fate. The second, named after the Jasmine flower, brought warmth to Hao Dong's heart. Lan Su Xin, an 18-year-old seeking employment, crossed paths with Ying Hao Dong who was grieving the loss of his girlfriend. Despite facing opposition from both family and friends, Su Xin remained optimistic as she cared for Hao Dong. With the help of Su Xin and Hao Dong's mother, his memory slowly began to return, unraveling the mystery behind his accident and his girlfriend's death.

Zuo Zai Jun and Zheng Lei were close friends and classmates in college. They share an 8-year-old step-daughter named Miao Miao. Miao Miao's mother, Ning Xiao Meng, was the woman of their dreams back in their university days. She disappeared to study in the United States 8 years ago and has now returned to Shanghai. Zai Jun struggles to accept her, but Xiao Meng works to mend their relationship. As Xiao Meng grows closer to Zheng Lei, it creates tension between the two men as they compete for her affection, leading to humorous situations. Over time, Xiao Meng's secrets about Miao Miao's birth and her disappearance come to light.

This marks yet another season of the Nonstop sitcom, which depicts the daily experiences of students residing in a dormitory.

The narrative follows the He siblings as they uphold a decades-old vow to never unlock a jail cell

Chu Mu's mother, Wen Nan, is preparing for her third marriage, which will result in Chu Mu gaining three step-siblings. One of them is Qi Qi, his lively step-sister from Wen Nan's second marriage, who expresses her desire for Chu Mu to become her boyfriend. Wen Nan's upcoming marriage is to Xue Mao Xiang, a wealthy widower with two children from previous relationships - the pampered and distant XueYang, and Xue Zhi Li, his daughter who has returned from overseas to act as the peacemaker in their new, unconventional family dynamic.

This year's drama resonated with Chinese audiences, focusing on themes such as housing prices, love, and marriage. The storyline revolved around a group of young individuals striving to achieve their dreams despite facing harsh realities. Ma Xiaodong, born in the 1980s, faced challenges after getting married and securing a bank loan to buy a house without informing his girlfriend, leading to a series of unfortunate events. Meanwhile, Liang Meili, a white-collar worker, struggled to sell an apartment to support her family amid financial difficulties. Through ups and downs, the characters navigated through work-related issues, personal differences, and parental expectations, all while seeking love, stability, and a place to call home. Ultimately, their perseverance and mutual support helped them overcome obstacles and find happiness in creating a warm and loving home.

The narrative follows Aunt Mi as she arranges marriages for her three unmarried daughters, leading to blind dates, love, marriage, pregnancy, and various family dramas. It depicts the ups and downs of everyday life in Beijing, showcasing the authentic emotions and experiences of ordinary families.

Former college friends, now grown adults with varying paths in life, find themselves at a crossroads when their friendship is put to the test. Du Jian Feng, born into a humble family, excels in mathematics and is known for his reserved nature and strong principles. Zhao Hai Peng, on the other hand, is a wealthy and charming business elite with a romantic side. Lastly, High, a dreamer with a realistic outlook, is a self-centered egoist and the owner of a trading company.

Entrepreneurs Wei Da Bao and Yu Xiao Tao join forces to establish an advertising company. Faced with high rent costs, they decide to find roommates to share the expenses. They encounter an honest social media influencer with a passion for acting, a dedicated female investigator, and the witty son of a wealthy magnate eager to prove himself. The arrival of a recent university graduate looking to start her own business marks a new chapter in Wei Da Bao and Yu Xiao Tang's journey. Despite lacking a strong network or influential connections, they are determined to achieve success through hard work.

Zhang Wei Guo, a middle-aged actor facing difficulties in a Peking Opera Troupe, enjoys a peaceful existence in a Beijing Hutong until his father passes away, leading to a chain of unforeseen problems

The plot revolves around the Liu Xiang Shang family, who form a close-knit community with their friends, neighbors, and fellow parents as their children begin school. It explores how these inexperienced parents and clever children navigate a fresh classroom environment, marking a new chapter in their lives. (cpophome.com)

Ding Sheung Wong is a man in his thirties, with the intellectual capacity of a seven-year-old. Despite being teased for being "crazy," he insists that he is simply uncomplicated. His close friend Wong Kei Fung, whom he affectionately calls his "little wife," used to play a game where they pretended to be husband and wife. When Fung announces her departure to the United States for college, Wong is left feeling lost. Upon Fung's return to Hong Kong, she secures a job at the Chung Corporation, working under the management of Chung Kam Wing and his son Michael. It is later revealed that Wong is Kam Wing's biological son, leading to his recruitment into the company. Meanwhile, Fung's cousin Angel On Kei develops feelings for Chi Chung, who in turn harbors affection for Fung. Fung is torn between Chi Chung and Wong, unsure of who holds the key to her happiness.

Kit is the father of three boys: Freeman, Ray, and Kevin. Their family is led by Grandpa until he discloses his Parkinson's Disease diagnosis and passes the leadership role to Kit. The situation becomes more intricate with the arrival of Miki, as both Freeman and Ray develop feelings for her.

Mung Ka Ka, Cho Mei Ngoh, and Hilary Ding Mui Hong are close friends who have a deep understanding of parenting. They offer guidance to Ko Wing Kuen on raising his daughter, emphasizing the importance of actions over mere words. As they navigate through this journey, they uncover potential hidden activities by their spouses.

According to popular belief, having an older family member at home is considered a valuable asset. However, in reality, many seniors often experience discrimination. The five main elderly characters in this show exemplify this, as they are frequently underestimated by their relatives, friends, and colleagues. After a chance meeting, they band together and form The Wicked League to seek revenge on those who have mistreated them. Through light-hearted dark humor, this series sheds light on the challenges faced by elderly individuals in today's society, aiming to encourage viewers to show more compassion and respect towards the elderly in their own lives.

A fresh e-sport squad, called Challenger, faces various challenges and competitions in their journey to reach the finals of an e-sport tournament, with the assistance of a woman named Sara.

Upon my return to Hong Kong from Malaysia, I, Joe Ma, find myself facing various challenges in my personal and professional life. Despite my age, I maintain a youthful spirit and am determined to succeed in my career. However, superstitions from my mother, marital issues with my wife, business setbacks, strained relationships with my siblings, and legal disputes with a former inmate claiming ownership of my mother's house have created turmoil in my household. Nevertheless, I have the wisdom and resilience to handle these obstacles and maintain control over the situation. It is a common truth that every family faces hardships, and I am confident in overcoming these difficulties.

Shu, Kotomi, and Keiko are former classmates from junior high school who are now navigating different challenges in their lives. Shu is a senior at a university with a low ranking, Kotomi is trying to make it as a model, and Keiko works a desk job at a small company. Despite their efforts, they are all unsatisfied with their current situations and are searching for something better. Facing the common struggles and uncertainties of today's youth, the three friends lean on each other for support as they try to discover the meaning they are seeking in their lives.

Every parent dreams of their children growing up and becoming independent, no longer relying on them for support. This was also the case for retired professor Tameyama Kazuo, who had five daughters, both married and single, who were all strong-willed and independent. Despite expectations, Kazuo actually wanted to bring his entire family back together under one roof. Despite his daughters' objections, Kazuo used his retirement savings and money from a cancelled insurance policy to search for the perfect home in a prime location in Tokyo, close to a good school for his grandchildren and with easy access to transportation. Against all odds, he found a beautiful home and moved in with all nine family members. However, as they settled in, they discovered that the house had some costly surprises of its own.

A fresh midwife named Yona Kameyama (played by Hana Takano) encounters multiple challenges and experiences personal growth in her role as a midwife. The story unfolds in a comedic manner, portraying her journey in a delightful light.

Atsushi Yajima, a father of three children and a husband, should be heading home after work to assist with household chores and bond with his kids. However, he chooses to socialize with friends and engage in flirtatious behavior with other women instead. Everything changes when Atsushi's wife unexpectedly passes away, leaving him to take on the role of a single parent. Now faced with all the responsibilities that come with parenting alone, the question remains: will Atsushi rise to the challenge or will he seek to pass on these duties to someone else?

In the Kitano family, Kikujiro is a strict and short-tempered father who also has a daringly comical personality. His wife, Saki, is a positive, cheerful, and clever woman who often argues with her husband but stands by him during difficult times. This story allows viewers to reflect on the strong and close-knit family bonds of the past, when Japan was not as prosperous as it is today. This drama is inspired by an autobiographical book written by actor and director Takeshi Kitano.