My 2026 C-drama Favourites So Far! | Mid-Year Review 🍵 (Ep 188)

Somehow, Tea & Soju is officially four years old! In this special solo episode, I’m taking a little trip down memory lane — from what I thought the podcast would be when I started it, to what it has become today.I’m also sharing some of my favourite episodes and memories from the last four years, plus answering your questions and hearing what the Tea & Soju community has to say.Thank you for being part of this little C-drama corner of the internet for the last four years. 💚Grab your tea (or soju!) and come celebrate with me!☕ Support Tea & SojuIf you enjoyed this episode and would like access to behind-the-scenes chats, deleted clips, bonus reviews, replay recordings, and our monthly Zoom meet-ups, consider joining the Tea & Soju Patreon:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/u82789007💬 Join the Tea & Soju DiscordLooking for a friendly space to chat all things C-dramas, K-dramas, and Asian entertainment? Come join our community:Discord: https://discord.com/invite/8CEPFjnaRY📱 Follow Tea & SojuInstagram: https://instagram.com/teaandsojupodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teaandsojupodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teaandsojupod📧 [email protected]⭐ Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoyed the episode! It really helps support the channel and helps more drama fans discover Tea & Soju.

What am I watching this August? In this episode of Tea & Soju, I’m chatting through my current C-drama watchlist — what I’m watching, what’s keeping me hooked, what I’m struggling with, and which dramas have me reaching for the next episode.From modern romances to historical dramas, let’s have a little catch-up on what’s currently on my screen.Grab your tea, pour your soju, and let’s chat dramas! 🍵🥂💬 What are YOU currently watching? Let me know!☕ Support Tea & SojuIf you enjoyed this episode and would like access to behind-the-scenes chats, deleted clips, bonus reviews, replay recordings, and our monthly Zoom meet-ups, consider joining the Tea & Soju Patreon:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/u82789007💬 Join the Tea & Soju DiscordLooking for a friendly space to chat all things C-dramas, K-dramas, and Asian entertainment? Come join our community:Discord: https://discord.com/invite/8CEPFjnaRY📱 Follow Tea & SojuInstagram: https://instagram.com/teaandsojupodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teaandsojupodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teaandsojupod

There are some things nobody tells you when you fall down the C-drama rabbit hole — like why you absolutely cannot trust a drama poster, when it's okay to give up on a 40-episode commitment, how to recognise the warning signs of impending emotional damage, and why a drama being “good” doesn't necessarily mean you're going to enjoy it.So this week, I'm sharing my C-drama survival guide: the things I wish someone had told me when I first started watching.From ratings to filler, political plots, and knowing when to just WALK AWAY… let's talk about everything I've learned after years of watching C-dramas.And because I know I'm not the only one who's learned some of these lessons the hard way — what would YOU add to the C-drama survival guide? 🍵Come hang out with me and let's survive the C-drama rabbit hole together! 💕☕ Support Tea & SojuIf you enjoyed this episode and would like access to behind-the-scenes chats, deleted clips, bonus reviews, replay recordings, and our monthly Zoom meet-ups, consider joining the Tea & Soju Patreon:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/u82789007💬 Join the Tea & Soju DiscordLooking for a friendly space to chat all things C-dramas, K-dramas, and Asian entertainment? Come join our community:Discord: https://discord.com/invite/8CEPFjnaRY📱 Follow Tea & SojuInstagram: https://instagram.com/teaandsojupodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teaandsojupodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teaandsojupod📧 [email protected]⭐ Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoyed the episode! It really helps support the channel and helps more drama fans discover Tea & Soju.

Halfway through 2026, it’s time to look back at all the C-dramas I’ve watched so far and, more importantly, the ones that have stolen my heart! 💕In this episode, I’m sharing my favourite dramas of the year so far, the characters I’m still thinking about, the romances that had me invested, and the shows that have earned a permanent spot in my drama-loving heart.From Pursuit of Jade and Love Between Lines to Bloom Life and The First Jasmine, let’s talk about the dramas that have made 2026 such a fun year for watching C-dramas.And because this is Tea & Soju, expect plenty of opinions, questionable levels of attachment to fictional characters, and probably a few “I was NOT prepared for this” moments. 😂🍵 What has been YOUR favourite C-drama of 2026 so far? Let me know!Grab your tea, pour your soju, and let’s chat dramas! ☕ Support Tea & SojuIf you enjoyed this episode and would like access to behind-the-scenes chats, deleted clips, bonus reviews, replay recordings, and our monthly Zoom meet-ups, consider joining the Tea & Soju Patreon:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/u82789007💬 Join the Tea & Soju DiscordLooking for a friendly space to chat all things C-dramas, K-dramas, and Asian entertainment? Come join our community:Discord: https://discord.com/invite/8CEPFjnaRY📱 Follow Tea & SojuInstagram: https://instagram.com/teaandsojupodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teaandsojupodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teaandsojupod📧 [email protected]⭐ Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoyed the episode! It really helps support the channel and helps more drama fans discover Tea & Soju.

Everyone has at least one C-drama opinion that gets people talking...In this episode, we're reacting to your hottest C-drama takes—from drama rankings and favourite actors to romance tropes, overrated shows, and everything in between. Some opinions we agreed with, others left us completely speechless!A huge thank you to everyone who shared a hot take, and a special shoutout to Viv, who gathered hot takes through her TikTok video.Remember: this episode is all in good fun. We all enjoy different dramas, and that's what makes the C-drama community so much fun to be part of.So grab your tea, pour your soju, and join the conversation!☕ Support Tea & SojuIf you enjoyed this episode and would like access to behind-the-scenes chats, deleted clips, bonus reviews, replay recordings, and our monthly Zoom meet-ups, consider joining the Tea & Soju Patreon:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/u82789007💬 Join the Tea & Soju DiscordLooking for a friendly space to chat all things C-dramas, K-dramas, and Asian entertainment? Come join our community:Discord: https://discord.com/invite/8CEPFjnaRY📱 Follow Tea & SojuInstagram: https://instagram.com/teaandsojupodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teaandsojupodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teaandsojupod📧 [email protected]⭐ Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoyed the episode! It really helps support the channel and helps more drama fans discover Tea & Soju.Jess (Daebak K-Rambles)Instagram- daebakpod - ⁠https://instagram.com/daebakpod?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==⁠ TikTok - daebakpod - ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@daebakpod?_t=8gXFSIxnLMG&_r=1⁠ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Daebak-KRambles Carol Socials:Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kdramasmusings/⁠ Tiktok - ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@kdramamusings?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc⁠Substack - https://substack.com/@kdramamusings 

This month, I'm introducing a brand-new way to share everything I'm watching!From the dramas that are Tea Is Piping Hot (the ones I'm completely obsessed with) to those Steeping Nicely and my more relaxed Slow Sips, I'm taking you through everything currently on my watchlist.I'll also be chatting about:• Dramas I Left Behind• Everything I Finished Brewing this month• Confirmed upcoming releases On My Calendar• Rumour Corner – the latest premiere rumours and industry chatterSo grab your tea, pour your soju, and let's catch up on everything happening in the world of C-dramas.If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to follow the podcast and leave a rating—it really helps more drama lovers discover Tea & Soju.☕ Support Tea & SojuIf you enjoyed this episode and would like access to behind-the-scenes chats, deleted clips, bonus reviews, replay recordings, and our monthly Zoom meet-ups, consider joining the Tea & Soju Patreon:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/u82789007💬 Join the Tea & Soju DiscordLooking for a friendly space to chat all things C-dramas, K-dramas, and Asian entertainment? Come join our community:Discord: https://discord.com/invite/8CEPFjnaRY📱 Follow Tea & SojuInstagram: https://instagram.com/teaandsojupodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teaandsojupodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teaandsojupod📧 [email protected]⭐ Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoyed the episode! It really helps support the channel and helps more drama fans discover Tea & Soju.

Ready to dive into historical C-dramas but not sure where to start?In this week's episode, the Drama Trio is tackling one of the questions we get asked the most: Which historical C-dramas are best for beginners?Each of us has picked five dramas that we think are perfect entry points into the genre. From political intrigue and unforgettable romances to emotional storytelling and accessible plots, we discuss the shows we'd recommend to anyone looking to fall in love with historical Chinese dramas.Whether you're completely new to C-dramas or you've only watched modern series and want to branch out, we've got plenty of recommendations to help you find your next binge.☕ Support Tea & SojuIf you enjoyed this episode and would like access to behind-the-scenes chats, deleted clips, bonus reviews, replay recordings, and our monthly Zoom meet-ups, consider joining the Tea & Soju Patreon:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/u82789007💬 Join the Tea & Soju DiscordLooking for a friendly space to chat all things C-dramas, K-dramas, and Asian entertainment? Come join our community:Discord: https://discord.com/invite/8CEPFjnaRY📱 Follow Tea & Soju (Liliana)Instagram: https://instagram.com/teaandsojupodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teaandsojupodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teaandsojupod📧 [email protected]⭐ Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoyed the episode! It really helps support the channel and helps more drama fans discover Tea & Soju.Jess (Daebak K-Rambles)Instagram- daebakpod - ⁠https://instagram.com/daebakpod?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==⁠ TikTok - daebakpod - ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@daebakpod?_t=8gXFSIxnLMG&_r=1⁠ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Daebak-KRambles Caitlin (NoSleep4Dramas)Blog - NoSleep4Dramas - ⁠https://www.nosleep4dramas.com/my-blog⁠Instagram - nosleep4dramas - ⁠https://instagram.com/nosleep4dramas?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==⁠ TikTok - nosleep4dramas -  ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@nosleep4dramas?_t=8gXFc8RgiTB&_r=1⁠YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@NoSleep4Dramas 

The Drama Trio is back, and this time we're putting your drama picks to the test!We asked listeners to send in the Cdramas they wanted us to judge, and in this episode we're deciding whether each one is...☕ Overrated🍵 Underrated✨ Appropriately RatedFrom fan favourites to hidden gems (and maybe a few controversial opinions!), we're sharing our honest thoughts, debating each other's takes, and seeing whether we can agree... or completely disagree.Did your favourite drama make the list? And more importantly, do you agree with our verdicts?Grab your tea, pour your soju, and join the conversation!☕ Support Tea & SojuIf you enjoyed this episode and would like access to behind-the-scenes chats, deleted clips, bonus reviews, replay recordings, and our monthly Zoom meet-ups, consider joining the Tea & Soju Patreon:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/u82789007💬 Join the Tea & Soju DiscordLooking for a friendly space to chat all things C-dramas, K-dramas, and Asian entertainment? Come join our community:Discord: https://discord.com/invite/8CEPFjnaRY📱 Follow Tea & SojuInstagram: https://instagram.com/teaandsojupodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teaandsojupodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teaandsojupod📧 [email protected]⭐ Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoyed the episode! It really helps support the channel and helps more drama fans discover Tea & Soju.Jess (Daebak K-Rambles)Instagram- daebakpod - ⁠https://instagram.com/daebakpod?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==⁠ TikTok - daebakpod - ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@daebakpod?_t=8gXFSIxnLMG&_r=1⁠ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Daebak-KRambles Caitlin (NoSleep4Dramas)Blog - NoSleep4Dramas - ⁠https://www.nosleep4dramas.com/my-blog⁠Instagram - nosleep4dramas - ⁠https://instagram.com/nosleep4dramas?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==⁠ TikTok - nosleep4dramas -  ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@nosleep4dramas?_t=8gXFc8RgiTB&_r=1⁠YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@NoSleep4Dramas 

☕️ Welcome back to the Tea & Soju C-Drama Podcast!In this month's Currently Watching, I'm sharing my thoughts on the dramas currently on my watchlist, including The First Jasmine and Never Ending Summer. I'll be talking about what's working, what isn't, and whether these dramas are worth adding to your own watchlist.Plus, it's time for another Rumour Corner, where we'll chat about some of the upcoming dramas catching my attention, including Overdo and Blossoms of Power.💬 What are you currently watching? Let me know in the comments!🌸 Dramas Mentioned:- The First Jasmine- Never Ending Summer- Love Has Fireworks- Archives: The Nanyang Mystery- WuRumoured / Upcoming Dramas- Overdo- Blossoms of Power- Love For You- Love in Red Dust- Chasing Dreams- Escape to Your Heart- A Ming Dynasty Adventure☕ Support Tea & SojuIf you enjoyed this episode and would like access to behind-the-scenes chats, deleted clips, bonus reviews, replay recordings, and our monthly Zoom meet-ups, consider joining the Tea & Soju Patreon:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/u82789007💬 Join the Tea & Soju DiscordLooking for a friendly space to chat all things C-dramas, K-dramas, and Asian entertainment? Come join our community:Discord: https://discord.com/invite/8CEPFjnaRY📱 Follow Tea & SojuInstagram: https://instagram.com/teaandsojupodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teaandsojupodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teaandsojupod📧 [email protected]⭐ Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoyed the episode! It really helps support the channel and helps more drama fans discover Tea & Soju.

This week, I'm joined by Caitlin from NoSleep4Dramas to discuss one of the most talked-about Chinese dramas of recent years, The Bad Kids.Together, we dive into what makes this suspense drama so compelling, from its unforgettable opening scene and layered characters to the themes of morality, family, and the choices that shape us. We chat about the performances, the emotional impact of the story, and whether The Bad Kids still deserves its reputation as one of the best Chinese thrillers ever made.Whether you're a long-time fan of Chinese suspense dramas or you've been looking for a reason to finally start The Bad Kids, this episode is for you.Grab your tea, pour your soju, and let's chat dramas.☕ Support Tea & SojuIf you enjoyed this episode and would like access to behind-the-scenes chats, deleted clips, bonus reviews, replay recordings, and our monthly Zoom meet-ups, consider joining the Tea & Soju Patreon:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/u82789007💬 Join the Tea & Soju DiscordLooking for a friendly space to chat all things C-dramas, K-dramas, and Asian entertainment? Come join our community:Discord: https://discord.com/invite/8CEPFjnaRY📱 Follow Tea & SojuInstagram: https://instagram.com/teaandsojupodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teaandsojupodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teaandsojupod📧 [email protected]⭐ Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoyed the episode! It really helps support the channel and helps more drama fans discover Tea & Soju.Caitlin (NoSleep4Dramas)Blog - NoSleep4Dramas - ⁠https://www.nosleep4dramas.com/my-blog⁠Instagram - nosleep4dramas - ⁠https://instagram.com/nosleep4dramas?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==⁠ TikTok - nosleep4dramas -  ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@nosleep4dramas?_t=8gXFc8RgiTB&_r=1⁠YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@NoSleep4Dramas