10 More Romantic Dramas To Check Out!
Doctor Cha is one of the biggest surprises in 2023, delivering a great blend of comedy and drama, whilst simultaneously looking at the impact of divorce and infidelity, including how that can tear a family apart.
If you’ve finished watching this one and are looking for similar picks, we’ve got you covered! To keep things simple for skim-readers we’ve added what similarities these have as well.
Of course for all the shows we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link so you can check out our full thoughts on that series and see if it’s something you want to invest your time with.
So without further ado, we present 10 TV shows that should whet the appetite when you’ve finished streaming Doctor Cha.
Romance Is a Bonus Book
Similarities – Relationships
Romance Is A Bonus Book is armed with a great message – live your life to the fullest. In the wake of this important life lesson is a story full of sweet romance and some nice plot beats. Unfortunately it’s also a show that runs out of steam long before its 16 episode run-time, ending with a whimper rather than a roar.
At the heart of this is Cha Eun-ho, a successful and handsome writer who just so happens to be the youngest chief editor at a publishing company. He soon becomes involved in the life of his childhood friend, Kang Dan Yi, who was once a popular copywriter.
One thing leads to another and Dan-yi eventually starts working at the same building as Eun-ho. This inevitably leads to a love story unfolding. It’s not perfect but good acting and a sweet tone is enough to justify its inclusion on this list.
Hospital Playlist
Similarities – Medical, rom-com
After graduating together, five doctors have been working together and supporting each other for almost all of their adult lives. Now they’re in their 40’s, the doctors are assigned to the Yulke Medical Centre. However, they all have their own problems like divorces, midlife crises or clashing personalities affecting their work. But the one thing that keeps them together is their love for music.
Across the two seasons, each of the characters develop beautifully while the show manages to really show the intricate workings of the different departments in the hospital. Not only that, it also captures a similar feel of the highs and lows healthcare professionals feel while working in this industry.
Hi, Bye Mama!
Similarities – Loss & Acceptance
Hi Bye, Mama is an enjoyable Korean drama, touching on some very important and emotional themes. However, this show does slip up a little with the sheer number of characters it has to work with.
What Hi Bye Mama manages to achieve really well however, is tackling important life lessons with skill and poignant humanity. It shows us how different people deal with grief and also sends some powerful messages to the audience, in particular how short life is and to make the most of the time we are given on Earth.
It may not be the strongest K-Drama out there, and some of its subplots could have done with more development, but it’s an emotionally stirring series that’ll almost certainly pull at the heartstrings.
You can read our thoughts on Hi, Bye Mama! in our full season review here!
Good Doctor
Similarities – Slice of Life Drama & Romance
Good Doctor is another very intriguing show centering on a conflicted protagonist. This time the spotlight shines on Park Shi-oh, a man who graduates from medical school with distinction. His skills are exceptional but he struggles to deal with his superiors and patients due to his lack of interpersonal skills.
As he struggles to adapt, some of his fellow doctors befriend him, trying to help and support him through the most trying of times. Will Shi-oh become an amazing pediatrician? Or is the systemic bias and discrimination too much to bear?
This is a solid drama and for those who enjoyed watching Doctor Cha, they should find a lot to sink their teeth into!
New Amsterdam (2018)
Similarities – Changing The Establishment & Great Doctor
New Amsterdam is based on Bellevue, the oldest public hospital in America. It follows the brilliant and charming Doctor Max Goodwin, who is the institution’s newest medical director. Despite resistance from the staff, he sets out to tear up the bureaucracy and provide exceptional care.
The show’s handling of social issues and medical ethics sets it apart from other medical dramas of its kind, especially in the west, while Dr. Max Goodwin’s unconventional approach to management and patient care adds an interesting dimension to the story.
This Is Going To Hurt
Similarities – Conflicted protagonist, Romance
Smart, funny and topically on-point, This is Going to Hurt is a solid and oftentimes heartbreaking look at the trials and tribulations of our criminally overworked and underfunded NHS staff in the UK. Based on the book of the same name, This Is Going To Hurt plays out as part social commentary and part dramedy to brilliant effect.
The story is pretty straightforward and revolves around a labour ward doctor called Adam, who finds himself overwhelmed by the stresses of work. This is only compounded further by trying to balance that with his increasingly estranged relationship with partner Harry.
With junior doctor Shruti by Adam’s side and a medley of midwives, nurses and patients arriving with a never-ending array of requests and needs, this 7 episode series pulls absolutely no punches in showing the grueling reality of life on the wards.
Be Melodramatic
Similarities – Drama & Friendships
This one’s for all the female friendships out there. From moments of uncontrollable laughter to sobbing in each other’s arms, across to hyping up their dating lives to supporting each other’s wildest dreams — Be Melodramatic really covers it all.
Lim Jin-joo, Lee Eun-jung and Hwang Han-joo are three best friends who end up living together. Jin-joo is an aspiring television writer, Eun-jung is a documentary filmmaker who is getting over a tragic event, and Han-joo is juggling the roles of a single mother and a career woman.
Combined with a stellar soundtrack and some intriguing side characters, Be Melodramatic is a heartwarming ride.
Emergency Couple
Similarities – Storyline & Characters
Emergency Couple is romantic comedy about a divorced couple who meet again in the same hospital, both as interns. They bicker and quarrel but over time, they reflect on their past and discover what led to their breakup, rediscovering their feelings for each other.
The mix of medical drama and romantic comedy is unique and enjoyable, while the series offers some powerful moments as the lead characters confront their past and heal their wounds. The hospital setting also provides interesting side stories and medical cases, all of which leading to a show that’s very similar to Doctor Cha.
Doctors
Similarities – Medical Setting, Romance
Doctors tells the story of Yoo Hye-jung, a tough bully in school with a prickly personality due to her tough life. She soon transforms into a compassionate doctor as she matures, making for a very satisfying and enjoyable character journey.
Yoo Hye-jung’s character development and transformation are both inspirational and well-portrayed. There’s also a really good romantic relationship between Yoo Hye-jung and her mentor, Hong Ji-hong too, while the medical cases provide interesting storylines and ethical dilemmas.
Surgeon Bong Dal Hee
Similarities – Drama & Friendships
Surgeon Bong Dal Hee portrays the life of Bong Dal-hee, who, despite having a heart ailment, dreams of becoming a surgeon. The story follows her journey through training, overcoming various challenges and falling in love, all whilst striving to try and achieve her dream.
The character of Bong Dal-hee is very inspiring; her determination and courage make her a memorable character. The series is not just a medical drama either, as it’s also a compelling personal story of its protagonist too.
The relationships among the characters, especially the romantic angle between Bong Dal-hee and Dr. Ahn Joong-geun, makes for an absolute must-watch for fans of Doctor Cha.
So there we have it, our 10 TV show alternatives to watch when you’re finished watching Doctor Cha on Netflix.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!