Slice-of-life family dramas
The Good Bad Mother is the latest K-drama to grace our screens and it has been a rollercoaster of emotions. It begins as a murder mystery and revenge drama after a corrupt prosecutor and a chaebol director kill an innocent pig farmer for their gain. This, of course, leads to the victim’s family planning their revenge and in turn ruining their relationship with each other.
However, a second chance is given when the son, Choi Kang-ho a ruthless prosecutor gets into a mysterious accident and forgets all his memories till the age of 7. With his only guardian being Jin Young-soon, the mother he loathes, they must work together to help him recover and solve the case. This leads to hijinks and healing moments as they reconcile and start appreciating the villagers who have been supporting them through thick and thin.
So, if you are looking for more such healing dramas with comedy and melodrama, you’ve come to the right place.
Well without further wait, here are 10 TV shows with a similar premise to watch if you liked The Good Bad Mother.
Still 17
Similarities – Second chances, romance, comedy, different mental age
If you found Kang-ho acting like a 7-year-old adorable, then this drama is for you. Still 17 is a heartwarming K-drama that follows the story of Gong Woo-jin, a talented violinist who isolates himself from the world after a traumatic incident. He encounters Woo Seo-ri, a 17-year-old girl who wakes up from a 13-year coma to find that she is now 30 and is all alone in a world that she no longer recognises.
As they navigate their way through the challenges of adulthood, Woo-jin and Seo-ri form an unlikely bond that helps them heal their emotional scars and rediscover the joy of life.
18 Again
Similarities – Second chances, comedy, different mental age, same main lead, strained family relations
Have you fallen in love with Lee Do-hyun whether he plays the ruthless prosecutor or a 7-year-old? Well, now say hello to a middle-aged Do-hyun who is stuck in an 18-year-old boy’s body in 18 Again. This K-drama tells the story of Hong Dae-young, a 37-year-old man who magically transforms into his 18-year-old self. With a chance to relive his youth, he navigates the challenges of high school while reconnecting with his estranged family.
Under The Queen’s Umbrella
Similarities – Protective mother, conspiracy, strained family relations
While Young-soon had to struggle as a single mother to give the best to her son, Queen Hwa-ryeong has to put down her own royal family to make sure her sons survive. Set in the Joseon era when kings had several wives, concubines and children, it is a tooth-and-nail fight as King Yi-ho’s wives use dirty tactics to make sure their sons get the highest position in court.
And with the heir prince being a sickly boy, hierarchy is suddenly thrown out of the window as every prince has a chance to succeed their father. But with 5 troublemakers, Hwa-ryeong whose own position as the Chief Queen is threatened, is not sure how to protect her loved ones.
One The Woman
Similarities – Second chances, romance, mystery, comedy, strained family relations, trapped identity
This comedic K-drama centres around the life of corrupt prosecutor Jo Yeon-joo, who wakes up one day in the body of a chaebol daughter-in-law, Kang Mi-na. With her newly acquired identity, Yeon-joo uncovers family secrets and gets involved in a murder case. As she tries to maintain her disguise while navigating high society, she discovers love and starts fighting for justice.
Kill Me, Heal Me
Similarities – Romance, different mental age, comedy
Cha Do-hyun, a wealthy heir, suffers from dissociative identity disorder due to a traumatic incident. In order to regain control of his life, he seeks the help of a psychiatrist, Oh Ri-jin. Together, they navigate Do-hyun’s seven different personalities, each with unique characteristics and memories. Through their journey of healing and understanding, they confront their painful pasts and find solace in each other’s support.
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
Similarities – Second chances, romance, bumbling villagers, comedy, healing drama, country-side setting
This heartwarming rom-com revolves around dentist Yoon Hye-jin and odd-job expert Hong Doo-sik in the picturesque seaside village of Gongjin. As they develop a close friendship, their lives intertwine, and romance blossoms. Alongside quirky villagers reminiscent of the Jouri locals, they face various challenges and learn valuable life lessons, showcasing the beauty of small-town connections and the power of love.
Our Blues
Similarities – Bumbling villagers, melodrama, country-side setting, healing drama
Our Blues is an anthology of sorts as it focuses on a group of people who are all linked together, one way or another. They either live on Jeju Island or end up on the island due to unforeseen circumstances. As they get over their obstacles, mental and physical, they end up appreciating the finer points in life such as love, honesty and support. If you want to see more of the Jouri residents being a family, this K-drama is for you.
Reply 1988
Similarities – Bumbling locals, family, comedy, same main lead, healing drama
Set in the late 1980s, this slice-of-life drama focuses on the lives of five families living in a tight-knit neighbourhood. The story revolves around Sung Deok-soon and her four friends, as they navigate the challenges of school, family, and first love.
With a mix of laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments, Reply 1988 captures the essence of friendship, community, and the bittersweet nostalgia of youth. And don’t be surprised if you spot Ra Mi-ran portraying someone quite opposite to Young-soon in this particular show.
Sky Castle
Similarities – Overbearing mothers, strained relationships, secrets
Sky Castle offers a dark and gripping portrayal of the fiercely competitive world of wealthy families and their obsession with securing their children’s success in prestigious universities. Set in an exclusive residential area called Sky Castle, the drama follows the lives of four ambitious and powerful women and their families, revealing the sacrifices, secrets, and moral dilemmas they face.
When The Camellia Blooms
Similarities – Single mother, country-side setting, romance, outcast
When The Camellia Blooms is a captivating K-drama that tells the story of Dong-baek, a single mother who runs a bar in a small town. She faces judgment and prejudice from the community due to her unconventional lifestyle just like poor Young-soon.
However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Hwang Yong-sik, a kind-hearted police officer who falls in love with her. As their relationship blooms amidst challenges and a series of mysterious events, Dong-baek finds the courage to confront her past and stand up against societal expectations, ultimately proving that love can overcome all obstacles.
So there we have it, our 10 TV show alternatives to watch when you’re finished watching The Good Bad Mother.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!