Underrated Asian shows on Netflix

Netflix is one of the largest streaming platforms in the world. It has a variety of films and shows from around the world and continues to add to the ever-growing list of original productions.

Netflix has displayed strong support for the Asian community and has eight Asian-led shows. However, many other shows are led by strong Asian characters that, embarrassingly, don't get much attention.

Here are some Asian shows with strong leads that also display Asian culture and tradition:

1. Yanxi Palace Princess Adventures (2019)

This soap opera-esque spin-off has Chinese actress Wang Herun playing a strong-willed Qing Dynasty Princess who falls in love with Fu Kang played by Chinese actor Wang Yizhe. Not only does this romance show have a strong Asian female lead, the characters are dressed in dazzling authentic costumes mirroring the aristocratic women of the time.

2. The Ghost Bride (2020)

The Ghost Bride is a supernatural-fantasy show starring Huang Pei-Jia who takes on the main character role, Pan Li Lan. This is Netflix’s first Mandarin original series from Malaysia. The series is set in 1890s era Malacca, loosely based on a Chinese ghost marriage tradition, and provides a deeper look into cultures and local traditions. Moreover, it is directed by Malaysian director Quek Shio Chuan.

3. Girl from Nowhere (2018)

Girl from Nowhere is a Thai anthology series, starring Thai actress Chicha Amatayakul. She plays the lead character Nanno, a mysterious girl, who just transferred schools and has the ability to expose anyone’s stories and secrets of hypocrisy. This series provides a deeper understanding of Thai culture, through its food, home life, and schooling system, which allows students of other cultures and ethnicities to compare or relate with their own lives.

4. Vincenzo (2021)

This South Korean television series stars Korean actor Song Joong-Ki as the titular character Vincenzo, alongside Korean actress Jeon Yeo-Been as Hong Cha-Young, Korean rapper Ok Taecyeon as Jang Junu, and Korean actor Kwak Dong-yeon as Jang Han-seo. Vincenzo displays the Korean-Italian mafia lifestyle and is filled with drama as well as comedy.

These shows deserve recognition for their vast plot twists and cliffhangers that will have you clinging to the edge of your seats and crying rivers.

Overall, although these shows specifically represent both Asian culture and tradition, many other aspects of these shows can be a learning opportunity for those of Asian and non-Asian cultures. Finding a common link between cultures and history is a way for communities to come together and unite by learning more about each other’s cultures.

Written by: Aneesa Khan

Edited by: Ameera Suib, Yelil Perumal, Anusha Ashwin

Designed by: Kayleen