If you’re in the mood for some good Taiwanese TV shows to watch and/or learn Chinese, then you’re in luck! Taiwan has produced several quality shows over the years, and it’s important to highlight some of the best ones out there. I’ve selected 7 must-watch (and often underrated) Taiwanese shows for you. 我精選了七部好看的台劇，分享給學中文的朋友們吧！
1.《人選之人—造浪者》Wave Makers (2023)
- Language: Mostly Mandarin, with a little bit of Taiwanese
- Genre: Political drama; Slice-of-life
With a heated presidential election on the horizon, a candidate and her campaign team work hard to try and win. Warning: delves into themes of sexual harassment.
Why I recommend it: Elections are a big deal in Taiwan, and it’s almost impossible to overlook them if you live here. This show helps you learn more about Taiwanese culture, politics, and current issues.
2.《國際橋牌社》Island Nation (S1: 2020, S2: 2022)
- Language: Mostly Mandarin, and a little Taiwanese
- Genre: Political drama
“Island Nation” is the first Taiwanese political drama, based on Taiwan’s transition from an authoritarian state to a democracy in the 1990s.
Why I recommend it: It’s fascinating to learn about Taiwan’s democratic evolution through this series. It might not be easy to get into if you’re not familiar with Taiwan’s contemporary history, though. You can listen to this podcast series to get an idea about the history of democracy in Taiwan before watching it. (Podcast: 90. 台灣血淚史(1) Taiwan’s Tragic History: Colonialism, 228 and the White Terror)
3.《噬罪者》Hate the Sin, Love the Sinner (2019)
- Language: Mandarin
- Genre: Drama; Family
This drama depicts an ex-con released on parole who tries to overcome difficulties. He starts anew while keeping a secret between him and his younger brother.
Why I recommend it: It has a good plot, and the dialogue and acting feel natural.
You can listen to this podcast for more of my opinions on this show.
31. 台劇：噬罪者 Taiwanese TV Drama: Hate the Sin, Love the Sinner
4.《返校》Detention (2020)
- Language: Mandarin
- Genre: Horror; Drama
Set in a high school in 1999, a transfer student who stumbles upon a forbidden area of the school where she meets the ghost of an alumnus, and learns about the hidden history of the school.
Why I recommend it: The original game was great, and I think this TV series is a successful adaptation. You can get a sense of the horrific atmosphere of Taiwan’s White Terror period throughout the series.
You can listen to this podcast for more of my opinions on this show.
64. 《返校》Taiwanese Game/TV Series: Detention
5.《麻醉風暴》Wake Up (S1: 2015, S2: 2017)
- Language: Mandarin
- Genre: Medical drama
After taking the blame for a patient’s death, an anaesthesiologist battling trauma fights to stay afloat in the corrupt hospital system. (Netflix)
Why I recommend it: The plot really envelops you. It’s a pretty quick watch. It also talks about some important social topics.
6.《燦爛時光》The Best of Youth (2015)
- Language: Taiwanese, Mandarin, a little Japanese
- Genre: Period Drama
The first part of the drama is set in 1945 in Taiwan when the Chinese Nationalist Party took over Taiwan. Many intellectuals and idealists sacrificed their lives in belief of a better future for Taiwan. The second part of the drama, set in the 1980s, tells the stories of the next generation.
Why I recommend it: It tells the important history of Taiwan, and it’s also entertaining to watch even if you aren’t interested in history.
7.《若是一個人》I, Myself（2020)
- Language: Mostly Taiwanese, with a little bit of Mandarin
- Genre: Drama; Slice-of-life; Romance
This show follows a woman who tries to learn how to be alone after a breakup, and a man who never opens up to anyone after a childhood trauma. Despite being very different, they gradually become friends and learn from each other.
Why I recommend it: It’s soothing to watch. It’s a rare, high-quality, Taiwanese-language drama.
You can listen to this podcast for more of my opinions on this show.
61. 台劇《若是一個人》Taiwanese Drama: I, Myself
An educator and writer from Taiwan. She likes exploring obscure Taiwanese literature and discovering good music.
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# best Taiwanese drama # best Taiwanese TV series # must-watch Taiwanese TV shows #Learn Chinese with TV Shows #台劇推薦
Itís nearly impossible to find well-informed people for this topic, but you seem like you know what youíre talking about! Thanks
非常感謝你的名單。
但是你知道在哪裡可以看這些節目嗎？