It all started when I ran out of things to watch. Not because streaming services weren’t putting out content. On the contrary. There are numerous new series being released every month. The problem is most of them fall short of being entertaining. I’m specifically referring to American fantasy shows. There’s a thing that’s been happening over here for a while where current world politics and social issues are stuffed into a show’s plot to such a degree, they overshadow the actual story and characters. The story is weighed down by the modern world, and in my opinion, that’s exactly the opposite of what a fantasy is supposed to do.

The lure of fantasy is that it gives us a brief escape from the worries and cares that burden us on a daily basis. It provides a grander view of our own epic tale throughout the universe’s timeline. It touches on fundamental ties to the heart such as love and hate, loyalty and betrayal, and truth and deception. When a fantasy is stuffed to the brim with modern issues it pulls us out of that world and right back into ours. It is not an escape. It’s just reality with cool costumes.

So, there I was, trying to find a fantasy show that was at least halfway decent and worthy of my time, when the algorithm decided to randomly suggest a Chinese fantasy drama. With nothing left to lose, I pressed play. It was the best decision I ever made. Honestly, I have not been so captivated by an opening theme since Game of Thrones first aired. Truly, I was gobsmacked at the music and visual graphics. Then the story began and I found myself pulled into the world and unable to stop watching.

Once the algorithm figured out I enjoyed that show, it has not stopped offering up more Asian fantasy dramas for me to view, and not once have I been let down. Let me take a minute to emphasize that statement: every single show has been bingeworthy. Do you know how rare that is nowadays? As an epic fantasy writer, these are the stories I hunger for, and after years of starvation, at last my appetite has been satiated.

The reason they satisfy is that the story keeps to the world it’s built in. There are no outside modern issues forced on me, only those pertaining to the world and characters within. The stories are epic in scope, with love, destiny, political intrigue, magic systems, and world building making up a large portion of the tales. Besides the incredible visual backdrops, the costumes and accompanying musical scores only add to the epic productions.

Yes, that’s right. Asian fantasy series often have their own epic soundtracks. In the States, we usually only get that with movies. At the most you can listen to the single of a show’s opening theme song. But an entire soundtrack jampacked with epic songs for the series? That’s a thing unheard of over here. American directors and screenwriters, take notes.

If you’ve stayed with me this far and are intrigued, let me provide a small introductory guide (and warning) for entering the world of Asian fantasy dramas because they are not for the faint of heart:

1. Two main tropes are enemies to lovers and hidden identities.
2. None of the shows are dubbed so get used to reading subtitles.
3. Your heart will be broken ripped apart into a thousand pieces. It is not unusual for main characters to die.
4. Over the top fight scenes are standard. People will fly when they jump and there will be unrealistic weapons and armor. Accept it and move on.
5. There is always some rare poison with an unobtainable antidote. Always.
6. Everyone coughs up blood, whether they stub their toe or get cut by a thousand swords.
7. You’ll suddenly long to walk around the house in regal robes with long hair.
8. Your Spotify favorites will be taken over by songs you don’t know the words to.

If you’re willing to accept the above conditions, here’s a short list to get that algorithm started:

• The Story of Pearl Girl (Chinese/ Fantasy Drama/ Epic Theme Song)
• Dear Hongrang (Korean/ Mystery Drama/ Epic Soundtrack)
• Love in the Clouds (Chinese/ Fantasy Drama)
• Bon Appétit, Your Majesty (Korean/ Fantasy Comedy)
• The Double (Chinese/ Fantasy Drama)
• Kill Me Love Me (Chinese/ Fantasy Drama)
• Love Between Fairy and Devil (Chinese/ Fantasy Drama)